I'm writing an old novel from scratch and will chart my progress here. Oftentimes, I talk about creating a compelling, relevant, page-turner, but how to execute such a story is what writers would love to know. I know I did when I began writing some blah blah years ago. And since I'm not a published novelist, I get to do something my published author pals can't anymore, share the details and take your input.
My objective this month is to write this novel as fast as I can without any editing. I will clean it up after it's done. Author Anna DeStefano has an excellent class on novel writing, which I have attended twice. Walter Mosley states the same notes in his book Write Your Novel in a Year. So that's where my thought pattern is right now.
Before I began this dirty writing as my write-or-die chicks call it. I completed a character arc of my main characters and used J. Mark Bertrands 8 point plot system to create my plot. Took a mind break for a month and began writing on Friday past.
I spent Friday working on my hook. Before I put pen to paper I visualize the scene in my head, then I plot out the scene using Randy Ingermanson's scene and sequel method. I don't write anything until I have a plausible and juicy scene and sequel plotted. It usually takes me about an hour to plot out those, but it may take me all evening to visualize the scene. That is one reason why I will not spend a great deal of time editing this draft. I don't want to lose what's in my head, what I see and smell and taste. This is a blind written- Vida, not Dee the book reviewer--process going on.
The beginning of your novel should be either a hook opening scene or a sneak peak into a big moment later in the book. Since my book isn't a thriller, I chose the hook opener route.
Friday I shared this blind dirty drafted version with my write-or-die chicks. I will also share it with you here. Let me know what you think of it, please say the edit remarks for next month.
If you would like to participate with me and write your novel by Christmas, hit me up here.
(let me know if you can see it, I haven't used writing dot com in a minute)
6 comments:
Looking forward to following your progress!
Drama, drama and mo drama. Luv it! Can't wait to read more.
I'm thinking about joining you in your "finish your novel by Christmas" challenge. I've been dirty writing myself. I started my own personal challenge of writing 100 words 4 100 days on the 1st. Writing in shorter amounts is working for me. I don't know if that will get me to my 1st ever completed draft by Christmas, but I'll be further along than I've ever been before.
So what would I need to do?
hey, carleen. i'm honored you stopped by. now i have to write more.
lamonica, keep doing what you're doing, honey. :)
I'm with you! I just finished ghosting my first novel and have been commissioned for the second which I want to finish by Christmas! Blessings! Cie
I love the idea of blogging a novel! I'm actually doing the same thing with my novel. I would love to have you check it out!
Girl that first chapter is a hoot! Can't wait to see more!
I'm working on my second novel but my deadlines have come and gone. I want the final draft done by Christmas, so I'm imposing an October 31 deadline on myself to finish the first draft.
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