The Beginning of a Novel

 

November is National Novel Writing Month.

It’s an opportunity to write that novel (or family story) that’s been bubbling inside you for years.

The parts of a novel
                       The parts of a novel

 

You can keep your project quiet if you wish.

I simply encourage you to begin.

As they say, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one single step … or computer keystroke.

The goal is to finish the first draft of your book in November.  The recommendation is 50,000 words.

Don’t panic.  That’s 1666 words per day.

About six pages.

One of the best writing books is Bird by Bird by Anne Lamotte.

She shares the ABDCE method of novel development:

A  Action    Begin with action.  Hook that reader!

B   Background.   Weave the background of your story.

D.  Development.    Make those characters and the setting come alive.

C  Climax    The building tension to where the story comes to a point of crisis.

E  Ending   End it with the reader wanting more.

 

I use post it notes on a sketch pad to list my chapters.  They can be moved/switched as I develop the story.
I use post it notes on a sketch pad to list my chapters. They can be moved/switched as I develop the story.

I’m working on a historical novel entitled As the Crow Flies. 

This week I’ll be sharing some of the tools I use to get a book off the ground.

Join me for the journey.

 

 

 

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