5 Secrets to Beginning a New Novel

Since I am in the process of beginning a new novel, I wanted to let you in on a few secrets I have discovered through the years when it comes to writing a great book.

Here they are:

Know the Basics of Plot

1. Before you start, know who the main and secondary characters will be, the setting and a pretty good idea of the plot. Remember, I said a PRETTY GOOD idea. Something happens to me when I write; suddenly, the characters take over and the plot changes, and in fact, becomes better. Leave yourself open to change as you write.

Research

Photo by Paul B, courtesy of Flickr

2. Get a bit of research done. I am TERRIBLE at this one and so what happens is that I'm writing about a cruise ship that is about to dock in Hawaii. Here are a few things I needed to know right away because a murder had been committed on board. How does the Honolulu Police Department function? What do their uniforms look like? How large is a typical department? What about lawyers? How do they dress? How do they perform? What of cruise ship negligence? What's a famous recipe in Hawaii that has eggs in it? And the list goes on...Once this information is at your fingertips you can write without having to stop mid-sentence to figure something out.  

Action!


3. Keep in mind that your reader wants to be involved right away. I first began my story with some reflection on why Susan (my main character) was taking this cruise, but quickly discovered that the better beginning would involve the reader in some action-- and so a murder was created.

Move forward

4. Try not to correct as you go unless you realize early on that you've bungled the beginning like I did. Keep writing and try not to go back on what you've written until at least the next day, and then only go back a page or two to refresh your mind.

Photo by J. Chris Vaughan, courtesy of Flickr

Take a break

5. If the muse quits on you, take a break, and then go back to your work. Your writing will be better. I like to take 15 minute breaks or use the time to do a writing exercise unrelated to the book I am working on.

When it comes to the beginning of your book, you not only need to make it captivating but realistic. Keeping your facts straight will lend credibility with your readers and moving forward and taking the breaks when you need them will get that book finished before you know it.

Can a Book of Poetry Sell?

I have written a little poetry through the years and have heard talk from die hard poets who say it's difficult, if not impossible, to sell their book(s) of poetry.

But I have a differing viewpoint. I think any book, even a book of poetry, if well-written and well-marketed can be sold.

Photo by: Chocolate Reviews, courtesy of Flickr

The truth is, these are your thoughts and feelings, your take on the world and how you function within it. It's your heart and soul concerning life, death, and chocolate.

I'd like to think that folks are out there interested in what you've written. And truth be known, many opportunities are available for poets that may not be available for the fiction novel writer.

Consider:

A Poetry Reading
Reading segments of your poetry at a book signing. It is a bit harder to do this at a fiction novel signing because how do you choose what to share? A poem can be read from start to finish in one setting.

A Poetry Workshop
Talk about and share your work for about 15 minutes, then teach a class on writing poetry. Teaching a hands-on glass creates cohesion with the other poets. Everyone learns from one another.

A Poetry Share

Photo by: chilihead, courtesy of Flickr

Put together a poetry event where poets can gather and share their work. Give each person a set amount of time to share so everyone has an opportunity. For additional fun, have each poet come dressed to the poetry share as their favorite classic poet.

A Poetry Group
Gather a poetry group that meets once a month or more. Share and sell your work and allow other poets to do the same. By helping others out the favor will be returned.

A Poetry Event
If you want to think even larger, get some poets together and put on a poetry event that will involve the community. Contact businesses to sponsor the event and connect with your chamber of commerce. Often, already established events like art shows are already in motion--see if your group can participate.

Photo by: BEYOND BAROQUE, courtesy of Flickr

A Poetry Conference
Teach a class, share what you have learned about poetry. Make your class stand out by offering to critique one poem per participant.

A Poetry Whatever!
Can you sell your book(s) at a local restaurant, hair cutting establishment, health food store, hospital, or book fair? Of course! Consider the focus of your book and then search for outlets in your community that might be interested in selling and/or doing a book signing.


As a poet, you know that it is really only a matter of thinking outside of the box that gets you the sales. In fact, it may even be said that not thinking of the sales but of the people you will be sharing with, is all you'll ever need to get the sales that can't help but follow because of your focus to change the world in your small way.


Here's hoping you'll do it!

So you want to start a blog

I talk to many writers and non-writers who want to start a blog. Problem is, they have no idea what to write! This may sound funny, especially coming from a writer, but I think the concern stems from feeling as if they're not yet an expert on anything.

Photo by Bright Meadow, courtesy of Flickr

What I know is that even a budding writer has gifts and talents that they can share. Consider that you focus your blog on how you're learning to become a writer and what you're doing to make it happen. Sift through your old journals and share what you have learned about life, give some time to sharing a favorite talent other than writing. Perhaps it's underwater basket weaving.

Or perhaps not.

But you get my meaning, I think.

I have never had a book publishing company before but I am learning the ropes as I go. Sure, some of it I had to discover beforehand to keep me square, but much of my learning has come through doing it.

And your blog can be a lot like that. Here are a few things I've learned through trial and error:

• Keep your post to about 500 words.

• Try to include at least one photo to your article, and always give credit where credit it due.

• Focus your blog on a particular subject. It's alright to go off the path occasionally, but your readers (and you will get them) expect a certain topic from you.

• Use bullet points as often as you can to break up the text and make for an easier read.

• Respond to comments you receive ASAP.

• Try to post at least twice a week, more if you can. 

Another thing I try to do occasionally, is to read posts by others as well as write posts for other websites. This does two things: Gives me more ideas for my own blog and allows me to share my words with others who may not yet have discovered my blog.

And we all want new readers, right?