So You Want To Be a Writer

Last week I shared my New Year’s resolutions with you. Now I’m curious about yours, especially if you’re thinking this is the year you become a novelist. My next few blogs will be for those who have decided to make that step – to write that book they’ve been thinking about, talking about and threatening to write.
First, let me salute your decision. Everyone wants to have written a book, but precious few are willing to devote the time and effort to create a full length manuscript. So if you’ve decided to, I want to help you get started.
What do you want to write?  The answer to that question should probably be the same as your response to: What do you like to read? If you’re a mystery fan you know what mystery fans like. If you’re a science fiction buff, you know the conventions common to the genre. If you’re read a lot of fantasy or paranormal books you have a sense of how far you can go before you exceed the readers’ suspension of disbelief.   
Beyond your genre choice, do you have a story to tell, or a point to make? Is there a social issue you want to address, or a lesson you need to share? Fiction is the idea way to do those things, but you need to know at the beginning what your objectives are. Even if your only objective is pure entertainment, you need to know that before you start writing.
You’ll also want to consider who your audience is. Who are you writing for? Will your novel appeal to men or women, young folks or more mature readers? Maybe you’re aiming at members of a particular race or cultural group. In any case, knowing your audience will help you shape your story.
So if you’ve decided you want to write a novel, spend the next week considering your genre, your theme, and your audience. In coming weeks I’ll help you figure out your story and your process. I’ll try to keep you motivated, help you find ideas and deal with those inevitable steps in the wrong direction.

Come back next week and be prepared to start writing. Time to get your first novel started.