Freewriting (6) My Novel Writing
Topic: Not, Only, Try & What
I will freewrite for 20 minutes… [shackle Inner Critic]
Not, Only, Try & What
Peppered in amongst the Later Writer posts are several mentions of my novel attempts so far. Earlier this years, I abandoned the second attempt and Turned to Crime.
I thought I’d tell you about my novel writing so far.
Not
- I have not yet been published as a novelist
- I have not yet completed a crime novel
- I have not submitted a novel to an agents
But I have had small pieces of non-fiction and book reviews published on the Internet and in print, much of it a while ago.
Only
- I have only completed one novel in full first draft (second novel attempt) but not submitted it anywhere
- I have only written most of the first novel and it remains the one close to my heart.
But both the first and second novels have remained untouched while I write crime. I can only do one thing at a time.
Try
- I try to write every day, at least 500 words, more if possible
- I try not to kid myself – I keep a word count spreadsheet and make notes to show progress on that (as well as the copious notes in notebook and Trello format (when a novel is published, I will show you the Trello board used to plan, write and edit it)
- I try to remember Mary Wesley was older than me when first published
There is hope!
What
- Each novel was an unique attempt
- #1 is about a converted barn in the Cotswolds that brings two people together, changing their predetermined life goals – contemporary romantic
- #2 is semi-autobiographical, about a young (ish) teacher who has to retire early from teaching and discovers (too many) men and poetry – contemporary problem-solving fiction
- #3 is the crime novel-in-progress and it about …you didn’t really think I’d write about it yet, did you?
For You
If the novel you are writing gets stuck on the a sand bank, relaunch yourself with a different theme and genre. Set yourself targets and goals. Keep meticulous planning notes as well as progress data.
The 20 minutes is up!
