I have officially submitted the additional chapters for the non-fiction book proposal. Waiting is not something that I do particularly well, so I look for other projects to keep my mind busy. Luckily, I am ready to work on Revision 7 of my fiction manuscript.
Writers vary widely in their approach to writing a novel. Some spend years outlining a story while others allow the story to unfold as they are writing. My process is really a little of both. That is, I allow myself a great amount of freedom during the conceptual stages, letting the story develop along with the characters. Then, I create a general outline that helps me to establish a consistent story arc. But, I also allow myself sufficient freedom during the writing process.
The result is a draft story that has a beginning, a middle and an ending, allowing me to see the potential impact of the story and where it needs work. During this initial process, I find it necessary to write some descriptions where I would much rather have dialog or action. It is a reminder to rewrite sections that show rather than tell. In the short term, I am able to continue the flow of the story without interruption, knowing that I must revise the draft.
Each revision is an attempt to insert needed elements, but it is a slow process. The balance between getting the story out versus outlining every detail is a personal preference. I am comfortable with my approach, but it is tailored to my personality. Likewise, other writers must find what works best for them.
When does this process end? It ends when I have done all that I can do to move a story forward. From that point, it either goes to a professional editor or it is submitted to agents depending on my confidence level. The threshold for acceptance is very high in today's market, so a submission should catch and hold the attention of a publisher.
Showing posts with label non-fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label non-fiction. Show all posts
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Draft first pages
The writer's group offered some very good comments on my first chapter last night. Originally, I planned to include a Preface with an overview of the book along with my reasons for writing it. After receiving many requests from the group, I realize an overview should be part of the main body of the book. Besides, a lot of folks skip over the Preface. So, I will attach the draft version of my Introduction to this post.
INTRODUCTION
The process of creating a story and writing a novel can be intimidating. We all have a story to tell, but the development process seems needlessly shrouded in mystery. At least, that was my perspective prior to writing my fiction novel, Box of Dreams.
I have over 20 years experience in engineering, project management and new business development, but I am also a writer. I know, I know, you are probably saying, “Well.... that’s just crazy talk! Engineers don’t write novels!” Not so fast there, Mr. Liberal Arts Major! Kurt Vonnegut studied mechanical engineering at the Carnegie Institute of Technology and the University of Tennessee. He also looked a little bit like Albert Einstein.
Holistic Approach
Writing is not pure art. That is, writing involves a process. On the other hand, writing is certainly not pure science. The process of writing is a combination of art, science and nature. It has a conceptual phase, a development phase and an execution phase, all bound by a particular environment, much like a project in the business world. It involves all of the brain. Having wonderful, creative ideas is simply not enough without a process. Understanding process is simply not enough without creative ideas.
In business or engineering, a successful project begins with a conceptual phase of development in which ideas are allowed to flow freely. It often involves brainstorming, which is a process of tossing ideas around until a viable solution begins to form.
This approach is used frequently in the automobile industry. It is the integration of art and engineering. Furthermore, designers may begin with a particular body style, which is an art form. The body style might determine the space requirements for designing the interior of the car as well as the mechanical aspects. So, the overall design of the car may be confined to limitations of space, due primarily to aesthetics.
Building design often follows a similar process of art and engineering. An architect may begin with an overall building design that is both interesting and pleasing to the eye. The structural engineer must then find a way to design within the overall parameters set by the architect. Keep in mind, if the architect’s design does not consider the principles of physics or market conditions, then the project will likely fail. If the structural engineer does not work within the confines of the architectural design, then beams stick out of windows and the whole thing just gets ugly!
Writing a book is very similar. During the early stages of a story, concepts may be shaped like clay before a writer must commit valuable time to further development. In addition, design and scheduling techniques may be used to develop a compelling story.
I demonstrate my unique process for integrating the craft of writing with engineering and business and apply it directly to writing my novel. It worked for me and it can work for you. I also provide an example by which you might develop your own unique process. After all, it is your thought process that is most important.
About the Book
In this book, I describe the steps used for writing my fiction story, “Box of Dreams”, using very specific examples that follow each stage of manuscript development. Perhaps more importantly, I share a method I developed specifically for developing and writing my story. I also describe the most fundamental elements of writing and share my thoughts on the writing business. Finally, I describe how I developed my unique method and suggest steps for tailoring your own process to your specific needs.
I kept copious notes while writing “Box of Dreams”. My intent was to record the information obtained along with the individual steps for writing my manuscript in case I might want to follow a similar process at some point in the future.
I was fearful of forgetting what I had learned because some of the information was very new to me. Also, I had struggled to find a single source of information that addressed all of my questions concerning the writing process and the business of writing.
After completing my fifth revision, I realized I had collected a respectable amount of information consisting of my methods and my research into the topic of writing. In addition, I realized I had a compelling story and that my process could be used by others.
This application is presented in very plain language, but it is also condensed and arranged into a logical sequence that I believe will help an aspiring writer to better understand the process of writing. It is, in essence, a roadmap through a variety of issues that writers face with a particular method that I developed as a tool to help simplify the process. Stated differently, it is a perspective of an aspiring writer approaching a venerated profession, which has value as a unique point of view.
Organization
This book is organized to reveal the simultaneous development of my process and book in chronological order. I will begin with a little about my writing background. Then, I will provide the initial inspiration for writing “Box of Dreams” which is a short story entitled “The Vase”. From there, I will describe each element used to develop the story while referencing some of my resources. These elements will be introduced separately but will continue development throughout the book. Finally, I will describe the editing process and begin to offer the results of my research on a variety of topics related to the writing business.
INTRODUCTION
The process of creating a story and writing a novel can be intimidating. We all have a story to tell, but the development process seems needlessly shrouded in mystery. At least, that was my perspective prior to writing my fiction novel, Box of Dreams.
I have over 20 years experience in engineering, project management and new business development, but I am also a writer. I know, I know, you are probably saying, “Well.... that’s just crazy talk! Engineers don’t write novels!” Not so fast there, Mr. Liberal Arts Major! Kurt Vonnegut studied mechanical engineering at the Carnegie Institute of Technology and the University of Tennessee. He also looked a little bit like Albert Einstein.
Holistic Approach
Writing is not pure art. That is, writing involves a process. On the other hand, writing is certainly not pure science. The process of writing is a combination of art, science and nature. It has a conceptual phase, a development phase and an execution phase, all bound by a particular environment, much like a project in the business world. It involves all of the brain. Having wonderful, creative ideas is simply not enough without a process. Understanding process is simply not enough without creative ideas.
In business or engineering, a successful project begins with a conceptual phase of development in which ideas are allowed to flow freely. It often involves brainstorming, which is a process of tossing ideas around until a viable solution begins to form.
This approach is used frequently in the automobile industry. It is the integration of art and engineering. Furthermore, designers may begin with a particular body style, which is an art form. The body style might determine the space requirements for designing the interior of the car as well as the mechanical aspects. So, the overall design of the car may be confined to limitations of space, due primarily to aesthetics.
Building design often follows a similar process of art and engineering. An architect may begin with an overall building design that is both interesting and pleasing to the eye. The structural engineer must then find a way to design within the overall parameters set by the architect. Keep in mind, if the architect’s design does not consider the principles of physics or market conditions, then the project will likely fail. If the structural engineer does not work within the confines of the architectural design, then beams stick out of windows and the whole thing just gets ugly!
Writing a book is very similar. During the early stages of a story, concepts may be shaped like clay before a writer must commit valuable time to further development. In addition, design and scheduling techniques may be used to develop a compelling story.
I demonstrate my unique process for integrating the craft of writing with engineering and business and apply it directly to writing my novel. It worked for me and it can work for you. I also provide an example by which you might develop your own unique process. After all, it is your thought process that is most important.
About the Book
In this book, I describe the steps used for writing my fiction story, “Box of Dreams”, using very specific examples that follow each stage of manuscript development. Perhaps more importantly, I share a method I developed specifically for developing and writing my story. I also describe the most fundamental elements of writing and share my thoughts on the writing business. Finally, I describe how I developed my unique method and suggest steps for tailoring your own process to your specific needs.
I kept copious notes while writing “Box of Dreams”. My intent was to record the information obtained along with the individual steps for writing my manuscript in case I might want to follow a similar process at some point in the future.
I was fearful of forgetting what I had learned because some of the information was very new to me. Also, I had struggled to find a single source of information that addressed all of my questions concerning the writing process and the business of writing.
After completing my fifth revision, I realized I had collected a respectable amount of information consisting of my methods and my research into the topic of writing. In addition, I realized I had a compelling story and that my process could be used by others.
This application is presented in very plain language, but it is also condensed and arranged into a logical sequence that I believe will help an aspiring writer to better understand the process of writing. It is, in essence, a roadmap through a variety of issues that writers face with a particular method that I developed as a tool to help simplify the process. Stated differently, it is a perspective of an aspiring writer approaching a venerated profession, which has value as a unique point of view.
Organization
This book is organized to reveal the simultaneous development of my process and book in chronological order. I will begin with a little about my writing background. Then, I will provide the initial inspiration for writing “Box of Dreams” which is a short story entitled “The Vase”. From there, I will describe each element used to develop the story while referencing some of my resources. These elements will be introduced separately but will continue development throughout the book. Finally, I will describe the editing process and begin to offer the results of my research on a variety of topics related to the writing business.
Monday, January 24, 2011
A busy weekend of writing and thinking and writing
I had a fairly productive weekend while David was at camp. I wrote a Preface and two draft chapters for my non-fiction project. But, I also continued to learn about the process.
After receiving word from Sourcebooks, I felt a sense of urgency to begin work. Writing takes time. Yes, I can produce something right away, but it pays to give myself time to ensure that I send high quality work.
Incidentally, going back and looking at a book proposal can be a little intimidating. I was uneasy until I had a chance to get my head around the concept once again. Luckily, I outlined the proposed chapters in my notes which were kept in a file. After opening the file, I quickly followed my line of thinking and was able to begin work immediately. If I decide to write another book proposal in the future, I think I'll use the same system for recording information which saved me a considerable amount of time. After spending a few days, I know I will be able to deliver what I had originally proposed.
I know that my draft chapters are only the beginning. I must go back and edit my work, but I must also give myself a little time to ensure that I have written to the best of my ability. Do I submit Revision One right away? No, I think it pays to ask for other opinions. By the way, my non-fiction book actually addresses this same point. I will take my first revisions (one chapter at a time) to my writer's group and ask for their comments. Do I want them to pat me on the back and tell me what a wonderful writer I am? Well, that would be nice. BUT, that is not the intent. The intent is to flush out potential issues.
I also address the use of professional editors in my non-fiction book. Should I go to a professional editor? I think it depends on my confidence level once I have revised my work a second or maybe a third time.
There was another benefit to beginning this process right away. I actually had a few additional ideas while in the shower this morning. While it may not be the same for other writers, I like to allow a little "breathing" room while writing. That is, I like to give myself time to organize my thoughts, which invariably results in more thoughts. Stated differently, putting down my initial thoughts in the form of a draft helps me to further refine my ideas. While thinking about my chapter on premise, I recalled an important event as I originally outlined my fiction manuscript, Box of Dreams (my non-fiction proposal is about the process I used to write the fiction manuscript). I had already begun writing the non-fiction chapter on premise, but now I will go back and add my thoughts, which I believe will result in a more compelling description of my process.
As a side note, I also had a little time to think about how the news from Friday might impact my blog. This blog will continue to follow the development of "Box of Dreams" but will now also follow the development of "Writing Between the Nodes". I think it might be fun to post the steps along the way. In fact, this blog may actually become an integral part of the non-fiction work.
By the way, I hope folks will consider following this blog. By following, I mean click on the follow button at the top right corner. I also welcome comments.
Cheers,
Del
After receiving word from Sourcebooks, I felt a sense of urgency to begin work. Writing takes time. Yes, I can produce something right away, but it pays to give myself time to ensure that I send high quality work.
Incidentally, going back and looking at a book proposal can be a little intimidating. I was uneasy until I had a chance to get my head around the concept once again. Luckily, I outlined the proposed chapters in my notes which were kept in a file. After opening the file, I quickly followed my line of thinking and was able to begin work immediately. If I decide to write another book proposal in the future, I think I'll use the same system for recording information which saved me a considerable amount of time. After spending a few days, I know I will be able to deliver what I had originally proposed.
I know that my draft chapters are only the beginning. I must go back and edit my work, but I must also give myself a little time to ensure that I have written to the best of my ability. Do I submit Revision One right away? No, I think it pays to ask for other opinions. By the way, my non-fiction book actually addresses this same point. I will take my first revisions (one chapter at a time) to my writer's group and ask for their comments. Do I want them to pat me on the back and tell me what a wonderful writer I am? Well, that would be nice. BUT, that is not the intent. The intent is to flush out potential issues.
I also address the use of professional editors in my non-fiction book. Should I go to a professional editor? I think it depends on my confidence level once I have revised my work a second or maybe a third time.
There was another benefit to beginning this process right away. I actually had a few additional ideas while in the shower this morning. While it may not be the same for other writers, I like to allow a little "breathing" room while writing. That is, I like to give myself time to organize my thoughts, which invariably results in more thoughts. Stated differently, putting down my initial thoughts in the form of a draft helps me to further refine my ideas. While thinking about my chapter on premise, I recalled an important event as I originally outlined my fiction manuscript, Box of Dreams (my non-fiction proposal is about the process I used to write the fiction manuscript). I had already begun writing the non-fiction chapter on premise, but now I will go back and add my thoughts, which I believe will result in a more compelling description of my process.
As a side note, I also had a little time to think about how the news from Friday might impact my blog. This blog will continue to follow the development of "Box of Dreams" but will now also follow the development of "Writing Between the Nodes". I think it might be fun to post the steps along the way. In fact, this blog may actually become an integral part of the non-fiction work.
By the way, I hope folks will consider following this blog. By following, I mean click on the follow button at the top right corner. I also welcome comments.
Cheers,
Del
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Milestone event
I received a note yesterday from the nice folks at Sourcebooks. I am very encouraged as they are looking for two additional chapters to accompany my previously submitted non-fiction proposal.
Wait a minute! Didn’t I mention the non-fiction proposal? I guess not. I submitted a non-fiction proposal to Sourcebooks as a companion book to my fiction book. The non-fiction book is tentatively entitled “Writing Between the Nodes” which is a method I developed while writing “Box of Dreams”. It is also a roadmap intended to help aspiring writers through the daunting task of writing a book. My intent is too provide an up-to-date helpful guide in very plain language, while citing references from my own research.
As for my earlier comments regarding my love for writing fiction, that still remains. But, it IS a proposed book ABOUT writing.
Ok, so I should offer a little explanation about book proposals. A book proposal is a general outline for a book idea that writers (mostly non-fiction) may submit to a publisher. In the case of Sourcebooks, they accept unagented book proposals for non-fiction. They do not usually accept unagented submissions for fiction (except in the romance genre). So, how do I know this? I looked at their website Sourcebooks.com.
Which brings me to my unagented submission for my fiction manuscript, “Box of Dreams”. Sourcebooks ran a promotion during the Summer for aspiring writers to purchase a book called "Publish This Book" by Stephen Markley . It is an interesting concept book written as a memoir but it also provides insights into the publishing business. I recommend it. Anyway, with the proof of purchase for the book, the purchaser could submit 5000 words from a manuscript for review. I bought the book and submitted 5000 words from my fiction manuscript and eventually received some positive comments back from Sourcebooks encouraging me to make a few revisions and send the whole manuscript.
The note I received yesterday offered more encouraging words for my manuscript. However, like the proposal, it is far from the point of acceptance. Furthermore, even with revisions, it may not fit into their targeted markets. I must revise the manuscript again. I will provide some details of my revisions in future postings. But for now, I am very pleased to have an opportunity to resubmit my manuscript and will likely turn to a professional editor for advice.
In short, there is much work to be done.
Wait a minute! Didn’t I mention the non-fiction proposal? I guess not. I submitted a non-fiction proposal to Sourcebooks as a companion book to my fiction book. The non-fiction book is tentatively entitled “Writing Between the Nodes” which is a method I developed while writing “Box of Dreams”. It is also a roadmap intended to help aspiring writers through the daunting task of writing a book. My intent is too provide an up-to-date helpful guide in very plain language, while citing references from my own research.
As for my earlier comments regarding my love for writing fiction, that still remains. But, it IS a proposed book ABOUT writing.
Ok, so I should offer a little explanation about book proposals. A book proposal is a general outline for a book idea that writers (mostly non-fiction) may submit to a publisher. In the case of Sourcebooks, they accept unagented book proposals for non-fiction. They do not usually accept unagented submissions for fiction (except in the romance genre). So, how do I know this? I looked at their website Sourcebooks.com.
Which brings me to my unagented submission for my fiction manuscript, “Box of Dreams”. Sourcebooks ran a promotion during the Summer for aspiring writers to purchase a book called "Publish This Book" by Stephen Markley . It is an interesting concept book written as a memoir but it also provides insights into the publishing business. I recommend it. Anyway, with the proof of purchase for the book, the purchaser could submit 5000 words from a manuscript for review. I bought the book and submitted 5000 words from my fiction manuscript and eventually received some positive comments back from Sourcebooks encouraging me to make a few revisions and send the whole manuscript.
The note I received yesterday offered more encouraging words for my manuscript. However, like the proposal, it is far from the point of acceptance. Furthermore, even with revisions, it may not fit into their targeted markets. I must revise the manuscript again. I will provide some details of my revisions in future postings. But for now, I am very pleased to have an opportunity to resubmit my manuscript and will likely turn to a professional editor for advice.
In short, there is much work to be done.
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