So Long 2021

At my age, I'm not one who wishes my life away, but I must admit that I'm glad  2021 is behind me.

It wasn't a particularly bad eight months of the year for me as a writer because I had two novels published — Make Room for Family on February 1 and Reunion of Familiar Strangers on September 1. I also had several successful book-signing events and the novels have had reasonably well online sales.

However, since September, I've been at a loss for words. And that's not good for a writer. It was my hope to get reenergized in November in the National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, but I produced only 5,000 or so words the first few days before zoning out to an empty wasteland.

Even with this blog,  I only posted three times in the past four months, and this will be the fourth if it sees daylight before midnight. 

My goal is to get refocused and get back to writing beginning Jan. 1. During these semi-barren months, I have been thinking about the sixth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. I believe I have some ideas to proceed. Only time will tell. 

I confess that I get moody about things swirling around me, such as the seemingly never-ending COVID-19 virus that has affected lives in countless ways. I especially feel for those who have lost loved ones to the deadly disease which has claimed nearly 825,000 lives among the 54 million cases in the U.S. (globally, nearly 5.4 million deaths and almost 283 million cases) And sadly, more will die in the coming months. My unsolicited advice is to be vaccinated, if not for yourself, then for those who care about in your life. At the very least, wear a mask. Their lives may depend on it. 

The political turmoil in the United States hasn't lifted my spirits. I worry that the damage done will take years to repair. I fear the future that my sons, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and others may face as our democracy appears to be on the brink of collapse.

 I hope America will experience a great awakening, a renewed spirit in creating "a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity" before it's too late. 

While I wasn't able to write a lot, I did read a lot. More than 30 books in the Goodreads reading challenge. I plan to do the same in 2022.

You've probably heard the aphorism that "writers write." That's what this writer will be doing in 2022. And a lot of other things in the new normalcy.

I wish you success, health, and happiness as we embark on a new year. 

Until the next time . . .

NaNoWriMo Fail

 I gave it a shot but I couldn't complete the National Novel Writing Month, better known as NaNoWriMo, challenge in November. 

I only wrote for about a week, knocking out only 5,000 or so words, before throwing up my hands and giving up. I kept thinking I would get back into it after a day or so, but those days turned into a week and the week into weeks. 

And then it was over.

I suppose the reason for not going full bore into the challenge, as I have done on previous occasions, is that I didn't have anything to write (or say). I'm a pantser, and when I write, I get into a groove and the words begin to flow like a river. This time I must have hit a dam or some other impediment that stopped me cold on the keyboard.

Looking back, perhaps I should have put more into planning. Maybe compose a synopsis of sorts to guide me along the way. I've done that in the past and it helps me work through dry spells. 

I've chatted with some other authors who said the pandemic has stifled their creativity. I'm not sure I have much of an excuse since I had two books, "Make Room for Family" and "Reunion of Familiar Strangers," published this year. If there is an excuse, I wrote one in 2020 and completed the first draft on the other in June. Most of my time after that was in editing and then promoting the books. 

I still have plans of writing the sixth novel in the "John Ross Boomer Lit Series" in 2022, and seeing it published later in the year. I've been self-brainstorming (is that a word?) and feel that I have some key ideas to build a story around. 

I know writers have periods where they sense a lack of motivation. Many simply need a virtual kick in the rear. That's what I need.

Until the next time . . .

Back to NaNoWriMo Challenge

 It's been two months since the release of my last novel, Reunion of Familiar Strangers, the fifth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series.

Now it's time to move on after spending time promoting the book, and frankly, taking a breather from writing. For those who follow this blog, you may have noticed this is my first post since Sept. 1.  

But while the creative writing was put on hold,  I've done some research in the interim as part of the preparation for my next novel in the series.

So tomorrow (Nov. 1), I'll take on the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) challenge of writing a novel in 30 days. I've participated in four challenges since  2012, and each produced a published work.

The goal is to average 1,667 words a day for the entire month to reach 50,000 words. I've never written a 50k novel, so I continue until the first draft is completed. Sometimes that runs through December and into the first weeks of the new year. I usually end up with more than 75k words, and I add and subtract from that while going through several rewrites/revisions before the work is completed to my initial satisfaction.

What I like about the plunge is that it keeps me focused on writing each and every day. I've always been an early riser so that's what I'll turn my attention to every morning after I feed my dogs and get some coffee in my system to clear the cobwebs in my head.

Are any of you taking on the challenge?

Until the next time . . .

Brief Timeout from Manuscript and Recent Reads

 My work-in-progress is now a work-in-process as it has been sent to my editor to begin steps to publication so I'm taking a short breather and relax.

This will be the fifth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series and will be published Oct. 1 by Wings ePress. I've put in a lot of hours the past couple of months so it's time to sit back for a day or so. 

I missed my deadline of completing it on April 1 by one day because I made several final-day changes before hitting the send button. I could have made more edits/rewrites but there comes a time when you have to hand it over to the editor because it can become an all-consuming process that has no end.

Between now and then, the manuscript will be edited and returned to me to make corrections and consider suggestions. After issues are resolved, it will be sent to a proofreader to spot other problems such as typos and grammatical errors. The manuscript will then be transformed into a galley proof for one final read to make any additional changes before being published. 

In the meantime, I'll be working on loglines, website blurbs, marketing input, and working with a graphic artist on a cover. So there's lots of work ahead of me and the talented folks at Wings ePress before the launch date. 

By the way, the manuscript clocked in at 59k words, about 9k more from the first draft following National Novel Writing Month last November. The finished novel could be more or less, depending on what happens during this next phase of the editing process. 

I also hope to begin working on the sixth book in the series after completing some of the odds and ends. There's more to tell about the life and times of John and Sally Ross. 

***

Recent reads:

Paul Maher Jr.'s book sets the stage for Jack Kerouac's classic On the Road, providing background on the real-life characters and places that populate the popular novel. This book is a must-read for those who want to understand the life and times of the Kerouac as well as his inspirations and aspirations as a writer.

I revisited George Orwell's classic dystopian novel, curious to see how it has held up, especially since 1984. It's still an interesting read but overwritten (my humble opinion) in parts. But overall the book is a cautionary tale about totalitarian government, published after World War II (1949). We learn about "Big Brother," thought control, and much more. Chilling! 

Until the next time . . . 

Progress Report on Manuscript and Recent Reads

 I've completed the first rewrite of the fifth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. I'll sit on it for a couple days, then get back in earnest to have it ready for my editor by the end of the month.

So far this is what I've accomplished:

• The first draft was written during National Novel Writing Month in November.
• Read the manuscript in January, making minimal changes (spelling, grammar, etc.) to see how flows. I also wanted to see if I like the story; if I didn't, then the readers probably wouldn't either. (FYI, I like it.)
• I returned to the manuscript for a rewrite in February, increasing the word count by about 3k words. I also deleted a few scenes and dialogue as well.

What I've done this time is print the manuscript. I'll go over it with red ink (much like the editing many of us experienced in high school and college), and make needed fixes while giving it a read from a different perspective. Believe it or not, I see and read things differently on paper than on the computer screen (much like a book and e-book). 

Then I'll go back to the saved manuscript on my computer and make the red-line edits and perhaps make a few minor changes that catch my eyes. Most authors will tell you that editing is a neverending task.

If all goes well, after all the changes, I'll give it another quick readthrough and send it on to my trusted editor at Wings ePress.  By the way, the manuscript is scheduled to transform into a book on Nov. 1 so stayed tuned for further announcements such as the title and cover reveal.

---

A few book recommendations:

Chris Boucher's Pivot Move is a young adult novel that deals with basketball, peer pressure, bullying, and divorce. Boyd Kindle is a raw but talented basketball player who is dealing with several issues in his life. He has alopecia, a condition that causes the body to shed hair, which he tries to cover up by wearing a hoodie.  He's a confused and angry 14-year-old. Boucher writes in the first person to give readers a feel for the boy's angst but also provides empathy and humor.

Michael Jennings' Like a Wary Blessing is a collection of short stories that delve into the effects of war on individuals. Jennings, a Vietnam vet and former newspaper reporter, writes with precision and depth as he examines how soldiers and citizens attempt to cope with the ugly side of combat from different perspectives.  Some individuals succeed and others don't in these insightful stories that cover topics such as race relations, suicide, and post-traumatic stress syndrome. 

Until the next time . . .

A Novel Approach for Me

I took a different approach in reviewing the first draft of my 11th novel, written last November during the  NaNoWriMo challenge. It's a strategy I wish I had learned earlier in my writing career.

For those unfamiliar with NaNoWriMo, short for National Novel Writing Month, the goal is to write a novel, with a minimum of 50,000 words (more like a draft), in 30 days. As usual, I sat on the 50k words for about six weeks to figuratively catch my breath as well as let the story sink into my subconscious while I celebrated the holiday season or as much as one could during the pandemic.

But when I returned to the novel, I didn't start rewriting and editing as I have done on previous books. What I did was simple—I read it. 

I'm not sure where I got the advice, but my guess would be from one of Elizabeth Spann Craig's wonderful weekly Twitterfric posts. I recommend all writers subscribe to her blog because it contains some of the best resources for writers. She's also a bestselling cozy mystery author.

I did find a blog post written by Kristen Kieffer in 2015 that recommends: "Once you've let your first draft cool off for a bit, it's time to read through what you've written. During this time, resist the urge to take notes or make changes. read simply to reacquaint yourself with your work and try your best not to throw your manuscript out the window." Kristen has other good points so I suggest you read her complete post. 

I confess that I took a few rudimentary notes such as writing the names of the characters and making corrections to several glaring grammatical errors. But my primary purpose was to feel the flow of the story and see if it was a good read, as objectively as I could.

Needless to say, I like the story, the fifth in my John Ross Boomer Lit series. The fourth novel, Make Room for Family, will be released on Feb. 1. (For those interested, the ebook can be preordered on Amazon; the print edition will be available on publication date). 

I'll return to the manuscript today and begin the rewrite process that I hope won't take as long as previous efforts (sometimes up to 12 rewrites). If I had only taken this approach with my other novels.

Oh well, it only goes to show you aren't too old to learn something new. Now if I can only remember to do it with my next novel.

Until the next time . . .

NaNoWriMo Update: Crossed the Finish Line

I've earned my third NaNoWriMo winner's badge!

This morning, on the final day of the 50,000-word writing challenge, I crossed the finish line with 50,177 words. Over the course of 30 days, and I cranked out a daily average of 1,730 words. 

As I expected, my output increased along the way. After 10 days, it was 1,358. My 20-day average was 1,587. And during the past 10 days, it was at a 1,844 clip.

Winner's Badge

I made it a point to write every single day. A few days my output was only 900 or so words, but they still count. I made up for that by writing more than 2,000 on other days. The important thing was to write each and every day. For me, if I don't write for a day or two, it makes it easier not to write the next day. And that piles up to no progress and probably giving up.

This is part of the first draft of my next novel in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. I'll continue writing every day until I'm satisfied with the story. After that, I'll go through the rewrite and editing process. It will probably end up in the 80k range.

I've had two previous NaNoWriMo efforts result in novels: The Bully List in 2012 and Old Ways and New Days in 2014.

The fourth novel in the boomer lit series will be published on Feb. 1, 2021. I hope this effort will be released in late 2021. We'll see.

I hope other NaNoWriMoers crossed the finish line with me!

Until the next time . . .

Penultimate NaNoWriMo Progress Report

We're two-thirds of the way through the annual National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, endurance race. Only 10 more writing days remain before the figurative finish line.

After 20 days, I'm sitting at 31,737 words, an average of 1,587 words a day. I should be averaging 1,667 so I'm a bit off the pace. I need to average 1,826 words from here on in to reach 50k.

I'm determined to reach the goal so that's not really a concern of mine. When I set my mind to do something, I generally do it. There could be some unforeseen things happen between now and Nov. 30, but I going on the assumption that I won't be struck by lightning, get struck by a train, or become debilitated by some illness or activity.

To be honest, there's not a whole lot going on in my life to distract me from writing. For the past week or so, I've written in the morning and the afternoon in an effort to increase my word count, and it's worked. 

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is affecting most of us in various degrees, I haven't been out and about other than quick trips to the supermarket.  I won't be spending time with relatives and friends on Thanksgiving Day. I don't do Black Friday (will anybody this year?). 

So I'll be sitting here in front of my computer, focused on reaching (and surpassing)  50k words. And then I'll have the first draft to the fifth book in my John Ross Boomer Lit series. (Psst! The fourth book will be released on Feb. 1, 2021, by Wings ePress).

Good luck to others participating in NaNoWriMo. We can do it!

Until the next time . . .

NaNoWriMo Progress Report

We're 10 days into National Novel Writing Month and it hasn't been as smooth as I would have liked at this point.

I'm averaging 1,358 words a day; it should be 1,667 if I'm going to reach 50k by Nov. 30. I'm not concerned because I generally write in big bursts, sometimes 3,000-4,000 words a day. 

As mentioned in a previous post, I'm using a rough outline to keep me somewhat focused on the ultimate goal. I've veered off it a few times as the characters took over in places. That always happens as I delve deeper into a story.

This work-in-progress will be the fifth novel in my John Ross Boomer Lit series. The fourth book will be published on Feb. 1, 2021. The first three were Old Ways and New Days, Darkness Beyond the Light, and New Horizons (you can find them on Amazon, B&N, and other websites).  If all goes well, I hope the latest will be released in late 2021 by Wings ePress.

My biggest distraction thus far has been the election on Nov. 3. I found myself watching TV and reading news reports about the outcome of the presidential race in several states. I was relieved it finally ended five days later but it still lingers day-to-day with court threats and probably recounts. I hope it ends soon so we can get back to some degree of normalcy.

And then there is the increasing number of COVID-19 cases and deaths—in the U.S. and worldwide—and it almost becomes an overload when trying to write. At least there was some positive news this week about a possible vaccine.

At my age, I get more mentally exhausted at times. Writing is often an escape from reality, much like reading can be when getting lost in a good book. The key is finding a good balance in life. I try to do that by what I watch and read as well as daily exercise and other activities.

The happenings of the past few months, taking a lot of things into account, would make for an interesting novel. No doubt you've heard the expression, "life is stranger than fiction." Don't be surprised if some of the novels published in the coming months and years reflect these crazy times. I'm not sure if I would want them on my reading list because peace of mind isn't always 2020.

Until the next time . . .

 

Pre-NaNoWriMo Post

 National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, blasts off tomorrow for thousands of writers around the world. 

At the starting block

I'll be at my trusty keyboard bright and early in the morning, primed and ready to begin producing an average of 1,667 words a day to reach the goal of 50,000 by the end of the month. I'll have a steaming cup of coffee to kickstart my endeavor. I've accomplished the desired word count twice, both times producing nice first drafts that ended up as novels (both over 70k words after rewrites and edits). Those books were fruits of my labors. I'm sure others have similar testimonies. 

This attempt will result in the fourth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. If I sound positive, it's because I don't involve myself in activities that I don't plan to complete (a reason I never participated in marathons). By the way, the third novel in the series will be published on Feb. 1, 2021. More on that in the next week or so.

In the past two weeks, I've worked up a light outline to guide me through the project. It serves as more of a guidepost, getting me from the beginning to the end. There will be a few side trips along the journey, which are subplots as the characters have their say in the process.

I've also created a list of characters that include names, characteristics, backstories, and their relationship to the protagonist. 

I've been asked by readers if this will be the final book in the series. Only if it's the last book I ever write. My goal is to continue the series until I keel over. I hope that's not soon because I enjoy writing about John and Sally Ross and their escapades, be it from their home in Lexington, Ky., to Budapest, Hungary, to New York City. 

It's been interesting to watch them develop and grow in what I've often referred to as a coming-of-old-age series. 

I hope others will consider joining the NaNoWriMo challenge. Even if you don't finish, you'll have the makings of a short story or novella. 

Good luck with your writing!

Until the next time . . .

  

Return to NaNoWriMo

 I'll be returning to NaNoWriMo on Nov. 1, the official start of the international writing event. It also will mark the official beginning of my 11th novel.

I've participated in National Novel Writing Month twice, both times resulting in young adult novels—Shooting Star and The Bully List. This time it will be for the fifth book in my John Ross Boomer Lit series.  I'm excited about getting started on the new novel. And as a former news reporter and sportswriter, I like working on deadlines.

There are several reasons I like NaNoWriMo:

• It keeps me focused for 30 days in reaching the goal of 50,000 words. That's a doable 1,600 words a day.
• I get energized leading up to the first day, my creative engines revving up for the event.
• As already noted, I feel I'm at my best when working on a deadline. 
• I'm basically a pantser so it fits my style of writing of letting the creative juices flow and going back later to clean up the scattered messes. 
• It's fun being part of a collective effort involving writers around the world. I like to be supportive of other writers, especially those who are developing their writing chops. 

While I'm a panster (letting the characters run wild wherever my subconscious plot and subplots take them), I will have a few notes jotted down to get me going in the right direction on the first day. And whatever I write will probably change, hopefully for the better, during rewrites.

One more thing. I've become somewhat of a procrastinator in my twilight years. You can't procrastinate in NaNoWriMo. You have to write each and every day. The organization also provides tips to prepare for the writing blitz.

For those who like challenges, I encourage you to sign up for NaNoWriMo. For more information, check out this FAQ.

Good luck!

Until the next time . . .

Writing Update

I've finished the edits on my manuscript and now it's time to move on to the galley proof to see if there's anything else that needs to be fixed before publication on Feb. 1. 

It's not a rewrite but feels like an abbreviated one. What I'll be looking for are typos, stretched-out words on a line, orphans and widows, misspellings, and anything else that appears out of kilter. 

So I'll be reading the 95k words again, possibly for the last time. I don't know about other authors, but after awhile I'm ready to move on. 

By the way, I have a title and cover for the novel, the fourth in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. I'll let you know after I finish this step.

And speaking of that, I plan to be involved in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in November. I've participated on two previous occasions, both resulting in published novels. You might give it a shot; I find it invigorating to keep on pace to produce 50k words in 30 days.

Between going over the galley and NaNoWriMo, I'll do some research and notetaking to prepare for my next novel. I'm more of a pantser than a plotter but I do like to stay somewhat focused at the start of the writing process, then the characters take over.  

Until the next time . . .

No NaNoWriMo

I must admit that I didn't complete the National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, in November.

On the first day, I wrote about 1,300 words. The next morning I sat down and couldn't find the file. I could have swore I saved the initial entry but it was nowhere to be found. 

I tried to start again, but faltered after 500 words or so. And then I flamed out.

My heart really wasn't in it this year because of the passing of a loved one and a prior commitment to judge entries in a writing contest. I couldn't get focused even though I had a rough outline, one that I will be using when I start the third installment in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series. 

I plan to get moving on the next novel in a few weeks when I don't have any extraordinary distractions. 

This is the first time that I haven't completed a NaNoWriMo challenge. The previous efforts evolved into novels -- "Shooting Star," "The Bully List," "Old Ways and New Days," and the recently published "Darkness Beyond the Light."

I hope those who took the grueling challenge completed the 50,000-word goal. Any may you get published for all the hard work.

Until the next time. . . .

(P.S. While you're here, click on the Goodreads giveaway for "Darkness Beyond the Edge" at the upper right. And I would be honored if you'd follow the blog as well.) 

New Beginnings

While looking forward to the release of my latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," on Nov. 1, I'll also begin another novel on the same day. "Darkness Beyond the Light" is the second installment in the John Ross Boomer Lit series, following "Old Ways and New Days." On a side note, this will be the 12th book, and eighth novel, I've written. I still get excited about release dates; it doesn't get old.



In writing the third part, I'll be participating in the annual National Novel Writing Month. It's something I've done in the past, resulting in published books. While producing 50,000 words in a month can be kind of daunting task (averaging 1,667 words a day), it's a great way to stay focused in reaching the goal. I encourage you to participate in NaNoWriMo if you have a novel inside you that's begging to see the light. You might be pleasantly surprised by what happens once you put your hands on the keyboard for several hours each day.

For me, it will be the first draft. I usually add another 35,000 or more words to a manuscript over the course of several rewrites and revisions. Writing a novel is more work than meets the eye.

For the past few weeks, I've been working on a rough outline to keep me on track, especially the first couple of weeks. If the story takes hold, I veer off and go along for the ride. It's like a controlled stream of consciousness, if that makes any sense. And it can be exhilarating.

And it can be the opposite as well, at least for me, if the story is static and doesn't take hold of my imagination. And, unfortunately, it can be drudgery.

Now back to the outline because I don't want 30 days of drudgery.

Until the next time. . . . 

P.S. Be sure and check back Nov. 1 for the release of "Darkness Beyond the Light."

One Month Before Publication of Novel

The publication of my latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," is only a month from today. 

As with my previous books, I'm excited about finally seeing  it in print. I've already seen the e-book version, but being a traditionalist in many ways, there's nothing like holding a physical, page-turning print edition in my hands.

"Darkness Beyond the Light" is my eighth novel, and the first time that I've written a sequel to a book. It carries on with the trials and  tribulations of John Ross, family and friends who were introduced in "Old Ways and New Days."  My novels are published by Wings ePress.

I also plan a third installment in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series. I wanted to get working on it sooner, but now I will write the first draft during National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, in November.

In the meantime, postcards will be mailed to libraries, bookstores, friends, and others in the next few weeks announcing the arrival of "Darkness Beyond the Light."  I already have bookmarks, display posters, and various handouts ready to distribute at book signings this month (check appearances at bottom of page).

I'll also have promotions on Goodreads and Amazon so be sure to visit those websites and enter (there will be reminders posted here as well). If you're a Goodreads member, please send me a friend request. You can also like my Facebook author's page by clicking here.

Until the next time. . . .

 

 

Back to the Manuscript -- Part Two

I apologize for not having a post in nearly two weeks, but I've been busy working on my manuscript. Have you missed me? Don't answer that!

I'm more than halfway through the manuscript; I hope to be completed with the editing by the end of the month, if not sooner. I hope sooner so I can begin on the third rewrite. As I've mentioned in previous writing posts, I generally go through nine or ten rewrites before submitting it to my publisher. And from there, it goes through another editing phase with an editor before it's ready to see daylight.

As previously noted, this manuscript is from last November's National Novel Writing Month. I continued writing into December because I could see this is developing into a serial. We'll see. And then I sat on it for four months so I could review it with fresh eyes.

Here are some things I discovered after going back to it on April 1:

• A few typos 
• Misspellings
• Dropped words
• Wrong words
• Fix continuity/flow problems
• More description needed in some places, less in others
• Improve dialogue 
• Naming/renaming characters
• Additional research 

Want to know something else? When I go back for more editing and rewriting, I'll probably have most of the same list (I hope to have the misspellings corrected, but they could crop up in rewrite). 

So that's where I stand today in regards to the manuscript. Don't you feel relieved to know that? Don't answer that either!

Until the next time...

Post NaNoWriMo Part II

Although National Novel Writing Month ended 22 days ago, I'm still working on my manuscript.

I've written nearly 64,000 words and the end is still not in sight. As the manuscript develops and expands, it's beginning to look more like a two- or three-book serial. That's fine with me because I like my characters and their story lines. 

An author at the Kentucky Book Fair in November told me that many writers are moving toward series. I know authors such as Nora Roberts have been very successful with them.

Several readers have asked me if I had planned to do that with my previous titles. It was never my intention to do that but that is certainly a possibility if the muse inspires me to go back to those stories. 

And I must confess that I broke my string of writing every day at 50. You can blame my wife because of some honey-do's connected with Christmas shopping. I'll keep those in my memory bank for future stories.

I'll be writing through the holidays and beyond because that's the only way to reach the end. And that's the ultimate goal.

Until the next time....

Post NaNoWriMo

It's been more than a week since National Novel Writing Month ended. So what have I been doing in the meantime? 

Writing.

I've been at the keyboard everyday since completing NaNoWriMo. While not writing at the same pace (1,674 words a day), I'm still making progress on my work-in-progress. I'm at the 55k mark -- producing about 750 words a day. 

I was recently asked by a friend how many more words until the manuscript is finished. I told her I didn't have a clue. I won't know until the story reaches the end. My characters will tell me. 

I've previously mentioned in this blog that it will probably be in the 80k range.  My previous adult novels have been as few as 75k words (The Touch) to as many as 101k (Foolish Is The Heart).

My subjective and totally unscientific view is that most readers prefer novels to be about 85k, give or take 10k. I base most of that on my preferences. Time is important to me and I'd rather invest time reading two or more books rather than one long one (I'm referring to the 150k-plus opuses).

Of course there are exceptions to this (for me, it's biographies) but I generally find that longer works are somewhat inflated and don't hold my attention, for the most part, from beginning to end. 

Some publishers and self-published authors suggest breaking up long works into serials. That's a great marketing ploy if you can satisfy readers and keep them coming back for more.

One of novelist Elmore Leonard's rules of writing was to leave out the parts that people skip. He was a master at pace and keeping the story moving along and holding the reader's interest. James Patterson is another author who doesn't waste words. 

I try to keep that in mind when I'm writing, and especially during the rewrite and edit phase. And that's also something I do when reading. If it's not pertinent to the story, then I speed through it. I sometimes believe writers are trying to satisfy themselves rather than readers when their works become wordy. 


I'll let you know once I reach the end of the manuscript. It may take days, weeks, perhaps even months (I certainly hope not) to finish. I'll continue pounding away at the computer each day -- one word at a time until the story is finished.


Until the next time...

NaNoWriMo -- Finished (Almost)

I topped the 50,000-word goal on the last day of  National Novel Writing Month.

I wrote  50,241 words over the 30-day marathon. It feels good to reach that level. My average was 1,674 words a day.

While I was able to produce more than 50k words, I'm still working on a first draft. This manuscript is probably two-thirds of the way finished, but it's a good start.

There's still a lot of work to be done to fill in holes, develop characters, and stay focused on the overall story.

Then comes the hard part of writing -- the rewrite. It's almost like starting over, except that I'm not working with blank pages. It's the long process to polish sentences, further develop characters, show rather than tell, improve dialogue, and much more.

I'll be posting more about that process after I finish the first draft.

As for the work-in-progress, in case you're wondering, it will fall under the boomer-lit category. More about that later.

But, for the moment, I'm glad that I've reached the NaNoWriMo summit even though I have higher mountains to climb. 

Until the next time...

NaNoWriMo -- Week Four

We're entering the final two days in the National Novel Writing Month marathon.

I shouldn't have any problem reaching the 50,000-word goal. 

Here are my stats through Nov. 28:

Total words written: 47,303
Average per day: 1,689 (average for person to reach 50k is 1,667)
Words remaining: 2,697

While I'm pleased with my output and effort, I know I'll have to continue at the same pace for several more weeks to turn this opus into a novel. As stated before, it will probably take 80k or so words to tell the story I want to tell.

The story has pretty much stayed on course although I have strayed on occasion. That's typical for me, and probably for many other writers as well, as characters develop and sub-plots emerge and submerge.

More changes will occur during the edits and rewrites. 

I'll post another update in two days on my final word count. I hope other NaNoWriMoers are nearing the 50k goal as well.

Until the next time....