Hey guys, wow, sorry I haven’t written for so long. It’s crazy how life just eats up time when you’re actually living, as opposed to existing in a corporate cell cubicle. I do have to say that I don’t miss that life, and I never think of it, not even for a moment.
So, now that I’m a fulltime writer, what am I up to? Currently, I’m getting myself psyched up for NaNoWriMo. Don’t tell anyone, but I already have 1672 words written. I know, that’s cheating, but I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to participate for the whole month of November, so I’m simply time-shifting, right? Right. Anyway. I’m trying to take Stephen King’s advice, and not worry too much about what other people think. I’m also trying to “just write” and not constantly self-edit as I go (a very bad habit for a writer!). Hopefully I’ll end up with at least half a novel!
The other new thing I’m trying, is having the bones of the story written down before I even start. I’m normally a pantser, or what has been somewhat pretentiously described as “a discovery writer.” This has worked well for me for short stories, and even novellas (35k words), but I really don’t think it’s the best route to take with a full-length novel - especially a murder mystery (which this one will be). For example, I need to know exactly what happened - and solve the mystery - before I start writing, otherwise I’ll have plot holes all over the place.
Now, my friend and soon-to-be-best-selling-author, Peggy Blair, is the best person to ask for advice on the police procedural. Peggy was on the shortlist for the Debut Dagger last year, and although she didn’t win, she scored an agent and a sweet publishing deal with Penguin. Her debut novel, The Beggar’s Opera, comes out in February 2012.
My novel is not (I don’t think) a police procedural. It does star a detective from the RCMP, but I’m not sure it’s going to follow the strict parameters of a p.p. My stories typically have a kind of supernatural element, a bit of Stephen King if you will, and usually a bit of a spooky twist. Not sure if this will jive with the p.p. fans.
If I can get this novel not only half written, but logically plotted (plot being, I confess, my greatest weakness as a writer), I’ll be really happy. if I can get it into the 2012 Debut Dagger, I’ll be even happier. If I make the shortlist, I’ll be beside myself!!!
Wow. This started as a Nanowrimo post, and ended as a “Ridiculously Ambitious Goals for 2012” list!! Just goes to prove what can be accomplished when you only have yourself to encourage … yourself.
Remember to pre-order The Beggar’s Opera from Penguin!
Or, you can enter to win a copy at Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12611017-the-beggar-s-opera
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