Preparing your first manuscript

So you’re ready to pen your first manuscript but you don’t know where to begin. Trust me, I get it. I was the same way just a few months ago when I decided to pen my first manuscript. The first quality you must possess is passion. Penning a manuscript isn’t easy so if you lack passion then your manuscript may fall short. Patience and dedication are equally important qualities to possess as well. Research and read books in the same genre your manuscript will be in. Take note of how popular authors execute the plot of their books. Read reviews as well so you can have a clear understanding of what’s important to readers.

In preparation to pen my first manuscript I typed a detailed Microsoft word document listing the characters and outlining the plot. I wanted to have a clear direction for my characters and for the storyline to flow smoothly. Finally, if you’re experiencing writer’s block take a break for a few hours or even a few days. It’s important not to force yourself. Gather your thoughts first before moving forward. Also, if I had an idea to add to my manuscript and I didn’t have paper and a pen handy, I texted myself to ensure I didn’t forget. Below is an excerpt from my first novella.

Taboo Desires: Sexual Awakening

“So, Dom, you’re into BDSM,” says Reese with a smirk on her face.
A few family members attempt to hide their smile, while others laugh openly. I nearly choke on the water I’d been drinking. Ren, who’s sitting to my left, helpfully pats me on the back. I kick Reese hard underneath the table.
“Ouch,” she yells dramatically, then adds, “what did I do?”
Fucking asshole.
“What’s BDSM?” my grandmother asks.
Reese is so dead.
No one at the table can hide their laughter anymore, including Dom. He seems unfazed that my sister has openly put him on the spot. Reese seems annoyed that she was unable to ruffle his feathers.
“It’s a new dance,” I tell my grandmother.
That reply causes another round of laughter to erupt, and I can’t help but laugh, too.
“You young folks come up with the craziest dance moves.”
“Get up and show me this new dance,” says my grandmother.
Oh Lord.
“Yeah, I’m curious to see this new dance,” says Reese.
I look to Ke Ke. “Can you not control her?”
“Nope”, she says around a mouthful of kale greens.
“It’s a series of complex dance moves, I need a lot of space to execute them grandma, so I can’t show you right now.”
“Okay, maybe another time.”
“Sure thing.”
Tragedy averted.
“To answer your question; yes, I’m into BDSM.”
All eyes are on Dom.
“So, Dom, I was wondering, could we use the Diamond Member section of The Playhouse to host a Christmas themed party for The Soft Thirty Podcast?” asks Ronnie.
Ronnie should’ve asked me first so that I could speak to Dom about the request privately. I don’t want him to feel obligated to accommodate her because she’s my sister.
“Sure, when do you want to have the party?”
“I was thinking the fourteenth of December.”
“I’ll be sure to reserve the space for you.”
“Thank you.”