I'm certainly no professional, but I've been writing a novel on and off for around four years now. I love writing - it's the way I express myself - but I've never ventured further than poems, articles and essays.
I felt the need for a greater challenge and so I currently have over 60 chapters of a first draft in a blue paper folder which I review and add to from time to time.
It all started whilst I was travelling back to Kuantan with my wife, from KL, when we were resting by the side of the highway. I suddenly had the idea for an entire novel , and that's where the book begins - by the side of the highway en route to Kuantan.
It's really inspiration that fuels my writing. I'm not able to sit down and just write every day in a scheduled manner. That sounds too similar to school and I didn't enjoy that! It only comes when a flash of inspiration arrives, when something triggers my imagination. I sometimes wonder whether my first draft will ever be completed.
Writing a novel is a daunting task, but I must say that I've come across some excellent blogs, who have provided some very helpful hints, tips and advice during this A-Z challenge.
Misha is a fantasy author who has finished her first draft.
N. R. Williams is selling her book entitled "The Treasures of Carmelidrium" for just 99 cents until the end of April 2011.
Paul Joseph has a well written blog and he's working on his YA fiction
Lynda R. Young gives writing tips on her blog
Margo Kelly is busy writing books
Rosalind Adam is my friend from Leicester, England, my hometown, and has published a number of books
What are some of your favourite blogs? Leave the link and I'd love to check them out!
Thank you so much for the mention. My first book took 9 years to write lol. I had no schedules and back then it was just a fun hobby.
ReplyDeleteWriting is not an easy task. I only published a short story, long time ago. I have never thought about living on writing. The industry is not so lucrative in my country. Books are expensive (also to produce not only to buy) and it's a lack of interest at young generation. The internet is a powerful rival.
ReplyDeleteAs for links, I read mainly travel and photo blogs.
oh Duncan, thanks to this challenge I was able to see to many wonderful blogs that a list would not be enough. I haven't gone through every blog yet, but sometime after the challenge I aim to write about them.
ReplyDeleteWhat is your novel about?
Lynda, thanks for your comments! It does make me feel a whole lot better about progress on my first novel :)
ReplyDeleteTraveling Hawk, I enjoy your blog a lot.
Barbara, my novel is quite lengthy to explain but basically it's about an English guy who has inadvertently become involved with a Malaysian espionage society and finds himself in deep trouble..
I've visited each of the blogs you featured. Among them all one is sure to find something of great personal interest. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks for the shout out. I love visiting the Golden Eagle at An Eagles Ario Perspective. Don't know the link at the moment but her link it in my Blogs I follow movie marque as an eagle. She is a teenager and so well written.
ReplyDeleteNancy
N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium.
Thanks for the mention, Duncan. I'm honored to be included.
ReplyDeleteI would suggest checking out www.jmtohline.com. The author has become a good friend of mine. His debut novel will be released this summer; his posts provide a lot of insight to both writing and publishing. He really knows his stuff.
Thanks again for the mention, my friend!
Mary, I'm glad you browsed those blogs and found something of interest!
ReplyDeleteN.R. Williams and Paul, you are both very welcome! I've become a keen follower of both of your great blogs.
Paul, I visited the suggested link and really enjoy the blog. Thanks!