Hi friends, I have one rule for a drafting a novel. Seriously, just one: keep going until I get to the end. That’s it. When I drafted my first novel, I had the great fortune of working with J. Robert Lennon via an independent study at Cornell, where he teaches creative writing. I’m a staff member at CU and our greatest benefit is that we get to sit in on undergrad courses, as long as the prof is okay with it. I’d taken one of John’s classes and we hit it off, and suddenly there I was writing my first novel with his extremely generous mentorship.
It takes the right kind of security to create a “welcome mess” but it’s a great feeling when you do. There’s always more than one way to save a cat. ;-)
This gives me courage to break my pattern (not so much a rule) of believing the whole project is screwed if I don't know the ending when I begin. Well, I don't know what happens beyond the first act of my novel in progress, but I'm going to keep working on it!
It takes the right kind of security to create a “welcome mess” but it’s a great feeling when you do. There’s always more than one way to save a cat. ;-)
the right kind of security in your story... I meant to say.
:) Thanks so much, Jay! I'm always so inspired by the #5amwritersclub, everyone putting it all out there—the struggles and the wins.
This gives me courage to break my pattern (not so much a rule) of believing the whole project is screwed if I don't know the ending when I begin. Well, I don't know what happens beyond the first act of my novel in progress, but I'm going to keep working on it!
Yes! Sending all the love and support!
I always appreciate your sharing, Jennifer. Your honesty and vulnerability with revealing your process help me with my own process.
Thanks so nice to hear, Ellen! I always love hearing from you too—and seeing pics of the horses. I hope your writing is going well!