Monday, April 16, 2012

A to Z Blogging Challenge: N is for...


...Novel!

For my entries in the 2012 A to Z Challenge, I will be focusing on writing elements that I find important and that I want to incorporate into my work.

Today, the topic is NOVEL

As an aspiring writer, here’s a less-than-novel thing for me to say: “I’m working on a novel.”

Big surprise -- which aspiring writer isn’t?

I love short stories and have written quite a few, and some might actually make it into publication – eventually.  But there’s still something about writing a whole book that will make me feel like a “real” writer.

And I wonder why that is. 

Is it the length?  The fact that I will stick with it and complete something that should end up being around 100,000 words?  Or is it the length of time it’s taken me?  Almost two years and counting and it’s still not done -- although if I added up the word count of all the different unfinished versions it would be over 100k, so maybe that counts?

I’m not sure, but I think it’s because that was what initially pulled me into trying my hand at writing – to create a book based on a story idea I had floating around.  Since then I’ve expanded my interests and have also moved into short stories and I know I’m a much better writer because of it.

But I still want to finish that book.  It may never get published; it may never sell.  But I want to have at least seen it through from idea to completed rough draft to finished manuscript.

Too bad this A-to-Z Blogging Challenge has virtually dried up my free writing time and I’m getting almost nothing done on it during April, LOL!

How about you?  Has the novel bug bitten you, too?

Thanks for visiting -- see you the rest of this month for more alphabetical fun!

Don't forget to visit HERE to see all the bloggers taking part in this A-to-Z challenge, and try to drop in on as many of them as you can!

6 comments:

Tyrean Martinson said...

The novel bug has bitten me more than once. I've made at least a half dozen starts at different novels, and have three full rough drafts, and one that's in the
fourth revision stage. It's work, but it's worth it. I hope that when I'm done with this revision that I feel ready to query.

Simon Kewin said...

The novel bug has certainly bitten. Actually I've written two. One is out on submission and the other is, well, let's just say I'll have some exciting news soon!

Georgina Morales said...

I keep trying to finish my second novel but things are always getting in my way. As of this moment, I don't have time because, like you, I'm dedicated to the challenge. I hope once may rolls around I'll start making strong advancements toward that 70K goal.

Thanks for commenting on my blog.
From Diary of a Writer in Progress

Tonja said...

I like writing novels - they are like large, complex, multi-dimensional puzzles that I can change at will. It's fun. And it is a huge accomplishment to finish one.

Nicole said...

I think novels give more of a chance to explore characters, worlds and stories on a deeper level. For me, they draw me in much more than short stories.

StratPlayerCJF said...

@ALL: Sorry for the delay in responding. Been swamped lately! Please know that my lack of response does NOT mean that I don't appreciate your visit and comment. I actually do very much!!!

@Tyrean: I hear you! I'm hoping to finish my novel -- at least a complete draft -- soon (this year?).

@Simon: Excellent!!! I'll keep my eyes eagerly open for the news!

@Gina: Yep. April has been a blogathon. May will be much more focused on actual writing! (I hope...)

@Tonja: It is a HUGE accomplishment. And so far, for me, only a distant goal, lol!

@Nicole: I agree. I love writing and reading short stories, but when I settle in to do "real" reading, it's always a novel.