https://dwaneknott.com/2016/10/lessons-learned-writing-a-novel/ Fri, 04 Nov 2016 01:58:21 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://dwaneknott.com/2016/10/lessons-learned-writing-a-novel/#comment-139 Fri, 04 Nov 2016 01:58:21 +0000 https://dwaneknott.com/?p=418#comment-139 I am glad you enjoyed the post.
I began writing the novel with just an idea in mind. I read constantly, well almost, and thought I could give it a go. I put a few words into the computer and learned there was much to learn. As I read blogs and craft books, I wrote without an outline. What I found was that the story line I envisioned came linearly to me as I typed. I reached a point where I had two options, write an ending that led to another book or write one that ended the story line. I opted for the first, although I may never write it. Now came editing. The more I edited the more I came to realize that there are holes in the character development but I don’t think in the plot. It just needs a lot of work.
I found Kristen and read her books. But it was K.M. Weiland, Marcy Kennedy, and Susan Bischoff that convinced me to create an outline of some type for future books. I decided to take the NaNoWrimo challenge. I am using an outline to get the 50k words done. I can see already places where I am going astray. But it is keeping me generally moving in the right direction.
My advice is to continue writing as much as you can. I am finding it much easier now to put ideas together but I have far to go. It is an interesting journey though.

]]> https://dwaneknott.com/2016/10/lessons-learned-writing-a-novel/#comment-136 Thu, 03 Nov 2016 12:25:25 +0000 https://dwaneknott.com/?p=418#comment-136 Dwane-hearing about your journey was quite helpful. I’m forging ahead writing without strong character development (which I have the interview questions to ask as well) just because I know I have to write everyday to form a habit. I’m writing about 1,000 words a day, working through my workbook “Writing the Breakout Novel,” and researching my sociopath(s) through the “The Sociopath Next Door.” I think, as I work through all three of those things, I will begin to organically shape the world and a breakout novel premise with hopefully a depth of character that has readers scratching their head at the end and thinking about how this book changed how they think. Thanks for sharing!

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