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Beginning That First Novel

© Kelli Brooke Haywood

As you may have guessed by looking at my articles, I'm primarily a writer of short fiction. As recently as six months ago, I couldn't imagine myself thinking of a piece in a larger, novel-type, scope. About a month ago, that all changed. I don't really know what it was, but I got a feeling that I should work on something larger. I felt that I was finally ready for it.

For years, I had worked with short stories. I wanted to sharpen my skill with short fiction -- things I could handle as a growing writer. Then, there came an idea that was beyond the page limits of short fiction. I got the idea that I realized would only be good if I developed it fully. I had to take it everywhere it could go. I'm sure some of you have had more than one idea like this.

The first thing I did was to doubt my ability. I had never tried to write more than thirty pages before. I didn't know if I could pull it off. Then, when I realized I had to, I got scared. It would be a huge project. It could last for a long time. Would I have the stamina?

After I convinced myself that I really wanted to try it, and that I was ready as a writer to push onward, I talked about my idea with a friend. Now, I didn't just tell them about it. I went in to every detail that I could possibly imagine. (Of course, I had to recruit a very close friend. An acquaintance won't be as good a listener.) Talking to this friend helped me to gain control over the idea. It helped me to place it in a chronological order. I better understood my mission as a novelist. I had to retell that story in even more detail on paper.

When I began writing my novel, I began like I would any other piece. I had a decent opening line. I decided to approach it in short spurts. I would write out an episode thoroughly as they came. Some of the time I am working on the end of the novel and sometimes I work with the beginning. The in between should come real soon. It's really strange, but I have a feeling it will be the hardest part.

The thing I like most about working with my novel, is that I am getting to spend a lot of time with my characters. Also, I was ready for a challenge. How many of you are working on your first novel? It is a really exciting experience for me. I would like to talk with everyone who is in the process of writing a novel, or has written one. Post advice or experiences on the message board. Let's get some good discussion going on this topic. We need support for these big projects. Keep writing!