This is going to be a very rambly post, all haphazard and out-of-control, which is a bit like my life at the moment. I always knew that starting a new job was going to play havoc with my writing (and blogging, and . . .) routine -- well, let's face facts, my routine is completely … Continue reading In which I ramble
Struck by an IDEA
Ever since the conclusion of the WriMoFoFo challenge in mid-July, my writing productivity has declined somewhat. This is partially due to the fact that I'm hunting for a job (a time-consuming and mind-numbing process), but mostly due to my decision to edit/revise/expand the opening section of this new novel and the conviction that there has … Continue reading Struck by an IDEA
Endless editing conundrum
I've thought of another argument against showing your WIP to your writing group: it instills a desire to spend time fine-tuning chapters that shouldn't really be fine-tuned until the entire draft is written. I mean, what's the point in wasting all that time fine-tuning material that you'll probably need to revise later anyway? But, the thing … Continue reading Endless editing conundrum
The WIP and the writing group
This week's musings (a day late, sorry) surround feedback on novel manuscripts -- as in how to get the most out of it. I don't know about other writers, but I rather like to share my work. I'm not necessarily talking about a critical appraisal here, I'm talking about just having it read. In fact, … Continue reading The WIP and the writing group
Rough draft or solid opening?
After a fairly solid month of writing, I've produced an opening chunk of the new novel project. It's rather rough in parts (as previously noted), but I'm starting to feel the story take shape. The decision now is whether to keep going with a literally rough draft, or whether to dive back into the opening … Continue reading Rough draft or solid opening?
Where to start? The first chapter
Being in the early stages of a new novel, I've been thinking a lot about openings and first chapters. They are both essential to get right for different reasons: the opening (first couple of paragraphs) needs to immediately engage the reader, while the first chapter kicks off the story and generally provides the hook. Most writers spend a phenomenal amount … Continue reading Where to start? The first chapter
E V Gregory 