getting started

Status
Not open for further replies.

jerry phoenix

Almost expert!
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Jul 17, 2008
Messages
390
Reaction score
38
AWers, maybe you can help me.

i started this novel over two years ago. it was my first ever submission and rejection. it has been on the shelf for a year, almost to the week. i have returned to it now determined to make it work. i have streamlined the plot and focused much more on the protagonist. it is looking good, in note form.

i havent been idle the last year. i have written several shorts and a script. some of my work is getting very favourable feedback, lots of very encouraging personal rejections and shortlistings for anthologies. i feel my skills have come on leaps and bounds in the last 12 months since that first rejection.

why then, why oh why, cant i get this novel going? i have written it once, drafted ad nausium, re written and re drafted etc... i know the world, the characters, the conflict both internal and external and the motivation of my mc. i have a very good idea of the point i am trying to make-my theme, and it is going to be a rip roaring read, if i can get the thing going. i cant. it wont work. why??? i wrote the first paragraph yesterday, deleted, re wrote it, deleted,.. i did this all day!!!

this is all very frustrating.

maybe it is this; i cant seem to establish the fantasy setting and focus on the mc in the first line.

there we are, i have found a way into the problem, just by typing furiously. perhaps there is no need now to post this. i am going to read the first page of all the fantasy novels i have on my shelf and se what is going on there.

if any of you guys can offer any suggestions i would love to read them.
 

jerry phoenix

Almost expert!
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Jul 17, 2008
Messages
390
Reaction score
38
well, it was worth having a moan. i have writen the opening 500 words and i am satisfied i have established the setting and the character. its not too bad. thankyou writerswatercooler for giving writers the space to have a moan.
 

shaldna

The cake is a lie. But still cake.
Super Member
Registered
Joined
May 12, 2009
Messages
7,485
Reaction score
899
Location
Belfast
Perhaps the novel wasn't meant to be your novel. Perhpas it was the novel you learned your craft on and now it's time to move on to something else.
 

jerry phoenix

Almost expert!
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Jul 17, 2008
Messages
390
Reaction score
38
a good point, shaldna. i learnt a lot of the basics from my many attempts at a novel previous to starting this one. i really learnt a lot about what i call the shape of a story from writing shorts over the last 12 months. im back to this novel now and im excited about getting it in shape and subbing the bugger.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.