For me, it’s always easy to start a novel. The first three chapters come out easy and smooth. I think this is mainly because most of my book ideas usually fester for quite a while before I actually put pencil to paper, so I’ve got a lot of things worked out by the time I start writing. I don’t have a good sense of the characters at this point, but I know the direction of the novel, so it’s pretty painless.
The toughest part of writing my first draft is usually chapters 4-8, where I’m really digging into the character. I’m trying to make sure that the characters are three-dimensional and that they mesh well together. This is where most plot and character flaws are exposed. These chapters are usually the graveyard of my writing – most of my “almost” novels die at this point.
However, I’m glad to say that I finally made it to the point in my current WIP where I know that I can finish the novel. I’m not saying that the novel will be spectacular, but it’ll at least have a beginning, middle and end. I’m at the point where I’m writing “the good stuff”. The writing comes fast and easy, and although I know I’ll have to revise it later, it’s always easier to revise once you have something on paper.
If I get brave enough (and that’s a big if), I’ll eventually post the first chapter of my current WIP. I haven’t liked a MC as much since Maxine.
In other news, I know I haven’t posted anything about the status of the novel that my agent is shopping around (for now, let’s call this novel Rhombus). Believe me, things are happening with the novel. I’m just not at liberty to say. I promise, when I’m able to post information about the acquisition process, I will.
And finally, the Austin SCBWI chapter has posted info about their upcoming conference. If you’re looking for a good conference in the Texas area, I’d highly suggest trying out the conference. For those keeping track, Sara Crowe is my agent, and Esther Hershenhorn is the book editor I used to polish the manuscript before starting my agent search.
Okay, enough posting. Time to get back to the good stuff.
Sounds like congratulations are in order. But, I won’t say anything, yet.
>>Believe me, things are happening with the novel. I’m just not at liberty to say. I promise, when I’m able to post information about the acquisition process, I will.<< Varian, you’re killing me! Good luck!
Ooh cloak and dagger. Okay, I’m with it. If you tell us now you’d have to kill us, right?
Hey man… writing about your authoring process is cool and all (even though I can’t relate), but you had better lay off the writing and spend some time getting ready for Fantasy Football. I’m gonna bring that FII-YAHHH!!!