I began working on a new novel this week. Actually, it isn’t exactly new, as the story has been mulling around in the back of my mind for a while.
I’ve even attempted a few chapters and character sketches, but the timing just wasn’t right. I needed to finish WHEELS. Finish, as in, get it published, get a good start on publicity and submit it to reviewers. Then, like a mother sending her grown up child out into the world, let it go and trust that everything will be fine.
Everything will be fine…
Anyway, I wanted to share two things with you, today.
One: a short video featuring author, Joyce Carol Oates. In it, she describes perfectly the frustration I feel at the beginning of writing each new book. I am an impatient person. I want to get to straight to the writing of my story and forget all about preparation—the character sketches, world building and research I need to do.
Two: A link to 90 Inspiring Author Videos for Aspiring Writers. A list of short author videos compiled by Kaplan University Online. It’s a great link to bookmark should you ever need a dose of inspiration 🙂
Happy Writing!
interesting…I didn’t know that one had to prep before writing a book. Will look into the 90 inspiring author videos. Is that the link to it on youtube?
I remember last year you posting about a new computer you got for writing, what kind did you get?
Hi Bridget,
Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. Have been visiting friends in Door County. 🙂 The link to the 90 videos is at the Kaplan University site, but I believe all the videos are on Youtube. (You’ve probably figured that out by now) As for the computer…I bought a Macbook Pro. I love Apple computers because they’re user friendly and the company offers great tech support. Sounds like you might be working on something. Maybe a book about squirrels 🙂
I’m rather fond of the character sketch process. World and character building are part of the real enjoyment I get out of writing. It probably comes from my background in “storytelling”- I played a lot of D&D type games through high school and college. Since I also get really geared up to write the scenes playing out in my head, I usually wind up plotting with pen and paper while doing character sketches on the computer.
I’ve always thought that those role playing games would come in useful. I both enjoy the beginning part, the world building and character sketches, and find myself frustrated by not getting to the rest of it fast enough. I might try your way and do both at the same time.