![]() ![]() I can’t seem to tell the most horrific story without humor, and later writing my second novel made me realize that yes, I do have a voice, a style, a way of going about things that make me unique, no matter the subject. I have three acts, a beginning, a middle, and an end. There are some things I have realized make me, ME, as a writer. It’s fun to see what’s left as you tick them off, eventually down to a few for your grand finale. These are the things I organize into my list, and cross out as I get them down on paper. Woody Allen has a bureau drawer full of little gems on various size pieces of paper and napkins, everything. I can’t tell you how often I got a light bulb in my head, and said, “I’ll remember that it’s too important.” Nope, you’ll forget, as I have, whole scenarios to fix where I’m stuck. Always have a way to get these ideas down immediately, even if you have to pull over. This is where life experiences, other people’s struggles, stories you get wind of, bits of conversation, unusual philosophies of people, and many of life’s tasty tid-bits come into play. Now, even though it was based on a job I had actually had, don’t be discouraged if you don’t know what to write about, how to fill your pages. I was discussing the lists I come up with, basically of scenes I foresaw being useful and entertaining in my long story. She told me that 90 thousand words was considered the sweet spot, and a few other things about her career (pre-the blockbuster smash Behind Her Eyes). Thank goodness the answer was not “bugger off.” At the time I knew her as one of the Horror writers who had a few novels in the “Leisure” line of books, like many of my favorite authors. I knew the mag was legit so I at least felt like a writer in the making in getting over the shyness in talking to her. I had only gotten out a few short stories by then and had one published at Albedo One over in Ireland. I did not know, for instance, how many words constituted a novel. I took a big chance in PMing her with some initial questions, and she so kindly and graciously answered me. In the early days of Facebook, one of the few people I was accepted by, whom I felt was light years ahead of me, was the wonderful British author Sarah Pinborough. If you were as clueless as I was when I began, I hope these journals may be of some help. I am continuing the journey into writing my very first novel, for those who may have interest. Okay readers, now get off my back you sex machines! I tried to make it feel natural in that the reason was that the present plot was ramping up and we needed to stay there. I ended up deciding to lay them out concurrently and when the past ran out, so be it, we’re staying in the present now. As a completely anal bastard, I was also very upset that my past plot was not equal in length to my present it was much shorter. “I thought he said she was short?” So, here's where you’re incredibly careful about WHAT needs to come before WHAT, and WHAT cannot be mentioned before THIS in your PRESENT plot. ![]() Also big was that nothing gave conflicting information. I had to be meticulous that in unfolding the past, I was not giving away too much information that would be a spoiler in the present. You with me? That was probably my biggest challenge in writing this first tome. That timeline was pure flashbacks of a PAST era, which I wanted progressing concurrently with my PRESENT storyline. I had a progression loosely in mind for these scenes as well, as THIS had to happen before THIS, which had to happen before THIS. I know many seasoned writers are saying, “but I make it ALL up.” I know, bear with me. Now we come to the parts of my novel that did not involve the employment that was so close my own experience the made-up fantasy/supernatural/horror. ![]() I may come to a work eventually where I don’t want these devices but thus far it is not the case. I always feel this is important closure for the reader. I also like an epilogue that wraps what is up with the characters a while after the trauma of act three. When they can catch their breaths, the reader will hopefully be hooked as to where it all is leading. I had my horror novel open with a symphony of violence and battle from the long past. I enjoy this when other writers do them and I think that way, too. Thus far I have had a prologue and an epilogue wrapped around the beginning and end of my three acts. Also, I do enjoy giving each act a title I love that. Try them in different spots and see if it works out. One or two may be puzzling, “where do I want that to happen, before or after THIS?” If they are that baffling, you may wind up deciding there’s no home for them, that they do not advance your plot. You’d be surprised at how naturally, if you have familiarity with plot progression, these scenes seem to tell you where they fit in the novel’s timeline. ![]()
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