In case you did not hear the racket I made Friday at approximately 4:32 pm, I finished writing my novel. I WROTE A BOOK! I can't stop exclaiming over it!
I wrote the last sentence and sat there for a second in shock. Then I cried. There's been a lot of celebrating going on and I don't plan on stopping any time soon. No matter what happens, I accomplished what I set out to do.
After the New Year, I'll begin editing and putting my book proposal together. Then I'll send it off to agents and see what happens. (Speaking of which, if there's an agent (that represents fiction) you'd recommend, please let me know.)
What happens after this is largely out of my control. But you guys, I did it. After decades of wanting to write a book, I did it.
I have been woefully behind on posting book reviews so here's one for your perusal.
Story Engineering- Larry Brooks
This is not typical BookSneeze fare so I counted it pure joy when I saw it listed as a review copy. I spent much of May and June reading books on writing. Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird changed my life a couple of years back and I decided it was time to read more about the craft.
Truly, with the exception of one other book, I could have saved the time and just read Story Engineering. Brooks breaks down what he considers the 6 core competencies of a successful story. We examine concept, character, theme, story structure, scene execution, and writing voice. Each section provides a framework for the writer. If these components are not in place, your story will not work. I've heard you shouldn't read writing books while you're actually writing your WIP but I did it anyway, spaced out over the past 5 months. Brooks' advice let me know when I was on the right path and challenged me to ensure I looked at my novel from every angle.
Because I conceived the arc of the story but developed each scene as I got there, it was important for me to keep this framework in mind. I used more of the tools the closer I got to the end and I already see how writing my second novel will be an easier process. If you write fiction, I can't recommend it enough.
Disclosure: this post contains Amazon affiliate links.
