I am part of a great writers’ group that meets weekly to critique members’ work and to support one another in our writing journey. We recently started a podcast to discuss writing craft. Our second episode is now live on YouTube.
Our question this week: “I’ve never written a novel before. Where do I start?”
I write a lot of short fiction. But for a shorter piece to be adapted into full length novel, I think it needs several important elements to sustain interest for 80,000 words.
- A compelling main character with a colossal problem
- A clear plot with high stakes
- An ending
- A theme
I have a lot more to say on these four points. And my colleagues on the podcast have other thoughts to add on where to start.
My partners on the podcast include (in alphabetical order):
- Avis Adams, an amazing published poet and YA writer whose novel is under consideration by an editor
- Carl Lee, a writer of paranormal fantasy – his first novel has also generated interest from an editor
- Melanie MacDonald, a mystery writer editing her first novel
- Wendy Kendall, the author of a published cozy mystery
Watch now at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4loqoY_7tBY&fbclid=IwAR2_MgvbbWRr4HMSBCEIqgV699WGr_xYL-ely-ryJ9YzuMrubXiHzd7a6vs&app=desktop
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