| If youve always wanted to write a novel, but | | | | poets I love to edit. Its the polishing of each |
| found the traditional structured process too | | | | scene, sculpting it to sail smoothly into the next |
| frightening or overwhelming, maybe your | | | | that gives me the greatest joy. |
| imagination works in a more organic fashion like | | | | In fact I am currently working on a new novel, |
| mine. In that case, start with your main character | | | | which is proving to be the most organic and |
| and the idea the character gives you for the plot. | | | | intuitive one Ive ever attempted, making it great |
| Then close your eyes, grab your notebook or | | | | fun to write. All I started with this time was the |
| computer, and watch the main character. Sooner | | | | main character and her cats. She never told me |
| or later she or he will begin talking and moving | | | | her idea for a plot, so I just followed her around, |
| around. When that happens, start writing! I | | | | writing down her thoughts, words, and actions as |
| guarantee what you hear and see will thoroughly | | | | she moved from scene to scene. Suddenly, other |
| surprise and delight you. | | | | characters appeared, and exciting subplots began |
| Even though my books are considered literary | | | | to emerge. |
| novels, Ive always admired the mysteries of | | | | Now I am six chapters into this novel. The first |
| Tony Hillerman, and the way he laces his novels | | | | five chapters have already been published or |
| with information about the Native American tribes | | | | accepted by literary journals, because I always |
| in his area. I call books like these info novels, and | | | | submit each finished chapter as a short story to |
| they are great fun if youve never read one. That | | | | gain publication credits for the novel. Yet the main |
| is also a goal I try to achieve with my Occult | | | | character still hasnt revealed the plot to me. No |
| novels. With these Ive been able to weave | | | | problem. This novel seems to be following its own |
| information about contemporary Pagan life, as well | | | | organic, information-rich course, and those whove |
| as real spells, chants, or rituals throughout every | | | | read several of these chapters have enjoyed |
| chapter. This series also provides a wonderful | | | | them immensely and cant wait to find out what |
| opportunity to add data of interest to my women | | | | happens next. Me too! |
| readers about holistic healing, feral cat rescue, | | | | Dont let fear stop you from writing the novel |
| perimenopause, fibroids, and much more. | | | | thats been bubbling around in your imagination for |
| Anyone who would like to undertake a big project | | | | days, months, or years. Most of all, dont let a lack |
| like a first novel should know the sky is the limit. | | | | of money or education stop you. I never took a |
| If organic structure development, experimental | | | | writing class, and nineteen years later Ive |
| formats, and info novels appeal to you, go for it! | | | | published more than thirty poetry books and |
| Dont worry if your ideas differ from the | | | | novels. My poems and short stories have |
| traditional novel. And dont be afraid to seed your | | | | appeared in over seven hundred literary journals, |
| novel with information. Just make sure it occurs | | | | magazines, and anthologies worldwide. How did I |
| naturally within the flow of the storyline. For good | | | | do it? I used what was available to me. I found |
| examples, read the info novels written by | | | | my high school and college grammar books and |
| novelists who excel in this form. | | | | studied those. And then I read the poetry books |
| Also, dont let your first draft scare you, because | | | | and novels of writers I admire, and thats how I |
| all first drafts tend to be utterly frightening. A first | | | | learned to write. |
| draft has only one purpose: its the place where | | | | Sometimes if your mind works in an organic |
| you put your ideas down on paper. The editing of | | | | fashion this may be the best way to tackle your |
| the first draft is where the magic happens. When | | | | first novel. Then all youll need to do is let go, give |
| I create the first draft of each chapter, it is an | | | | total control to an imaginary character who lives |
| exhilarating experience. A real adrenaline rush! But | | | | in your head, listen to what she or he says, and |
| I am first and foremost a poet, and like most | | | | start writing! |