So You've Wanted To Write a Book?

Well then, just like those old Nike commercials that have been embedded into our brains, I say Just Do It. But I'd bet money on the notion you've been procrastinating for years, or that you've already started something but it's collecting dust either on your computer or in a desk drawer somewhere.

First off, if you already have a WIP (Work in Progress) manuscript gathering those dust bunnies, why not take it out, examine what you've already written thus far. Even if you haven't started writing your hearts' desire yet but have a burning need to do so, you must first consider the below list.

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Do you have something you've always wanted to say?

2. How strongly do you feel about the subject?

3. Do you know the subject matter well enough without appearing ignorant? If not, are you willing to spend time researching it?

4. Is your imagined plot engaging enough to hold readers' interest?

5. Do you have a strong protagonist? An equally strong antagonist?

6. Is your protagonist tied in to all subplots within the main plot?

7. Have you even considered the need for using subplots?

Answers:

1. In my case, as an author of two novels based on real life people and events from my own life, the desire to write wasn't burning a hole in my brain for years on end. It sort of just happened. Basically, it was an overnight thing, the sudden need to revisit past history and how it was that I became the person who I am today.

2. I felt so strongly about the subject matter in my first book, Just Another Sunday, because of pivotal childhood events which shaped my adult life, for better or for worse. Trampled Underfoot is the follow-up and continues where Just Another Sunday left off.

3. Of course I knew the subject matter well. And I knew enough to put together two coherent stories. All I needed to do was research the specifics of the 60s and early 70s decades. And yes, I'd spent many, many hours doing the homework because, let's face it, I may have lived through those decades but I had forgotten the particular nuances of each.

4. Just Another Sunday revolves around my immediate family, my father in particular, when I was a teenage girl struggling to find acceptance in a new school and in a foreign environment.

Trampled Underfoot explores the ramifications of a combination of Fate, bad timing and poor decisions I made as a young adult.

Do I think these books were engaging enough to hold the attention of readers? Yes, I believe so, especially with the writing of Trampled Underfoot, as I had learned quite a bit more of my craft by that time.

5. Lia Benedict is my protagonist in both books--a strong yet vulnerable girl with many facets to her personality. Actually, Just Another Sunday has two protagonists (Lia Benedict and Frank Benedict) and two antagonists (Darla Reed and 19 Robin Drive, a house).

6. My protagonist, Lia Benedict, is an integral part of each book and is closely intertwined within every plot and subplot of both. Essentially, nothing happens without her, nothing occurs without impacting the protagonist's life in one way or another.

7. In my opinion there should never be just a ONE DIMENSION plot to a work of fiction. The word boring comes to mind. A good novel needs layers and layers to keep my interest.

Let's face the facts: In Real Life we all have many things going on at once and they usually require us to deal with them on a daily basis until they have been resolved. (Of course then they're replaced by more shit to deal with, right?)

I have intertwined three or more subplots in both Just Another Sunday and in Trampled Underfoot. And Lia Benedict is deeply involved in every one of them.

There's a lot to consider when writing the book you've always intended to write. But you have plenty of help if you know where to look. Look no further than your PC. Just Google search terms such as: How to write a novel, for example. There are many online writing workshops ( if you're not into those types of classes in person ) like on Writers' Digest website. Or join Goodreads. There are plenty engaging conversations in Goodreads' groups that pertain to writing.

Bottom line:

Just. Do. It.