Novel Writing: 15,000 words!
I hit the 15,000 word mark on my novel-in-the-works Dragon’s Word (name likely to change based on where my novel is going) and it feels good!
One thing I struggle with most in novel writing is upping the stakes and explaining why my characters do a certain thing. I have a pretty decent outline of what goes on, so I know generally what’s gonna go down. But when I write, I end up realizing “hey… why ARE they there?”. I wish I could write heart-pounding chapters. Mastering this might just come with practice and tweaking.
My current — and possibly over-simplified and naive — goal is as follows:
- June 30, 2020: rough draft (>50,000 words) done
- July 31, 2020: polished draft done
- July 31, 2020: send out to beta readers (friends) wave 1
- August 31, 2020: polished draft based on beta readers sent to editor(s)
- September 30, 2020: polished draft based on editor(s) sent to beta readers wave 2
- October/November 2020: polishing, graphic designer work
- February 2021: release ebook
Obviously, this timeline is very flexible. In fact, as I write this, I would not be surprised at all if editing will take much longer than listed. I also imagine my beta readers have other stuff to do than read my book in August! So I may push off the editor send off until later. I also have to find a new job in October 2020. In any case, it just helps to see a timeline so I can keep myself accountable.
The more I write my novel, the more I feel my dream to publish a book is doable. I did a little more research on editor prices, ISBN prices, where to publish, etc. I think I have a game plan sketched out. Ever since COVID19, I started squirreling more money away (i.e. money from not going out to lunch, gas money, etc.) wherever I can so I can hopefully afford the costs.
I think one thing I’m mentally preparing myself for is the trolls in the Internet. Maybe not even just them — just people who will not enjoy my book. I have to tell myself that, even if people don’t like it, at least I finished what I set out to do. And some criticism can be beneficial. I know I’m critical about some authors and books, so it’s only fair. I’ll just be proud to publish a book and, if it could resonate in at least one reader, I would be over the moon. So I hope you enjoy what I write.
Also, a note about the events of the last week — I shy away from voicing political opinions. But there should be nothing divisive about Black Lives Matter, because their lives do matter, and we need to do better to address the bigotry and racism that plagues our country. There is no place for discrimination.