I never have a problem with ideas. I have them coming out of my ears and the pile of "to be written" novel folders teetering on my writing desk attest to that. Must be at least a dozen waiting patiently in the wings. I get excited about which one to start next but there is always one that "calls" to me more strongly than the others to be written. This time it will be another outback novel set in the largest state of Western Australia in Oz, a region rich in vast grazing properties and mining.
The story would just not take off in my mind until I thought more deeply about each of the main characters and realised that my heroine was too flat. She soon came to life when it eventuated that she was Irish. So I have the lovely opportunity to use my overseas travel inspiration in Ireland some years ago and my husband's family heritage from Rathdrum in County Wicklow as the link for my heroine in my story.
Done. Well, not quite. The story still has to be written.
I came across an article recently about writing with passion. It suggested authors write about things that you are personally passionate about. Makes sense because you can draw on what you already know and impart that enthusiasm into your writing. If you have a passion, ten to one you will know quite a lot about it. So I made a list and will gradually introduce each of my interests in future novels.
Then there is the plotting and planning which I personally need to do before beginning any project and certainly in the novels I write.
Pacing is another issue to keep the story flowing and interesting for the reader. This is achieved of course with lots of questions to be answered. Also helped by movement and dialogue with perhaps only a couple of paragraphs of narrative in order that the pace does not slow down. Then there is possibly a time element for urgency or a quest that a character needs solved. In a mystery maybe also the pressure of being on the run. I've realised that I also toss in some kind of deception or secret that is gradually revealed.
Lots to think about and lots of words to get down on paper. But I love it. I can't imagine doing anything else and when the current project is nearing completion, I find myself looking eagerly ahead to the next. "Outback Kingdom", here I come.
As a teaser, I am putting up the eBook cover for my latest story, "Grace's Cottage". I hope you love the image and promise it conveys as much as I do.
I love the cover, Noelene - it's beautiful. I had to laugh, because I read your post without my glasses on and thought you said, 'The story wouldn't take off because my heroine was too fat' - it was only when I re-read it that a realised you had said 'flat'!
ReplyDeleteLooks kovely Noelene. I like the way you say you have a heap of stories waiting to be written. I think I'm pretty much the same, though after 47, it's getting more difficult to think of different ways of writing similar plots. It's a matter of what the good old editor wants at the time. I write somehting I think is interesting or exciting and the editor says "no thanks we've just done that with someone else!" Not that it happens too often but occasionally. It's also interesting to to hear that you live in Western Australia ... not too many of us do so you have plenty of material to go on, I'm sure. Good luck with the next one anyway. I shall look forward to reading it. Love Chrissie
ReplyDeleteChrissie, I may never get them all written but they're patiently waiting until I get to them. :) I don't live in Western Australia, that's just where my next story will be set but I realise I've written it ambiguously so will edit it.
DeleteHi Noelene - so there really is somewhere called Oz, I never realised! I would love to go to Australia - maybe one day. Also, fascinating to hear about the essential elements you put into your books. It was almost like reading a list of cake ingredients. I think we all have our own 'formula' but of course it's all in the execution, how you put all those things together and add other 'flavours' as you make up the finished product. Good luck with the writing of your latest and I think the Irish element with all that history and chilliness is a lovely contrast to Australia the newer country and steaming hot! Cara
ReplyDeleteMaybe not so much a formula, as such, Cara but things I like to remember to put in. And I don't always put them all in every novel. Each story is different as we all know and dictates what's needed usually. Thank goodness. :)
DeleteI love the fact that you have a folder of plot ideas for future novels, because it's exactly what I do. I only wish I could write them up as quickly as I dream them up.
ReplyDeleteLovely, dreamy cover image, Noelene. I'm looking forward to reading that one.
I have one file for each novel idea I want to write. When I get a flash of inspiration for another one, a snatch of dialogue or idea for a scene etc., I madly scribble down everything that comes to mind and start up another file. That's why I said the pile is teetering ... it keeps getting higher!! :)
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