Writing Behind the Wheel

Writing Behind the Wheel

Writing in the Mini Cooper


This week I’m battling myself as I begin the thriller novel and polishing the previous manuscript. One event is closely related to the other. In both stages I am evaluating why I choose to write a particular book and weighing the value of the investment.


Even though I know it will only be a short delay, I’m avoiding the final edits on my voodoo comedy manuscript in lieu of thriller research. Things left undone are distracting. And a novel written without your full focus is not your best work. Of course this avoidance is in part because the thriller is new and a good deal more exciting than editing, but in the interest of full disclosure…there is more to it than that.


Finishing a manuscript is risky. I’ve invested a huge block of time and energy into that ream of paper. Calling it complete should be a relief. Instead, because it is an unsold manuscript without an agent, it has the weight of an albatross. Finishing is risking rejection and failure and the possibility that I did it all for naught. What writer hasn’t struggled with this? How do we avoid procrastinating to the point of paralysis because of our insecurity? Honestly, if finishing is so frightening, why would I start another book in the first place? Ever?


The answer is surprisingly simple. Well, simple to write anyhow, not always simple to implement. First, discern why you write. (Because you must, most likely) Because no one can answer that voice but you. Now make certain that last manuscript fits with your answer. Mine does. I wrote that novel a voodoo comedy was in me and needed to come out. I also learned a great deal about writing and about myself while penning it. So I’ve already achieved so much that selling it would be a mere bonus… yeah right… selling it is part of the drive, it is part of the ‘I must’ involved in writing a book.  I don’t have a problem admitting that. So now I pledge to complete those edits and send it away.


Week 2 —Research


The onset of the idea and research is a good time to make sure the new book fits into your goals and reasons for writing. If not, it is much easier to drop it at this point than 300 pages from now. The thriller absolutely won’t leave me alone, so I clearly don’t have a choice on this one. But more than that, it is a story that is in line with my personal style of writing and the messages that drive me. It not only something I want to do, I feel confident that I can give the reader a well told story for their dollar. If I don’t feel that way, I must let the muse carry it to a better prepared writer or put it on hold until I develop the proper mindset to write it well.


Last week I outlined the ‘idea’ phase of my novel’s inception. Since then I’ve done enough research to know that the premise of the novel is plausible. The entire plot was conceived around a concept that I had to make certain was medically possible. It is, so I have lined up a couple of interviews with experts in two fields. There is no use in starting without a solid base of fact-based research and real world experience that isn’t covered in Wikipedia.


I’ve also written a half-dozen voice samples—none longer than two pages—to narrow down the point of view character and person. I started with first person and found that I had to invent all sorts of contrived reasons a single person would have all the information needed to tell the story. It took me a few tries to admit that if I had to invent so many scenarios, then it wasn’t a first person story.


All this and I haven’t started writing in earnest yet. Even though I sometimes ache to just jump in, getting things in order before truly beginning is essential. Much of the preliminary ‘writing’ takes place in my head. I turn the radio, podcasts, and audio books off during my commute and think ‘in’ the novel. I’ve planned some great scenes behind the wheel of my car. My head is in the novel when I’m working in the garden, mowing the lawn, walking through the neighborhood. (If you live nearby, this is my explanation/apology for the erratic lawn mowing and walking patterns.)  This is the period when my eyes glaze over during lunch with friends and my kids are exhausted by supper conversations interrupted with, “So, do you think it is realistic for a person to die/cry/lie/or be maimed during….”


If the novel doesn’t survive this early phase of full immersion, then it isn’t something you would want to live in your head or at your fingertips for 6-9 months. This is the time that I am quiet and listening to the voices of characters that only I can hear. In a healthy sort of way I mean. A way that all writers understand.


Publishing


Even at this early stage, you should have a plan for publishing the book. If you have a relationship with an agent or editor, approach them with the idea early on. If they aren’t interested, don’t give up on an idea you are passionate about. The publishing world is going through major changes with ePub formats on the brink of outselling traditional.  Check out the self-publishing service, Lulu, where you can select from a variety of services including design, editing, and marketing.


 



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Published on April 12, 2012 11:54
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