When I started writing my current novel manuscript back at the beginning of June, I also started keeping a writing journal. On the first few pages I scribbled down the basic premise and broad story overview, a preliminary list of major turning points, and a list of major characters. After that, I started keeping almost daily … Continue reading Why I keep a Writing Journal
WriMoFoFo writing challenge
The SuperNOVA writers group is undertaking a writing challenge at the moment. It's inspired by the well-known NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), when writers attempt to splurt out a 50,000 word novel during the 30 days of November. But since this is just, well, CRAZY, we've evened out the odds a little. Our WriMoFoFo (Write … Continue reading WriMoFoFo writing challenge
Changing direction
Well, fate snickered at me a week ago when, despite my earlier upbeat words about targets and optimising the wordmachine, production came to a grinding halt. Sparks flew and wheels screeched as the brakes were slammed on in response to my sudden realisation that the MS I was working on was not the MS I should be working … Continue reading Changing direction
That elusive ending
I have spent a vast chunk of today staring at the computer screen, trying to come up with an appropriate and satisfying ending to this novel. I think I've written (by which I mean retained) exactly 200 words. I began the day well -- up pre-dawn for a walk along Brighton/Elwood beach with a friend to … Continue reading That elusive ending
My novel is about . . .
I'm going to ask for some feedback now. (This could be the moment you've all been waiting for . . .) One of the most important means by which writers pitch their stories is by having a 'one sentence summary' of the work. This is so that if we're ever asked 'what's your novel about?' by someone … Continue reading My novel is about . . .
Problem chapter
I'm currently working on the chapter that leads up to the climax of my novel, and I'm finding it rather a challenge to get it right. I've written the events that need to take place, but the pacing is all wrong. At this stage, the pressure screws should be tightened to near-screaming point, and the reader … Continue reading Problem chapter
Birth
I am nearing the end of the second draft of my novel, which is the first in a fantasy series of two, possibly three novels. It's an exciting time, because soon I will have a manuscript that will be ready for people to read. It's also a daunting time for the very same reason. The thought of someone reading … Continue reading Birth
Ellen Gregory 