January 15, 2009
For me, as a writer, there’s nothing more exciting in life than being about to start a new fiction project…and that’s where I am right now. As I write this post, I’m on the brink of starting a new novel. It’s a book that’s been a long time coming, actually. I came up with the idea at a proposal writing workshop in Oregon back in 2005. I liked it so much that I always kept it on the short list of books I wanted to write at some point; it got pushed back a few times, but now it’s finally made it to the front of the line. Over the past few months, I’ve had new ideas about the novel and made notes about what I wanted to do with it. This week, I kicked the effort into high gear, developing a rough outline and character profiles. And now, finally, I’m almost ready to start writing…almost ready to start hitting the keys.
What a feeling it is to be almost ready to embark on another story. It’s a joyful feeling, because I feel this whole world of people and events out there, and I know I’ve just scratched the surface…and soon they’ll come pouring out. It’s also a burdensome feeling, because I know I’ll be locked into heavy writing for the next three to four months, putting aside simpler pleasures to force myself through what I know will be at least in part a torturous process. Finally, it’s a terrifying feeling, because I wonder if the end result will be any good, if it will come out on paper resembling the glorious vision in my head…and of course I wonder if it will sell. Will I manage to get it published, or will my time in the writing chair have been wasted?
Ultimately, though, I know my fears and reluctance are things to be set aside, that the joy of creating a new world and a big new story supersedes all other considerations. And the act of writing is itself a reward. Even if this new project never makes it to the big show, I know the process of crafting it will have enriched me in ways that nothing else in life ever can.
So here we go. A few more notes, a few more points on the outline, and we’re off to the races! My goal is set: I’ve pledged to start writing the new book no later than Saturday, January 17. Even if all I put on paper are 100 words, or 50, or 20, I pledge to put something on the first page, because I know: once you get those first few words down, the story will force you to write it. There’s no turning back.
So wish me luck as I get rolling on this new adventure. See you tomorrow!
