11/63’ish chapters tidied up.

This last one I’m not as happy with, but I’m not at the ‘perfecting’ stage yet.

That’s next draft.

#neverendingwork
#buildinpublic

9/63 chapters readied for second draft.

Some are easy. Some require me to rewrite almost the entire chapter.

I ask myself if what I’ve written is good every single time.

🤷‍♂️

#buildinpublic

Chapter 8 of 63 tidied up for the second draft of my first novel.

After that, I take a month-long vacation.

Then on to my third draft.

It’s a long road, but I’m takin’ it.

#buildinpublic

Ever read a crappy book over and over and over again?

I’m talking, like, 100 times. Maybe more.

That’s what it’s like writing a book.

#firstdraftproblems
#buildinpublic

A long time ago I learned a screenwriting technique.

It ruined most television for me, so read about this at your peril.

Early in the story, the hero will be revealed by either saving a baby, or something like a baby.

You can never unlearn this.

I’m sorry.

#buildinpublic

What if instead of saving the baby, my hero kills it?

Is he still redeemable?

What if he just gives it away? Is that acceptable?

Hm. Maybe I’m not writing a hero’s journey after all.

#buildinpublic

I was asked a wonderful question by the great @zkmaxi_ in regards to writing a novel in #buildinpublic

“How do you keep up the stamina?”

He asked another question, but just answering this one has led me to a thread, so I’ll tackle that next time.

Here’s my take 🧵

What do ya’ll want to know about writing a book?

What would you want to read about on Twitter?

#buildinpublic

First impressions matter.

Any time your reader meets an important character, their entrance needs to leave a lasting impression.

Motivation. Morality. Flaw.

Whatever.

When the scene ends, your reader should remember that character’s name.

#buildinpublic
#writinginpublic

All I ever wanted to do was write books.

But I was given advice when I was young.

Get a day job.

It’s hard to make a living as a novelist.

Unless you get lucky, but most don’t.

Plus, acquiring skills makes your writing better.

#buildinpublic
#writinginpublic

I’m 34.

I had been writing the same book since I was 13 years old.

Then two years ago I decided to write something different.

It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made.

But it turned out to be the best thing I ever did.

It made me a better writer.

#buildinpublic

Can I use #buildinpublic to talk about the process I’m using to bring the #firstdraft of my novel to the level of polish it needs to get published?