Your novel awaits--grab it fast!

I am asked on occasion where I get ideas for novels. The answer is the same: "From the Universe," I say.

Getting the idea for a novel is the easy part. As the saying (somewhat) goes, if I had a dollar for every idea I get for a novel, I'd be a millionaire whether I write one or not.  

However, an idea is simply an idea and nothing more until action is taken. If it's a good idea, it will demand attention, haunting you until you take action. Perhaps you'll write a synopsis, or a brief outline of the plot. It might be a character that demands recognition, or a plot twist. The point being, action sets the idea into motion, giving it life.

The idea will not wait forever, so if it's a good fit, grab it fast before it finds someone else.

The art of wasting time

I discovered first hand the art of wasting valuable writing time, and I'm willing to share what I learned. I prefer my laptop for writing, and like many writers I use social networking, a website, and blog to promote my work. My laptop goes everywhere I go, allowing me to work in my office, the family room, at the kitchen table, and at my favorite coffee shop, opening up hours of writing time.


Anyway, that was my reasoning.


To stop wasting time, I adhere to five rules:
1. Do a trial study of preferred work stations/locations, and use the spot where I am most productive.
2. Set 15 minutes max for tweeting, and another 15 minutes for Facebook posts.
3. Keep website updated by scheduling two hours (more if needed) once a week after or before my writing time.
4. Schedule one hour twice a week to make blog entries.
5. Stick to the allotted times by setting a timer.


As you know, there are lots of ways to waste time, but I've found using one place for writing, and sticking to a schedule for networking, website maintenence and blog writing free up hours of productive writing.


Now, when I visit the coffee shop, I'm not only free to embrace the rich, bold, organic flavor of my coffee, but to add new character material from people watching.

Living with the protagonist: Is there life after birth?

As an author of fiction, my job is to create characters that fit the story. The characters must be equipped with traits and personalities that capture interest and compassion. Even the worst scalawag should have one redeeming quality.

This requires getting to know the characters inside and out, turning flat paper doll descriptions into living, breathing entities. When I know everything about my characters, then the reader can believe them.

How do I know when a character is developed? It's when the character crosses the line between me and the laptop screen.

My protagonist keeps me up late, wakes me from sleep, and makes demands. He refuses to stay with the outline, and makes modifications to the plot. I confess, there are times when I've asked him to shut up in graphic terms.

A new protagonist with a new story to tell will take his place, and Conor will give me some space as he walks through the pages of Among the Jimson Weeds sharing his life with people other than me.

He'll still drop by. Same as my kids, no matter where they may be, they're in my heart forever.

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