The Writing Life: Back to the Keyboard

 It's been nearly a year since I saved the manuscript for my next novel on the hard-drive. I put it aside for reasons that I'll keep to myself. 

But on Feb. 1, I reopened it to begin work on the sixth book in my John Ross Boomer Lit series. It's my hope to have a complete draft finished in two months. 

I've written more than 41k words so my first task is to read what I've already written and go from there. So far it's been almost like going over another writer's words. That's good because I'm giving a reader's eye to the story.

I'll be making edits and rewrites along the way as the story comes back to life. Of course, I know the story in my head; just not the details from what a wrote a long time ago. I've put drafts aside in the past, but they were completed. I've never returned to a partial draft after almost a year. 

I've made mental notes and a few physical ones about the novel. I'm sure there will be more notations in the coming weeks. 

My editor at Wings ePress has reserved a spot to publish the book later in the year so I'm on somewhat of a deadline to get it to her in plenty of time for the edits, copy edits, proofreads and everything else entailed in transforming a manuscript into a novel.

Until the next time . . .

Back to Writing and Some Recent Reads

 Last November I had an ill-fated experience with National Novel Writing Month, throwing up my hands and giving up after a week or so. I only wrote about 5,500 words that had little direction, almost reading like a stream of consciousness. 

I opened the file again this morning and began reading and revising. It wasn't as bad as I had first thought when I initially surrendered to my lack of willpower. What I discovered is that it's workable, especially since I have a vision for what I want it to develop into in the coming weeks. 

The manuscript will evolve into the sixth novel in the John Ross Boomer Lit series that began in 2015. For those unfamiliar with the series, it follows the life of John and his wife, Sally, after his retirement from a Kentucky newspaper. They've dealt with family issues, traveled to Europe, faced health concerns, and confronted various trials and tribulations in this coming-of-old-age series (focusing on baby boomers). 

During the two months of inactivity, all was not lost. I was able to reflect on what I had written, what I wrote in the five previous books, and to get a handle on John and Sally Ross's life moving forward. I want to keep the books fresh for readers who have followed John, Sally, Chloe, and Brody for nearly seven years.

Now that I am back in a groove, writing will be part of my daily regimen until I finish the first draft. When will that happen? I haven't a clue at this point.

While I wasn't writing, I was reading a lot. Here are a few of the books:

This cozy mystery has the right amount of twists and turns to keep the reader's interest from beginning to end. The story revolves around the death of a woman under mysterious circumstances that leads to another unexplained death. The novel, set in San Francisco, has a few devious characters as well as a touch of romance that slowly sizzles and nearly fizzles from the tension to add some spice to the plot. 

Vicki Easerly's devotions focus on her attitude about the good and bad, and everything in between, that has come into her life. She places her faith in God and accepts the outcomes, and strives to grow and learn from her experiences. Her honesty and openness should help others who are examining their lives and are looking for solutions on how to deal with setbacks and successes. 

I must admit that I balked at reading this novel when I was much younger. I finally picked it up, probably because of my concern about today's world that has seen the rise of authoritarianism. George Orwell penned this classic after World War II, imagining a totalitarian society of government misinformation, double-speak, and lies. While I found it to be plodding at times, it was still worth the effort to read what he feared about the future.

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 . . .

Writing in the Mood

 While having lunch with a longtime friend, he mentioned that he enjoyed my novels but confessed that he almost couldn't finish one because he found it depressing. 

He said he stayed with it and was relieved when it lightened up to some extent. I thanked him for the feedback. I told him that the novel probably reflected my state of mind at the time, but also that it was a mood that I wanted to convey to the readers. From his observation, I believe I succeeded.

The novel in question is Old Ways and New Days, the book that launched my John Ross Boomer Lit series in 2015 (I retired that same year).

The story begins with John Ross clearing out his office, where he was sports editor at a newspaper. The paper is being downsized so he takes an early buyout. But he is depressed as part of his life has been turned upside-down. He has spent most of his adult life in the workplace. Now he has to find a new purpose in life. 

John wrestles with these feelings of emptiness for part of the book until he gets involved in a community activity. He has a wife who provides moral support.  He also gets a dog. And then he begins to reconnect with some old friends, all retired, who help him gain perspective on his life.

There are various moods in novels and other forms of fiction as well as nonfiction — from dark to humorous to melancholy to fatalistic and everything in between and beyond.

Mood is created by the characters, especially the protagonist and that person's state of mind. In Old Ways and New Days, John was depressed by the turn in his life. He was in a deep funk. 

Mood is also conveyed in settings. The opening setting with John, alone in his office, putting personal belongings, books, and memorabilia in a box. While that initial scene invokes sadness, later scenes in the book have him accepting these "new days" in his life.

John drives home in the dark, alone in his thoughts, he thinks about the previous years he spent at the newspaper and what the future will hold for him. 

As the series has moved on to three other books, and a fifth being released on Oct. 1, they present different moods as John is dealing with new challenges and opportunities in his life. 

Different moods can be felt with novels, while some carry from the first page to the last. And when deciding on what to read, don't we also choose books depending on our mood at the time?

For more tips about mood, check out these posts (and Google for more):

Literary devices: Mood

Novel writing: How to create strong mood

How to set the mood in your novel

Until the next time . . .

Hello 2021

We finally made it to 2021!

It doesn't feel any different from the last day of 2020 except for a sense that life will return to some semblance of normal. It may take a while, some experts say in the fall, but at least that's a ray of light after enduring the dark days of the past year.

I hope there will be incremental improvements in the coming months as more and more people get vaccinated. It will be incumbent on everyone to wear a mask and practice personal hygiene such as regular washing of hands. I admit I have my doubts about this because of the selfish attitude of a few who feel it infringes on their personal freedom. Aren't they infringing on the freedom of others by spreading the lethal coronavirus? 

But I digress. 

It'll be nice to see people returning to sporting events . . . weddings . . . family reunions . . . religious services . . . picnics . . . shopping areas . . . birthday parties . . .

On a sadder note, being able to show final respects at funeral homes and cemeteries for loved ones who have died. Perhaps visiting those on their deathbeds in hospitals and nursing homes to let them know you love them and to provide comfort with a final farewell so they don't depart this Earth alone. 

I stopped making New Year's resolutions a long time ago. However, I have goals I want to achieve over the course of time, but they don't have to begin on Jan. 1.

Here are a few odds and ends: 

• 
  On the Goodreads 2021 Reading Challenge, I plan to read 24 books this year. My goal was 18 last year and I read 31. (Feel free to friend and/or follow me.)
• I have a large shed that is loaded with stuff, some more than 50 years old. Since the Smithsonian is unlikely to be interested in any of the hidden treasures, I hope to get it cleaned out (much to the delight of my wife). My sons should appreciate it as well since they won't be burdened with sorting through it off if I kick the bucket. The decluttering of the house, especially my study, is an ongoing and neverending project.
• I want to have my next novel in the John Ross Boomer Lit series ready for publication in late 2021. The fourth installment, Make Room for Family, will be released on Feb. 1.
• I want to reconnect with old friends and relatives because life has an undisclosed expiration date. It's a two-way street so let me know if you want to see me.
• I'd like to make some progress on cataloging and editing my photos (it's become computer clutter).

I hope the coming months are filled with joy and happiness to everyone! And if you encounter obstacles along the way, don't forget that you overcame a lot in 2020.

Until the next time . . .

Happy Holidays to All

 We're almost finished with this dreadful year and I simply want to wish everyone the best as 2021 is only a few days away.

While 2020 hasn't been the best of times for many, especially those stricken with COVID-19, I do hope many of you have tried to make the best of a dire situation. I also hope many folks turned their thoughts toward others and showed empathy in these trying times. We're in this together. 

For writers, the past year may have brought time for reflection. For myself, I was able to complete a novel and finish the first draft on another. I tried not to dwell too much on what was swirling around me (not always successful) but writing helped me stay focused for the most part.

Besides the pandemic, the past year has been one of turmoil throughout most of the world as we have dealt with political and social changes. I hope we can turn things around in the coming year to make things better for all. Needless to say, it's going to take a lot of work.

Again, happy holidays and best wishes for a healthy new year!

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 . . .

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 . . .

  

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 . . .

Another Step Toward Publication

My absence from Facebook has been somewhat productive. I completed the first edits on my upcoming novel and returned the manuscript to my Wings ePress editor today, a week ahead of schedule. 

For those who are counting, this will be the fourth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. John and Sally Ross have returned from their travels to Budapest and New York, only to deal with travails back at their Kentucky home.

The edits and suggested changes weren't too painful other than a bruised ego that I let a few things slip through on the initial submission. And while I try to avoid repetitive words and phrases, some of those buggers raised their ugly heads as well.

Now the manuscript is back in my editor's able hands, and if she finds other problems, it'll bounce back to me to make wrong things right. And after that, if everything looks fine and dandy, it will go to a copyeditor to pick up any typos, misspellings, or grammatical errors. 

The final step will be the galley proof that I'll read for any problems such as computer glitches that create poor spacing, font changes, and whatever isn't right. 

I'll also be working with the cover artist to come up with the design that captures the essence of the book. 

And after that, I'll begin work on the fifth book in the series. Never a dull moment when I'm creating stories.

Such is the life of a writer.

I almost forgot. The novel will be published Feb. 1, 2021. More about that later.

Until the next time . . . 

Seven Rewrites and Nearing the End

I met a self-imposed deadline for completing the seventh rewrite of my work in progress by June 30. 

But what I learned, in the end, is that I've got another rewrite or two before I can send the manuscript to my editor. I'm not sure if this is the agony of writing, making the necessary changes to improve the story, but it's the only way of getting things done.

As with the previous rewrites, I've added scenes and deleted scenes, added dialogue and deleted dialogue, tightened the narrative . . . well, you get the idea, just about everything.

I added about 5k words to the manuscript, and now it totals more than 78k. The first draft was only about 48k, so it's grown quite a bit over the past 11 months.

If all works out to plans (and it seldom does), I hope to finish the manuscript by the end of July. I see one more rewrite 

and then a fast read before I send this fourth installment of the "John  Ross Boomer Lit" series on the way to my publisher. 

I'll confess that it's never taken me this long to write a draft and get it ready for publication. It's usually about a six-month endeavor.

But because of the pandemic, and other things going on in my life, I found that I got more distracted than usual. I don't know if it's an age thing, or simply me, but my concentration levels aren't what they used to be. I guess it's a combination of the two since I'm certainly not getting any younger.

Furthermore, and most importantly, I wasn't pleased with where the story was going and had to make a few major changes. I hope it's smooth sailing the rest of the way (more wishful thinking on my part).

Until the next time

Five Rewrites and More to Go

It took a while but I finished the fifth rewrite on my work in progress. That's my main excuse for not posting here in more than a month.

I have other reasons but I'm not going to bore you with a list of things that distracted me. If you're a writer, I'm sure we share many rationalizations.

As a reminder, I'm working on the fourth book in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series. 

First book in series

 What I did after completing the latest rewrite was to print it. I usually do this so it will provide a different view for me for editing. I find it easier to go over the manuscript when it's in my hands; perhaps the reason is that I come from a tradition as a newspaper editor/reporter (remember newspapers?). Anyone else print their manuscript?




Here are a few things that I'll be looking for as I peruse the pages with my red pen:

• The chronology is correct.
• Repeated words and phrases.
• Unnecessary dialogue and description.
• Names and places consistent.
• Expand narrative and dialogue when needed to explain circumstances.
• Anything else that catches my eyes (you'll be surprised by what you can discover).

Second book in series

I do hope the sixth rewrite won't take as long as the fifth.  I will admit that I printed the manuscript several days ago and giving it a rest before delving back into the 72k words. I can go back and rewrite with somewhat fresh eyes. I'll also admit that my eyes aren't what they used to be so the sixth rewrite may take as long as the fifth.   

Third book in series

Speaking of words, I do hope to cut out 10k or so. I've come to believe that most readers prefer shorter works (unless it's Stephen King, George R.R. Martin, Donna Tartt, etc.). Why? People don't have the time for long works because of other things tugging at them and because there are so many books out there now and so little time. Your thoughts?



Anyway, I do have a title for the book that I'll disclose at some other time. The novel should still be on course to be published this year. 

Until the next time . . .

Staying Focused in New Year

It's been a slow process but I finished the second rewrite of my work-in-progress. Whew!

As mentioned in a previous post, there were several distractions during the holidays. But since Christmas, I focused on the manuscript and reached the end.

Along the way, I added about 8,000 words; that's about 12,000 fewer of my guestimate of 20,000 going in. At this point, I have a little over 68k. 

For those new to this blog, the WIP is the fourth installment in my "John Ross Boomer Lit" series. John and Sally Ross have returned from Budapest and are having to deal with a new set of concerns at their Kentucky home.

Here's a simple quote from the great Stephen King about rewriting: "I cannot emphasize the importance of rewriting."

The second rewrite was a learning experience for me: 

• I learned that the manuscript was going off the rails and needed to get back on track (pardon the cliche).
• I took notes and will be slicing and dicing in the third rewrite to make it coherent and focused.
• Even at 68k words, the manuscript is still bloated. I'll trim the fat, tighten the dialogue, and perhaps expand some of the narrative to gain a clearer vision.

Each stage of writing a novel provides joy and despair. I find rewriting to be hard work where I have to deal with all aspects of writing, from grammar to storyline to ending—and everything else (dialogue, characters, scenes, descriptions, etc.). 

Where writing the first draft is kind of a mental free-for-all, the rewriting is getting into the trenches to reach the destination. It's down and dirty work, something I dread going in but relish once I dig into the words.

I still have the goal of completing the manuscript and sending it to my editor by the end of January. If I have any resolutions in this new year, that's the first one. The second is to be more focused on my writing in 2020 (pun intended). And a third is to see this manuscript published.

Until the next time . . .

Plodding Along on WIP

As mentioned in a previous post, I'm working on the fourth book in my "John Ross Boomer Lit" series.

So let me give you a quick update: It hasn't been easy.

I sat on the first draft for about six months before going back to it on Aug. 1. I wanted to view it with fresh eyes. That has happened, for the most part. It's also made for some tired eyes during the rewrite.

I've rediscovered forgotten words, like reading something for the first time by another author, except that the author is me. I'm having to relearn some of the plotlines and new characters. 

It's been an adventure as each page seems to contain something new to me. There are thoughts and words that were locked in the recesses of my brain several months ago. And now they're beginning to re-emerge on the computer screen.

One thing I've had to do is provide more backstory so readers have an idea what John and Sally Ross, as well as other characters such as Brody and Geraldine, have been through in the previous three novels. It also reopens my memory bank.  

A reason for that is because this yet unnamed novel was part of the third novel, "New Horizons," but I decided to divide the draft when it began to spiral in different directions. I like coherence in my books; I certainly didn't want to write a sprawling novel of 250,000 words or more.

So that's where I am at this point in time. I'm still cautiously optimistic that I will be able to hand it over to my editor at Wings ePress by the end of September. 

Until the next time . . .

Ready to Start Fourth Boomer Lit Novel

It's been nearly six months since I finished "New Horizons," the third book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series.  Lately, several readers have asked if I've started on another book.

"New Horizons" was released May 1 by Wings ePress and sales have been steady and reviews have been excellent. I'm very appreciative to those who have supported my writing in the past and those who are just discovering my stories.

So now it's time to move on to the fourth book. I don't have a working title but I have produced probably 50k words. August 1st is my official start date.

So how do I already have 50k words? When working on "New Horizons" last year, the manuscript exceeded 90k and the novel was moving in a different direction. I decided to use the first 40k on "New Horizons," and the other for the next installment.  By the way, "New Horizons" ended up at nearly 70k words so there was plenty of writing involved before submitting it to my publisher.

I've been letting the remaining words simmer the past few months while conducting additional research and taking more notes about the next adventure for John and Sally Ross in their quest for peace and tranquility in their twilight years. 



Those who have read the first three books know it certainly hasn't been easy for the Kentucky couple. This thing called life always seems to be getting in the way of their quiet plans.

So if things go as planned—something I never count on in my life—the first draft of the fourth book will be finished in a couple months. After several rewrites, I hope to send the manuscript to my editor by the end of the year. 

As I have with my previous novels, I'll keep you posted on my progress, title, book cover, and release date. I already know what the fifth book is going to address, but more about that when I'm through with the fourth.

Until the next time . . .

WIP Update: Time to Rewrite

It's time to go back to the beginning of my work-in-progress and start the rewrite process.

I've written about 85k words since the first of the year, not a great total, but I'm at the point where I can start the rewrite on the third book in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series.

As mentioned in a previous post, I'm actually working on the fourth book as well. I'll continue to do that while I rewrite the third book. The WIP has two  distinct parts -- the European vacation and what awaits John and Sally when the return home.


My goal is to finish the third book by the end of July. But it could be  sooner, or later. I'll know when it's ready to submit to my publisher and editor. 

It is still my intention to see it published in 2018, and the book four about six months later. I already know what I'll be writing about in book five. 

But for now, I'm going to take a short break from writing, perhaps a week, before embarking on this next step.

Until the next time . . .

Progress Report -- Third Draft Completed

I've now completed three drafts of my manuscript. Please hold the applause because I'm only about halfway through the process of turning a story into a published novel.

The third rewrite added about 7,000 more words, bringing the total to about 87k. The first draft had about 70k words.  It grew because I've been filling in gaps and holes. As I've posted before (as well as countless other authors), the idea is to get your story down in the first draft, warts and all, then go back and clean and fix it up.


I'll be starting on the fourth draft a couple hours after I post this to my blog (and eat breakfast, play with the doggies, do a few chores, etc.). I can see the manuscript grow another 3k if scenes need to be expanded. I may even add more subplots and backstory along the way.

Or it could have fewer words after going through the chapters if I find passages that should be deleted or rewritten. Dialogue will also be scrutinized.


During the last rewrite, I took copious notes to help me navigate through the manuscript. I also made revisions and edits along the way. It's a time-consuming process but something that has to be done--by the writer.

My hope to is go over the manuscript one more time, followed by a deep read to make sure it flows (and makes sense), and then forward it to my editor, by the end of this month, for her edits and comments.


Until the next time. . .  

Back to the Manuscript -- Part Five

After taking a two-week break, I've returned to my work in progress. 

I must admit that it was nice to get away from the manuscript. Why? Because for 11 days I was vacationing in the European cities of London, Paris and Roma. (More about my travel adventure in later posts).

Agatha Christie memorial in London (sorry for the horizontal placement)

For me, there's nothing like going to another environment, atmosphere, or whatever you call it -- perhaps an escape -- to get reinvigorated. And what better places than London, Paris and Roma to re-energize the body and soul! 

Honore Balzac statue in Paris

While I tried to totally immerse myself into the rich culture of those cities, during down times I couldn't help but think about the manuscript, especially during the 10-hour flights to and from Europe.  I even discussed my work with several of my fellow travelers, which provided even more focus on what I'm trying to accomplish.

When I opened the manuscript file this morning, I found renewed energy to go full bore in reworking some passages, dialogue, descriptions and so forth.  I know it will be much better after this third rewrite -- which is the ultimate goal.

Until the next time....

Getting Focused for 2014

After a busy past few weeks, I'll be turning my attention on my next writing project. I have several ideas floating  around in my head so I'll have to decide which direction to take in 2014.

My last two novels were for young adults -- "Shooting Star" and "The Bully List." In between I wrote "Laments: Short Stories."

And before that I wrote a murder mystery, "A Confidential Man," and before that a contemporary mainstream, "Foolish Is The Heart."

I've had folks ask me when I'm going to write another mainstream novel. And the same for a mystery. I've enjoyed writing both as well as the young-adult novels and short stories. I've always wanted to write a play but that will probably come about in a few more years.

Of course, I could multi-task and work on all three at the same time. I know some authors who have worked on several books at the same time and didn't miss a beat. I'm not sure I could do that at this point.

The main problem I see is that I'm still working fulltime so that takes a big chunk out of my writing time. And I do like to do other things while I'm on this earth, such as travel, read, hike, be with friends, and family time, and not necessarily in that order. I firmly believe writers must have some balance in their lives.

After I think through all the possibilities, I'll let you know which direction I have taken in the new year.

Until the next time...

Writing A Novel: After Seven Days

I've written every day so far in my first time participating in  National Novel Writing Month. The goal is to produce a minimum of 50,000 words in November.

 

So far I've written 10,913 words, an average of 1,559 a day. I should be averaging 1,667 but I'm not too far off.  Some days I write a little more than needed, some days a little less.

I must admit that writing this novel hasn't been that easy. Of course, it shouldn't be easy. And it's only a first draft. I hope by the end of the month that there will be usable parts that I can transform into a novel for young adults.

I wish I it was like being on a runaway train because I would at least be on track. Instead, it's been more like swaying all over a six-lane highway, unable to stay in a designated lane.

Perhaps as I progress along I will be able to steady my course and have a nice flow to the story. We'll see. I'll have another update at 14 days.

Until the next time…