The Trendsetter

I am baacckk!

I just completed my 65,000 word novel and it was just so exhausting to make it to the end! However, this is just the first draft and as we always know, writing is rewriting. I learned a lot about writing a novel through my journey these past two months or so. And mind you, writing up to 65,000 words is not for the faint of heart. It is a tough job. Now I admire the writers out there who manage to produce novels year after year with an interesting story and plot.

As far as getting to finish my manuscript, I learned that:

1. Writing a novel involves scenes and sequels. Since I originally started writing short stories, the writing is of course very short and direct. In novels you need a series of scenes and sequel. A scene is where the action or dialogue takes place and is followed by the sequel where the characters made their reactions from the emotional perspective.

2. I learned what it means for the novel to have depth. This is very important. If an editor told you (after he read your novel) that your novel has no depth, it means your plot has no twists and turns. Having complicated scenes and sequels helps.

3. I learned to know my lead characters more than I know someone in real life. This is the fun part. Learning the lead characters propels the plot. Giving your lead characters past history and a rich background helps you to get into the scenes and sequels without any problems.

4. I learned that the ‘writer’s block’ occurs when you do not understand how to twist and turn your plot. This is true in my case. It was very interesting when I was finally able to make the plot more complicated and I had no problems in moving the scenes and sequels forward.

5. My novel is dominated by the character’s story. I would say it is about how the characters get involved in conflict while trying to reach their goals and how they solved the conflict and triumphed. However, since my setting involved big cities like Paris, I tried to balance the character story with the beautiful scenery of the setting.

So, here is all there is for you to know why I disappeared from writing my blog. The writing process I’ve experienced so far is very encouraging. I finally get rewarded by writing the ending of the novel in a very satisfactory way.

For you wanna be novelists out there, write and complete your manuscript. The journey will help you to find the courage to write. You not only will learn how to get start and finish your novel, you will also learn about your strengths and weaknesses along the way.