Back in the Groove and Recent Reads

 I'm back to writing again on a daily basis. Since my last post, I've written more than 15,000 words on my next novel.

I guess you could say I got back in the groove. I've always said and advised others that the best way to write a novel (or nonfiction) is to do it on a daily basis. Some days are better than others, but after time you eventually reach a point where the words begin to flow.

That's where I am. While I don't produce 3,000-4,000 words a day like I did in my younger days, I do write more than 1,000 and that seems to increase by the day. I do get somewhat mentally tired but that's okay because it makes for a better nap. And when I go back to my work-in-progress, I pick right up where I left off. Even during the break, my overworked mind discovers more creative pathways to enhance and expand the story.

By the way, this manuscript is the sixth book in my John Ross Boomer Lit series. I'll disclose more about it in the coming weeks. 

However, there is one thing that I did to kickstart my writing. While having coffee with a writer/friend, he mentioned that he was using an outline to write a novel. He said it was the first time he had ever tried doing that. He's more of a panster, like I have been when writing most of my novels.

The discussion reminded me of using an outline on a novel in the past. It was a loose outline, but it gave me some direction on where I wanted to take the story. So I did the same on my current work. By the way, another good reason to have a writer/friend to talk about writing, books, etc.

Since then I've been writing each and every day. Some days I don't even look at the outline because the words are pouring out. On other days, I will give it a quick look to make sure that I'm still moving in the right direction.

As I have with other novels, I'm not concerned about editing. That will come after I complete the first draft. For me, there will likely be 10 or more rewrites before I feel comfortable enough to submit it to my editor. 

And now for a few recent reads:

Noted murder mystery novelist Chris Helvey writes about a guy going through several crises: midlife, moral, and even misconduct. The protagonist, Dave Wertz, the protagonist, leaves Lexington, Ky., and goes to his hometown of Frankfort, trying to find some answers to the questions in his life as he reexamines his stale and unfulfilled life. Helvey constructs a novel with a cast of interesting characters that will keep readers guessing if Wertz can find peace of mind.

Jack N. Lawson's novel is centered on a wild and wacky retirement village in North Carolina, where nothing is really as it seems with the staff and elderly residents. Some are political, some are horny, and most simply want to make the most of their declining years. Lawson has a variety of distinct characters that keep the story flowing from in this crazy comedy. It's a fun trip for readers who will probably view older folks in a different light. And seniors will probably note that old age is more than napping in a rocking chair.  

Until the next time . . .

Best Intentions for Third Boomer Lit Novel

I've been writing daily since Jan. 1 (missing only one day) on the third book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. It was my intention to finish by March 31, and let it rest for a few weeks before returning to rewrite.

That didn't happen.

Even after working from an outline, there are still unresolved issues that I must address before reaching the first end of the novel. How long will that take? That's difficult to say but I would hope before the end of April.

But it could take longer. You don't reach the end until you're there. And I'm not there although parts are beginning to come together.

One approach I am taking with this novel is to continue writing even after I reach the end. So I'll be working on the rewrite as well as the fourth book in the series. 

I'm sure there are other novelists who do the same when working on a series, especially one that would be more than three books. As I've mentioned in a previous post, this series plans to be my primary output from now on. I also intend to write another short story collection (I really do!).

So that's where I stand on March 31, 2018. 

Until the next time . . .

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."

To Outline or Not to Outline

I'm currently in a discussion on linkedin about whether or not to work from an outline during National Novel Writing Month.

As I mentioned in my last post, I like to have something to get me started in the right direction. I think it's important, especially during the early stages of NaNoWriMo, to make it as smooth as possible. It's easy to stumble that first week. And while Nanowrimo is cutting loose and letting the words flow, you don't want them flowing in all different directions.

I noted on the Linkedin discussion that I will work off a sketchy outline. I won't have a detailed outline, only the basics that will provide the prompts to continue on course.

As I've said in other posts, once I get into the flow of the story, the characters take over for the most part. But I generally return to the outline to make sure it will end in a logical way. Nanowrimo also has discussion groups on how to approach the 30-day writing marathon.

The Purdue University OWL (Online Writing Lab) site provides useful information that you can incorporate into an outline. I've found it a useful place to go because of the advice, tips,  and rules of writing it offers on many levels (I was first introduced to it when I was working on a master's degree in special education and writing lots of papers).

Back to the outline.

Until the next time...