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Thoughts on writing
I'm alternating between trying to develop a whole new book, and working on this scrap-and-rebuild project. I have to keep reminding myself that I really can write a novel, and have, in fact, done it twice. It's really hard, though--especially from the beginning!
One thing I learned from the last book: there are (or should be) natural nodes, or turning points, in the book. Maybe 3-4 of them. The plot should grow to reach these nodes, at which point an irreversible change takes place, one that ups the stakes and forces the character onward. Also, if you can get things put together right from the inciting incident at the beginning all the way to the first node, then you have successfully set the mold for the rest of the story. You will have the problems you need to resolve, you will have direction, and you will lock things in to some degree, and avoid all that messiness of too many possibilities.
I'm trying to set up that first part, as you might guess. Trying to have faith that things will simplify themselves when I get it right. If my hair looks thinner when you see me, don't worry--I'm just tearing it out over trying to get it right.
Slight change of subject--a general thank you to agents and editors whose blogs talk about books and writing craft. It's always more fun to read those kind than the ones that just talk about how amazing their sales are. I like the ones where I can come back and enjoy even if that person does not end up working with my book. I found Michael Stearns's blog this weekend and found it very entertaining (especially his short--true--story about nearly getting robbed). I mean, I can look up on PM or whatever about your sales. the ability to sell in the field you say you work in is sort of a baseline given. The thing that is really going to make me respect you, though, is knowing how passionately you love books. And which ones.
One thing I learned from the last book: there are (or should be) natural nodes, or turning points, in the book. Maybe 3-4 of them. The plot should grow to reach these nodes, at which point an irreversible change takes place, one that ups the stakes and forces the character onward. Also, if you can get things put together right from the inciting incident at the beginning all the way to the first node, then you have successfully set the mold for the rest of the story. You will have the problems you need to resolve, you will have direction, and you will lock things in to some degree, and avoid all that messiness of too many possibilities.
I'm trying to set up that first part, as you might guess. Trying to have faith that things will simplify themselves when I get it right. If my hair looks thinner when you see me, don't worry--I'm just tearing it out over trying to get it right.
Slight change of subject--a general thank you to agents and editors whose blogs talk about books and writing craft. It's always more fun to read those kind than the ones that just talk about how amazing their sales are. I like the ones where I can come back and enjoy even if that person does not end up working with my book. I found Michael Stearns's blog this weekend and found it very entertaining (especially his short--true--story about nearly getting robbed). I mean, I can look up on PM or whatever about your sales. the ability to sell in the field you say you work in is sort of a baseline given. The thing that is really going to make me respect you, though, is knowing how passionately you love books. And which ones.
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