Writing a fictional novel isn’t for the feint of heart. It’s right up there with giving birth. The journey is a lonely one, too. I’ve been word crafting my entire life, yet I somehow missed this very important memo.

The dramatic rise in the number of self-published books certainly indicates that many people can write fiction. But creating work that both rings true and engages the reader is an entirely different animal. It’s what sets apart the book that a reader devours in two days flat, versus the one collecting dust on a nightstand for weeks.

A few friends recently asked me about the process of writing a fictional novel. I’m new to all of this, so I let the question rattle around in my head for a week. Here’s my answer:

Writing fiction is akin to living with a group of literary individuals you know as well as yourself. But here’s the kicker–no one else is privy to your arcane world. You are totally, completely, unequivocally alone with the characters that are simply figments of your imagination. Reality merges with imagination and the experience can be unsettling.

I recently stumbled upon the fact that this process is called Method Writing, which is in the same vein as Method Acting. Who knew?

Consider the most poignant big-screen movie scenes of all time. They include memorable performances from Marlon Brando, Heath Ledger, Rami Malek, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Hillary Swank, and Michelle Williams to name a few off the top of my head. These artists stand above others in their industry for a reason. They transform into their characters. If you’re a Stephen King fan, think Jack Torrance from The Shining. I’m not sure I could meet Jack Nicholson without getting shivers.

Method writing is a strange phenomenon. It can also be a mentally draining experience. In order to create believable narrative that moves the plot line forward, an author often spends months or sometimes years breathing life into their characters’ personality traits. Differentiating dialogue needs to match the individuals’ unique personalities. Actions and reactions need to remain authentic to the characters throughout the entire story. This process is what makes characters become real to the reader. But for the author, it’s a bit like having your brain in solitary confinement for months on end. You very much want to talk about your characters and their dilemmas, their motives for behaving the way they do…but to the people who have real blood coursing through their veins, well…you end up sounding a wee bit crazy.

To take things a step further, think about conflict in a book. Conflict is the force that drives a story. Write what you know is a common phrase in the world of fiction. It’s safe to say that many authors base their characters’ struggles on real experiences–sometimes personal and sometimes not. The experiences can be a blend of two or three stories from different sources. Fiction writers are often fabulous listeners who have a keen ear for the interesting nugget that can be embellished or made into something new. But any which way you cut it, authentic-sounding narrative is created when an author fully immerses themselves in the story. Sometimes this means going to the mind’s darkest places to embrace the ugliest parts of life at the very root. And then sharing those feelings of vulnerability through a character–all for the pleasure and entertainment of the reader.

For someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy putting herself on display for the world to see, this last year has been a roller coaster ride of mixed emotions. I have felt the eyes of my friends and family members watching my sometimes-peculiar behavior with veiled curiosity, wondering if the changes are temporary. They are. But writing a novel is definitely a profound, life-altering experience, which will forever change the way I view the art of fiction.

Now, it’s time to take a break because all work and no play makes…. ummm, never mind.