The Writing Game

Attended an all day session yesterday: Write a novel in a month.  Sponsored by the Smithsonian Associates, their programs are a treat given to those of us who live in Washington DC and its surrounds. It's a good reason to stay here if you like culture, travel and interesting topics.  

Although the title of the session was somewhat misleading (the target is actually a rough draft, not a ready to publish novel), our instructor, Kathryn Johnson, an author and mentor to other writers, provided an articulate no-nonsense approach to fiction writing. 

She calmly mesmerized the sold out roomful of 80 some would be writers with an approach to tackling fiction that makes it all possible, assuming you have decent writing skills and the discipline to write when you don't want to.  There were many of us "gray hairs", but there were also younger folks, a most pleasant surprise. Many had not begun a novel, struggling with what to write about.  There was even a copyright lawyer who provided some sound advice at the end.

We reviewed writing concepts, like finding where to begin, targeting audience and genres; selecting and developing points of view, characters, and focus; creating and sustaining conflict; the critical importance of balance of action and dialogue over exposition; and creative ways to write and publish in the 21st century.  

Much of this I had learned in other classes, but I was duly inspired to spend two hours this sunny Sunday afternoon, typing away on my laptop at the dining room table, writing a scene for a suspense mystery (I'm not sure how many bodies, if any, are involved yet.)  For the first time, I was able to let go of reality, to begin to weave new cloth.  It was a relief to know I can do it.  Now, I just need to turn 1000 words into something like 80-85,000 words.  Simply, that mean lots and lots of work ahead for me.

I am putting aside the rewrite of my first attempt, a somewhat disguised story about six months sailing to and in the Bahamas in my early 40s), written 10 years ago.  That adventure could become the foundation of a good fiction, but I now know my "fiction skills" are not up to snuff as yet. Translating reality to fiction is really, really difficult when it's one's personal story and most of one's writing up to now has been non-fiction books and articles.   My first job is to prove to myself I can write page turning fiction with competence and confidence.  

Here's the plan to keep me writing until I "get it".

• Write 1.5-2 hours per day, six days per week no matter where I am
• Write the rough draft quickly as possible, ignoring that major revisions will probably be needed by the end.
• Write as if I am watching a movie in my head.
• Don't be afraid to write about things you wouldn't tell your grandchildren.
• Don't get bogged down in research.  It's easier than writing.  
• Keep reading other people's books, especially the genres you are working in.

For those of you out there who are professional story tellers already, I have great admiration for you and hope I can join your clan eventually.