Your first novel. |
I would venture to
say that every author remembers their first book. Some had that first book published – others,
like myself, never did. It was my
learning curve and starting-point. I
could drag that old ‘typewriter-written’ novel, dust it off and rewrite . . .
but I’m too excited about all the new ideas I have! After the horrid first
critique I received on it – well, I had no inspiration to ever pick it up
again. Funny, as I’m writing this, I get
a flashback of not more than three months ago a gal from my old writer’s group
asked about that book. She still
remembered parts of it (that I have long forgotten) and wondered if I ever
rewrote and published it. Hmmm…. Perhaps
I should take a look at it after all.
If only I knew then – what I know now. That is the ‘krux’ of my writing this
article.
Here are some techniques that will help you go from aspiring to
published novelist.
Before we get started – Ask yourself how many times
you’ve heard someone say, “Someday I’m going to write a book.” Yep, I’ll bet more than you care to
admit. I hear it all the time. The reason I mention it is because there are
those who write – and those who think about writing, but never do. Unfortunately, it’s those who don’t that
become the hardest and even somewhat cruel critics. If you aspire to write – be the writer.
Writing takes time and dedication – First step
to being a writer is setting goals and deadlines. Get yourself a calendar and start scheduling
your life. Writing takes a lot of time
and dedication and it won’t happen without self-discipline. Scheduling your time is the only way to
‘make’ time to write. By setting goals
you’ll have a course of action that will lead to success.
Sit your butt down in the chair – The key to
typing ‘the end’ starts at the beginning.
Dedicate one, two, or more hours at the same time every night (day,
morning, whatever fits your schedule) and stick to it. You won’t type the same number of pages
every-day, but you will write. Eventually paragraphs add up to pages,
chapters, and a finished novel.
Find your own path – There is no ‘one-way’ to write a
novel. We all find what works for us,
some of this and some of that! I’m not
talking about the basics of plot, characterization, and timing. Some writers create flashcard plotting
systems (I tried that once – it was a great way to feel pacing . . . after the
work it took – I never used it again … but it was a great experience.) Some writers use a skeleton outline, other
detailed outlines. I use a story board
and create a visual aid to keep me on track – or inspire me. Let your characters guide you . . . they know
what they want to happen.
Edit – edit – edit – Nothing reeks more of a novice writer
than twelve words where one would do.
It’s painful to cut –cut-cut – but if you want a polished story, that’s
what it takes. Your book will be better
for it. If you can’t do the cutting, ask
a reader-friend to go through it with a ‘red pen.’ She/he will have no scruples about pointing
out places that need cutting.
Celebrate success - When you type ‘the end’ at the bottom
of your manuscript – jump up-and-down, shout out ‘alleluia,’ cry, laugh, uncork
a bottle of champagne
(I prefer a good chardonnay). You are no longer one of those people who say,
“Someday I’m going to write a book.” You
are a writer!
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