In the Fall of 2013 I decided to write a novel. Why? Because I didn't like where my life was at, but I didn't know what I wanted to do, and I would get bored. An idea hit. I figured if C.S. Lewis could write The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe for his goddaughter, why couldn't I write a novel for my niece and nephew? Little did I know the journey this little thought would set me on.
I don't expect to ever be as talented as Lewis or match his level of skill, but I have learned a lot in a few short months. My original intention of writing for my niece and nephew morphed into a strong desire to be published. I started to research more about the mechanics of novel writing, and I found a few good friends who have pointed me in the right direction. Just when I thought I had my first novel ready to submit to agents, I had one of those "aha" moments. The novel was okay but nothing more, and I knew I could do better. I scrapped the entire manuscript and started over. That was in January of this year.
I completed my new rough draft by the end of March when I attended a writer's conference. Since then, I have worked with an editor on a portion of it and have also received a couple of critiques. For many who have tried to write a novel, this might seem fast, but I devote hours each and every day to working on the manuscript. I am determined. One day I will see this novel published, and I look forward to sharing it with all who care to read it. In the meantime, I continue to drive my family and friends crazy as I talk about my ideas and concepts. It won't end with this one either, since I already have ideas for the sequel. What started out as a whim has become a passion. I love writing!
I don't expect to ever be as talented as Lewis or match his level of skill, but I have learned a lot in a few short months. My original intention of writing for my niece and nephew morphed into a strong desire to be published. I started to research more about the mechanics of novel writing, and I found a few good friends who have pointed me in the right direction. Just when I thought I had my first novel ready to submit to agents, I had one of those "aha" moments. The novel was okay but nothing more, and I knew I could do better. I scrapped the entire manuscript and started over. That was in January of this year.
I completed my new rough draft by the end of March when I attended a writer's conference. Since then, I have worked with an editor on a portion of it and have also received a couple of critiques. For many who have tried to write a novel, this might seem fast, but I devote hours each and every day to working on the manuscript. I am determined. One day I will see this novel published, and I look forward to sharing it with all who care to read it. In the meantime, I continue to drive my family and friends crazy as I talk about my ideas and concepts. It won't end with this one either, since I already have ideas for the sequel. What started out as a whim has become a passion. I love writing!
© Copyright 2014 E. J. Willis
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