I have finished the final edit (I think) for my first novel, Taking Chances. I have ordered proofs of the paperback to ensure that everything comes out right in terms of the print, but it will also give me a chance to read it where I can read the book itself rather than sit there and critique my own work over and over again like I tend to do. I can sit back and (try) to simply enjoy the story.
I’ve been busy with work so unfortunately, so I haven’t had much time to write anything. I have ideas for a few stories brewing but have yet to put them down. I’m going to let them form a little more, let them simmer. I want to start another novel, but that’s a great undertaking that I’d like to have a formulated plot for before I sit down and wing it. It’s worked out for me before, but it can cause lots of writer’s block because you’re making things up on the fly rather than having at least an idea planned out.
I want to start another novel, but that’s a great undertaking that I’d like to have a formulated plot for before I sit down and wing it. It’s worked out for me before, but it can cause lots of writer’s block because you’re making things up on the fly rather than having at least an idea planned out. When I wrote papers for school, my best ones included some type of outline where I jotted down the ideas and points I wanted to hit. An outline for a novel I would make to hit the main scenes, plot information, character information, and the big stuff with a few little ones in there, and then write all the dialogue and get into the gritty of everything later when I go for the first draft.
I like the concept of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). I definitely want to take a crack at it at some point, although I do believe the daily word counts can be a little tough when you’re also trying to write something well. Stephen King said that the first draft of a novel should take you about three months. I agree with that. When I wrote Taking Chances, my goal was 500 words per day. Sometimes, it was tough, but it was easier to keep up with than Stephen King’s 10 pages a day. I’m not that prolific, but I sure would like to be.
I have a few ideas for my next novel. I’m tossing around some ideas. Maybe another in the genre of Taking Chances, or possibly a series, if I could pull that off. I’d probably start it as a novel and then see where it goes. I like the Jack Reacher novels by Lee Child, and how they are all their own individual novel but are technically part of a series, allowing new readers to pick up wherever they’d like. I would like to go that route, seems like it would be fun. A completely new story with each new book.
Anyway, the paperback for Taking Chances should be out within the next few weeks. I am still looking for a cover designer so if anyone would like to get in touch with me regarding designing a cover, or if you know anyone that could help, let me know! I’m in the market. After the paperback, I will work on formatting the Kindle Version for those who like to go digital. I hope you all enjoy the story and please share it with your friends and family. Being a self-published writer, word of mouth is really the only way that I can get my work out there to a mass audience. I’ll let you all know when it is ready for purchase!
Keep reading and enjoy Super Bowl Sunday!
Drew Schroeder 