Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of writing and publishing a first
novel. Using a phenomenological method, influenced by van Manen (1990), I sought to uncover
the meaning of this experience in adults over 40 years old (ages ranged from 40-80) and
examined how this influenced their motivation and self-direction. Nine novelists were
interviewed. Six of these participants were female and three were male. Of these novelists, six
chose to have their novels self-published. One had her novel accepted by a large publishing
company, and the two others published their novels through small publishing companies. During
data analysis, four themes emerged: (a) influence of the writer’s subject/object orientation; (b)
motivation found in story, process, and goals; (c) meaning found in experience and
accomplishment; and (d) lessons learned.
In Garrison’s (1997) comprehensive model of self-directed learning, self-management,
self-monitoring, and motivation are necessary components for developing into a fully selfdirected
learner. In this study, self-monitoring was an issue with some of the participants.
Developing the ability to seek and to integrate external feedback with internal feedback did not
come easily to some of the participants. One self-published novelist, in particular, struggled in her ability to judge the integrity of the self-publishing company to make decisions in her best
interest. The ability to develop self-monitoring skills is especially crucial for authors who
choose to self-publish.
When deciding to write a novel, and especially if considering self-publishing, an aspiring
author should consider closely his or her reasons for wishing to write and publish the novel to
determine a learning plan. Facilitators of writing courses and workshops can help aspiring
authors to practice self-monitoring and to assess the differences between their current knowledge
and skill levels and their goals, so that they can develop a self-directed plan.
