Blogging from A to Z: Novel idea
I have written about 100 pages of a cozy mystery novel and I’m stuck. You’ve heard of writer’s block? Well, I have “self-critique block.” After I’d written the first part of my book, I began reading more about the art of novel writing. I also attended a few writers’ conferences and began following several authors I enjoy, Nancy Pickard, Diane Mott Davidson and Janet Evanovich to name a few. (When I say “follow,” I mean reading their most recent books, not out-and-out physical stalking).
Everyone has an opinion, or advice, on how the best novels are written. Some authors talk about outlining and plotting. Not that the story can’t change midstream but many suggest that it’s better to have the story mapped out before beginning to write. While I had an idea of who my character was, and the storyline, I didn’t have an outline.
Other nuggets of wisdom were: it was better to write a mystery in first person rather than third person, you absolutely have to knock someone off in the first chapter and it’s best to write what you know. My story was written in third person, I didn’t murder anyone in my first chapter, although there was plenty of mystery and, in the middle of writing my novel, I moved from well-known Denver (where the story takes place) to unknown Indiana. The conundrum is do I change my narrator to first person, add a prologue where murder sets the stage and move my locale to Terre Haute?
I recently read a blog by Marilyn Meredith in which she interviews author Anne K. Albert about her writing philosophy and newest book, Frank, Incense and Muriel. I haven’t read it yet but, after reading the interview, I downloaded it to my iPad. Albert’s interview resonated with me for two reasons: 1) her realization about writing what you know made sense and 2) she asserts that plotting isn’t for everyone. I felt a breath of fresh air lift my writing spirit when I read her interview. Perhaps now I can return to the freedom of writing the best book for my characters and plot and not worry so much about the rules.
My characters do drive the plot forward as do Albert’s, it appears. She says, “Some authors plot. Others fly by the seat of their pants and have no idea where the story is going. It took me years to realize I write to find out what happens next. I love the thrill of jotting down a sentence, and thinking, ‘Wow! I didn’t see that coming!’”
I’m enjoying my character’s journey as it unfolds. I know where we want to arrive at and I can’t wait to see how she gets me there.
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5 Comments
Anne K. Albert
Hi Diane, I was surprised and humbled to read your latest post, and find my name with a quote included. Thank you for the mention. You made my day!
Re the writing process, it has taken me many, many years, but I have finally come to realize it is an INDIVIDUAL experience.
What works for one person will not necessarily work for another, and in fact, forcing that particular recommended process can be detrimental if not dangerous to the creative spirit.
Do what enables you to reach "the end". Ignore the well meant advice of (non-writer) friends, wannabe writers and even multi-pubbed authors. Also ignore the inner critique who can be as crippling to the process as anyone or any piece of advice.
Happy writing, Diane, and happy reading. I hope you enjoy "Frank, Incense and Muriel" as much as I enjoyed writing it. 🙂
Paula Martin
I'm a complete 'pantser' – I may have a vague idea of where I think I'm going when I start a new story, but then the characters take over and show me where THEY want to go!
I agree with what Anne says, though, that every single writer has their own way of doing things, and what works for one may end up as a total disaster for another!
Krista McLaughlin
I really love letting the story come to me as I write, though that does leave me with writer's block sometimes and that can be very frustrating because I have no plan. I've tried planning and it never works. Also, I've written in 3rd person and 1st person. It really depends. We are all different writers. 🙂
marja
I have to agree with all of you. I'm a pantser, too. Many times my characters take me where they want to go instead of letting me lead. And, trust me, you'll love Frank, Incense and Muriel.
Kate @ Musings
I have to give props for NaNoWriMo (nanowrimo.org) for helping people get over the self-critique to be able to write a story… critiquing is not allowed until the last word is written! Hope it goes well with you!
Hopping by from A to Z. Here is my A to Z Challenge. I hope you stop by!