365: How to Start a Novel (and keep going) Episode 365

I did a call with a writer this week who really is just getting started, with a few short stories finished and dreams of the future, and after we talked at probably unnecessary length about the fundamental truth that writing is hard and you have to actually DO it, not just think about it and plan for it, so annoying, she asked me how I start a new project*. 

This episode is my answer, pretty much—because I’ve just done exactly that. My first outline document for the book I’m working on is dated 2/15; I opened a scrivener doc in March, there were 3 chapters in early April and I’m heading to the finish line on the first draft as I write (which would be quite fast for me so please do note that it’s a very very very first draft). 

So I have just started. Here’s how.

And here are links to last year’s Blueprint for a Book series, in which Jennie Nash and I talked about all the stages of starting all the things:

Find Your Why: Blueprint for a Book Step 1

What's Your Point? Blueprint for a Book Step 2

Who Will Read My Book? Know Your Market: Blueprint for a Book Step 3

Your Jacket Copy is Your Promise to the Reader: Blueprint for a Book Step 4

There Must Be Change: Blueprint for a Book Step 5

What's the Structure of Your Narrative? Blueprint for a Book Step 6

How to Drive that Narrative Forward: Blueprint for a Book Step 7

One Outline to Rule Them All (Even if You Hate Outlining): Blueprint for a Book Step 8

But Does this Book Work? Blueprint for a Book Step 9

How to Go From Planning a Book to Writing One: Blueprint for a Book Step 10

And—starting next week—a whole summer series on getting the IDEA, refining it, testing it, poking it and revising it. You’re gonna love it. 

*And then she asked how to get an agent because… we are who we are, and everyone asks that!

LINKS

The Idea: The Seven Elements of a Viable Story for Screen, Stage or Fiction, Erik Bork

Save the Cat Writes a Novel, Jessica Brody

Blueprint for a Book, Jennie Nash

#AmWriting Prewriting Episode 178 #WriteFaster

Rachael Herron’s How Do You Write Podcast episode 376 with David Ellis

If you love a good writing retreat—especially one that comes with good solid coaching and the chance to meet others who are working on similar projects—here’s one to check out. This fall, three Author Accelerator certified book coaches are offering Mainely Memoir, a retreat for women writers in historic Biddeford, Maine, held over three days in the gorgeous Maine woods in September, with one-on-one coaching both before and after the retreat. It’s the perfect opportunity to give yourself the gift of time and focus so that you can make real progress on your memoir this year. Find out more at www.mainelymemoir.com

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