Loading ...
Trying to write my first novel
I never imagined I’d have enough social commentary to write until I was at least 50. But for the past year and a half, I’ve had it in my mind that I’m ready to start writing a novel. I figured, I can do it. I’ve lived a little now.
So I bought a beautiful A5 sized journal with a sturdy cover and excellent paper. The kind of paper you love running your hands over and watching an inky pen cozy into the indentations of its pages.
I had a number of mornings on the train to work in rapturous writing.I felt so energised the rest of the day. And surprised myself, rereading passages somedays, at how engaged I was in the task.
But a series of handwritten passages is a long way off from the first draft of your novel. I couldn’t envision myself getting over this hurdle and eventually, stopped writing entirely.
Looking back on it now, I realise my lack of vision was largely the problem.
But at the time, I didn’t know how to surmount this next hurdle and I let my dream to write a great beach-read novel die a little.
Getting back on the novel-writing track: finding my motivation
Until the end of 2009, when I knew I was going to quit my job. I decided to take a new step in action. I joined NaNoWriMo, and even convinced several friends to do the same. Support, I thought, was crucial. I was determined to finish 50 000 words.
I was doing well with this goal, but had to travel to North America partly through the month for a funeral. I tried to set aside time and kept a journal by my bed. But I only managed to finish the month at 30 000 words.
But the determination stuck with me. So I made a plan to write the other 30 000 words throughout February 2010. Leaving me March and April to edit the text.
All I keep thinking is how whole I felt when I was ‘in the zone’ and writing. I’d love to write a book people love to read. I keep thinking I want it to be suspenseful, make readers laugh and cry, a pure cathartic experience that all great books give.
I’m trying to keep this as my mantra.