Writing - First novels

 So what was the first novel? Below is a candidate written before William the Conquerer invaded the UK. 

The Tale of Genji

November 3rd is Culture Day in Japan, so let’s talk about Murasaki Shikibu, the author of Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji), often regarded as the world’s first novel. Her personal name is unknown, as “Murasaki” means “purple”, a nickname for the imperial court, and “Shikibu”, or “Ministry of Ceremonies”, refers to her father’s rank. She was an 11th-century minor noblewoman who served as a lady-in-waiting of Empress Shōshi, chosen for being cultured and well-educated. Besides Genji Monogatari, now a world literature classic, other works by Murasaki Shikibu include a collection of more than a hundred poems and a diary in which she recorded important events and her own impressions about life at court. For centuries, scenes from her works have been illustrated by Japanese artists and served as inspiration for ukiyo-e woodblock prints. One of the locations connected to Murasaki Shikibu in Kyoto is Rozan-ji temple, and a sculpture depicting her can be found near the famous Uji Bridge. She is also one of the historical characters portrayed in the parade of Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages).

It could be that the one you're writing becomes a thousand-year-old classic. So be brave and keep going.

Then there is what is considered the first detective story written by Wilkie Collins in 1868 - an excellent read.

Blurb

A debased Englishman steals the moonstone, a sacred gem, from India. It brings bad luck to each of its English possessors. When the gem disappears from a young Englishwoman's room and three sinister Hindus menace her family, the careful, methodical Sergeant Cuff is assigned to the case.

Whatever the genre, to exist Collins had to overcome the same issues 150 years ago as we do today.

God Bless