The Times They Are A Changing

A little over three years ago I finished a novel. It was my second, as I considered my first a “practice novel.” Even though it was practice, I really liked some parts of it and some of the characters. So, not all was lost as I dip back into that novel as I write new ones. The second novel was to be the first of a series of mystery novels with a female heroine (protagonist). These type of novels are sometimes called “Chic Lit.” It sits completed, but I’m not entirely happy with it. Yet writing fiction is the most fun I’ve ever had. I decided that I would start this novel anew and make changes as I go along with your support and help.

I will be starting the novel just as I had the first time with the very first step. I will show you how I completed the story piece by piece or with as much as I kept of the different steps. In this way, anyone that is interested in writing their first novel or starting one with the same framework I use, can do so. If you want to post your novel on your own blog, we can make a list of URLs and give support, ideas and critique to each other.

I will post, regarding the novel, once a week. I will try to make that on Fridays for consistency’s sake. The rest of the time I will blog on other subjects, as I have.

So, the way I start a novel is to write a paragraph or two that tells what the novel will be about. Short and sweet, that’s the beginning of the yellow-brick road. Choose a subject matter that you know at least something about. Your personal experience will make the story credible. Don’t worry if it’s not exactly how you want it, it will grow and season with color and texture as you continue.

After being fired from the last of a string of dead-end jobs, Zillah Bluestone is convinced by her mother to move back home in order to finish her education. Just as she began her fourth year of college she found herself pregnant. She was excited at first, she and her young man had discussed their lives together. However, children were not in his and he soon disappeared. Brought up to be ruthlessly independent, Zillah exhibited this quality (flaw) now by refusing any help from her parents.

While getting situated in her childhood home and job hunting for yet another waitressing job, Zillah gets to know Braden “Brady” McFadden as she helps him set up a part time teacher’s resource internet site. With Zillah’s deeply buried trust issues, she pulls away from Brady when he gets too close. But something else has grown out of this new relationship. Apparently word has gotten out, thanks to Brady, that she is a genius in starting up new businesses. She receives a call from Andi Harmon, who is opening an abstract art gallery in an artsy town west of the Oregon Cascades. For a fee that an out of work, single mother can’t refuse, she hires Zillah as a Small Business Consultant.

This is a good beginning. No, we don’t know what the mystery is yet. But, I’ll tell you a few secrets. If you trust, the story will tell you. Another secret is to not try too hard and don’t expect it to be perfect right-off-the-bat. You will have plenty of chances to go back and make changes or add things in. A third secret is to use the “What if” game. When you get stuck, even at the beginning, try the “what if” question to your story. I certainly would love to have you write with me. You might be tempted to write your novel in secret, but I would hope you would be bold and share with us. The best ideas come from fresh eyes, reading your work.

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