Some writers are excited to begin a new novel. The story idea is fresh and compelling. Characters can’t wait to jump off the page and display their personalities. The setting begs to come alive with details that make readers feel they’re there.
It’s like starting a new school year eager to see what you’ll learn and who you’ll meet. This euphoria might last a few chapters, but then the rest of the story looms ahead. How will you ever fill in all those blank pages?
That’s about where I am now with Murder at the Musical, book #2 in the Keri Armstrong series. This story got off to a speedy start with a body in chapter one. But now I’ve reached the early part of the book where Keri realizes there’s been a murder and she goes about meeting all the suspects. And while I have an outline, it’s a rather sketchy one. I might have planned how Keri gets from Point A to Point B, but what happens in between?
Already, I’m feeling the self-doubts that plague every writer. Am I introducing too many characters at once? Where will the next lead take my sleuth? Is the villain too evident? Do I need more false trails? And more importantly, will I have enough material to reach the word count for a full-length novel?
Avoidance behavior is common at this stage. I should finish my chores before I can clear my mind to write. I need to figure out a marketing plan and work on my book description. Oh yes, I forgot to buy more coffee creamer at Publix and need to run out. And don’t forget the laundry! Anything that keeps me from putting my fingers on the keyboard and plugging away on the story can be used as an excuse. But then I remember a phrase learned many eons ago in my writing career.
BICHOK: Butt in chair, hands on keyboard.
That’s all you need to get motivated. Set a goal, whether it’s a daily page count or a set time, and stick to it. What you write might be worthless drivel, but then at least you can fix what’s written. You can’t fix what isn’t there. So go face that blank page and start typing.
Now if only I can follow my own advice.
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Nancy, I can so relate to this post. It’s where I am right now as I tackle book 9 in my Samantha Davies Mystery series. Books, Barks and Murder. As you suggested, I’ve set myself a daily word count. Hopefully, barring any interruptions, I can meet it. Love your books. Syrl Kazlo
Thank you, I am glad you like my post. Your book title is cute! Good luck with your writing. I need to heed my own advice and focus better.
Nancy,
I LOVE this post and plan to read it to my fiction writing class, giving them all your credentials as a pro in this business.
Thanks so much, Marilyn. It doesn’t get any easier, no matter which book you’re writing.
I agree. I figure if I open the manuscript, my unconscious will take the hint and get to work. Looking forward to more good advice, Nancy.
Thank you, Kay. It’s wonderful when you start writing and the words appear on the page, or the story veers off in unexpected directions. That’s story magic at play, and it enters our subconscious at some point in the process.