What is Novel Writing Like? Since I’ve written seven of them and I’m busy writing an eighth, it’s high time for me to share my experience with you.
In case you’ve forgotten, here are four of my novels:
But the one I’m working on is the third one in my disabled superhero series:
Villain’s Vacation ended on July 4th at a coaster park. What could I possibly do for a third novel? Go to summer camp. But what would make it more interesting? Make it a space camp. The Space Camp.
You’ve never heard of Space Camp? Watch the video.
That’s my first step for any novel. Have a premise, a theme. Here are three examples:
Zombie turkeys: the book writes itself.
My Undead Mother-in-law: what’s it like to have zombies in your family.
Paranormal Privateers: Zombie pirates.
What Is Novel Writing Like? My next step to writing a novel.
My next step is from many years ago: high school English 101: write an outline.
Here’s my outline format. I do this in Excel.
I plan out the whole novel, scene by scene. I’m pretty comfortable starting any book. I always introduce my characters. I don’t assume anyone knows anything. My goal is to make any novel readable without the previous novels.
Here’s the opening page:
“What are you doing, Jeremy?”
Startled, Jeremy looked up from his computer. His best friend, Dan Elanga, had slipped silently into their clubhouse, his laboratory, and office, in the basement of his home. His round, brown face smiled from behind him. Dan’s tall, wide frame formed a wall behind Jeremy’s chair. His dark glasses hid his blind eyes.
“I didn’t hear you come down the elevator.”
“I took the stairs. Your mom made cookies, so I came over. I could smell them from my house.”
“You mean, you could smell them from my mom’s thoughts?”
Secret Supers in Space, by Andy Zach
First Page Continued
“What are you doing, Jeremy?”
Startled, Jeremy looked up from his computer. His best friend, Dan Elanga, had slipped silently into their clubhouse, his laboratory, and office, in the basement of his home. His round, brown face smiled from behind him. Dan’s tall, wide frame formed a wall behind Jeremy’s chair. His dark glasses hid his blind eyes.
“I didn’t hear you come down the elevator.”
“I took the stairs. Your mom made cookies, so I came over. I could smell them from my house.”
“You mean, you could smell them from my mom’s thoughts?”
And your’s and your dad’s. You were all excited, so I couldn’t help myself from taking a sniff from your mom’s nose. I didn’t snoop any farther than that.”
“I know you respect everyone’s privacy with your mindreading power.”
“Except maybe yours. You did give me permission to read you anytime. But I haven’t read your mind about what you’re concentrating on. C’mon, tell your old friend Dan.”
“Don’t tell anyone. This is a secret. I want to surprise the Secret Supers.”
“Of course not. Now I’m dying to know!”
“I’m applying to Space Camp.”
“What’s Space Camp? I can hear the capital letters in your voice.”
“What’s Space Camp? It’s the greatest camp there is! We’re all bored out of our minds this August and we want to do something. Space Camp teaches you all about our space program. You learn about astronauts and rockets. You go on a centrifuge, and experience zero-G and moon gravity.
Secret Supers in Space, by Andy Zach
“I’ve got an outline; now what’s next?”
The first scene, the first page is most important. You must capture the reader’s interest or go home. I assumed most people didn’t know about space camp, so they’d be curious about it.
I also revealed the Secret Supers’ powers in the first chapter. That’s always fun. In case you don’t know:
- Jeremy Erickson – Telekenesis
- Dan Elanga – Mind reading
- Kayla Verdera – Thought and sensory projection into other minds
- Aubrey Wilcosky – Super Strength
What do I do next?
Write each scene. I try to get as clear of a picture of it as possible. That includes:
- Location
- Characters
- Point of view character
- Desired effect upon reader
The last is most important. You need a reason for the scene and something you’re going to accomplish. Try to always reveal more about the characters and more about the plot and the conflict. Increase tension and excitement.
You need this clarity so you can concentrate on the important features of the scene.
But there’s more.
What Is Novel Writing Like? What My Biggest Distraction?
First, try to guess. Let me know your guess and win a free ebook from me. Click here to give feedback.
My biggest distraction is also an essential part of the process.
It’s research. I don’t know everything I need to know. I knew very little about space camp. Before I could write, I had to learn a lot. I know more now. And as you learn, you must research more.
I learned about SpaceX, NASA, Cape Canaveral, and details about the ISS, the International Space Station.
We’re Not Done! Look out, Villains Ahead!
I had so much fun creating and writing about my villains in Villain’s Vacation, I decided to use them again in Secret Supers in Space. They’re up to no good and they’re worse than ever.
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