For over two decades I have constructed plots, developed characters, revised, revised and revised again. I have dreamt of how my characters might look, sound, act and walk. Yes I feel I am confirmed with the disease, the one where you are destined to produce a published work. One day soon I will have the pure joy well up in me when I see my first published work.
Over time I have come to understand that authors write a series of books in the most part with a flagship character. At least the books I read and have read seem to follow this script. Authors like Tom Clancy, Vince Flynn and Andrew Peterson are my models and they have these iconic characters at the center of their novels. So when I dove into the NaNoWriNo pool last November I had delusions of grandeur about how that might work.
In truth when I started I had plans to have the MC be a different character. Halfway through I realized there was no way to make her the basis of a series, so I kind of stalled out. In the twelve months following I re-shuffled the plan and now I feel my franchise potential is much stronger. But what else is different this year? My prep is more robust. I have set myself on a path more likely to end in a win. And trust me, I need a win, very bad!
I also want to take the opportunity to connect with other novel writers so I can build a community to encourage and to receive encouragement from as we go through this adventure together. No matter how well-meaning friends and family are only another writer can truly understand the experience and the desire and days of anguish and doubt that comes along with the ride. Some people will believe the longer you go without a published work the less you want it. Well I can only speak for myself, but when and if I go into a bookstore I crave having my book on the shelf in a way like I crave not much else.
So there you go for a confession from an aspring novelist. If you are wanting someone to give you a good word along the way I promise to look in as often as I can. You can find me on the site here: Dobson
One last thing, whatever happens keep writing. There is too many bookstores with room on their shelves for us to ever stop. Fill those shelves!
Joe's Musings 