I started the 90 Day Challenge thinking that I could write a novel without any planning. I can’t. I need a story line and some kind of direction or it feels like all I’m doing is counting words.
I had signed up for the newsletter at Cheryl’s Learn to Write Fiction site and have received lots of information. I’ve attended many workshops and read numerous books so I have a pretty good idea what I need to do, so here is my suggestion – if you have struggled like me to complete something, only to have half a dozen projects half finished, I am inviting you to join me in this quest.
I will blog once a week, at least, telling you what I am doing in the coming week and setting my weekly goal. I am punting here so bear with me and hopefully I can make each post interesting enough for you to continue with me.
I am starting from the very beginning with the idea. Each week, at the end of the week or as I complete a chapter, I will blog again to tell you what I accomplished and what my next week’s goal is.
Since I haven’t been real successful in the past, I am open to your suggestions. Or if I run into a snag, I may ask for your advice. In the same vein, if you have something that is holding you up, send it to me and I will either offer advice or find out the answer for you.
Of course, I’m hoping this project will help me complete a novel but I would also like it to help you complete your project too. Feel free to comment, offer advice, ask a question.
Okay for this week’s goal, I am working on my story idea. I am wanting to write a mystery, hopefully a series so have decided to use Hallie Ephron’s book Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel. I will be creating my own templates as I go and work through the suggestions chapter by chapter. You are welcome to use whatever source you have to help with each step of the way. There are a vast number of how-to books out there. Find one that suits you. You can also search the web for information too. Or like I said, comment with your questions and I will try to help.
Since I want to get to the actual writing as soon as I can, I will work on each section each day until I geth through to a finished first draft. I will post at least once a week and maybe more frequently as I complete the steps.
So for now, I will be starting at the beginning – The Premise.
Once I’ve developed the premise, I will make a new post.
Wishing everyone out there who wants to complete a novel and hasn’t success.
Virginia
P.S. I will be posting author interviews amongst this series of posts. I will be re-posting some interviews that started out on another blog site, so will play catch up for the next few weeks. For August, I have a new interview with Kylie Brant.
Happy Writing!
