My Writing Ramblings: Back to the Planning Board

I really want to be a writer. I want to write a novel that I can be proud of. This is what is constantly going through my head at all times. That is when my lack of confidence sweeps in and gives those words a slap and tells it to be quiet (this is the constant battle in my head.) This week, I have been really trying to overcome this huge attack of no confidence and get down to planning my novel, the book I have been trying to write for so long.

There have been a few distractions this week. I have been working nights with the day job which does a very good job at making me feel like a zombie like vampire with permanent jet-lag. Therefore all I want to do is lie in bed snuggled up under the duvet and watch endless episodes of Once Upon a Time and Friends (my current obsessions.) This type of mood does not lend itself to being productive with writing my book.

Aside from my lack of energy due to working 12 hour night shifts, my main problem when writing is the way I disrespect my first draft. I don’t give it a chance and I don’t allow it to be the one thing it needs to be which is to be absolute rubbish and a complete mess.
I recently attended the RNA’s annual conference and attended a session run by the brilliant Julie Cohen. Hearing her speak about how much of a wreck her first draft usually is and how that was fine with her really did make me feel better about my own. It gave me a new perspective on things.

I did not get anything sent in for the RNA’s New Writers Scheme this year (it’s a long story,) so I am doubly determined to not let this be the case next year. The feedback I have received in previous years is that I don’t seem to know my characters well or where my story is going which have been very fair comments.

As someone who has little experience of writing, I have always worried that the time I spend planning my book is wasted – I should be writing my novel surely? I would like to think I am one of these writers that can write with only an idea of where they want it to go but the more I try to write this book, the more I realise that I am not one of these writers. I do need to have a detailed idea of my plot and I need a clear idea of whom my characters are. I can’t write my book without an idea where it is going and you know what, that’s OK.

This week, I have gone back to the beginning. I have archived (not deleted) all the writing I have done and I have returned to planning. That has been my main focus. I have enjoyed it more than I thought I would and the more I get to know my characters, the more I feel as though I am making new friends (yes, they do count.) It was also an excuse to go out and buy a brand new notebook; a new notebook for a new start and any excuse to buy a notebook.

I have been primary using my notebook and Ready Set Novel. If you need some guidance as to what to focus on, this book is great by the way. This is how I have been studying my characters and then once they are in place in my head, I can move onto developing the plot a bit more.

Most importantly, I feel focused. What tips do you have for planning?

Until next week writing people.

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.