Writing a novel

Contemplating being a novelist? Having read so many good books, you are thinking that you could write an outstanding novel.  You want to tell your story.  Be heard.

A novelist tells a story, a story that is so good, reality seems suspended. The readers believe you are telling the truth.  And you are, you are telling the truth of your heart.

Stories have been told and retold for centuries. Books immortalize the author's stories.  They inspire us, make us think, entertain us.  My favorite stories are those in which the characters go on a journey.  They start reluctant to change, and then transform throughout the story.  Your readers can't wait to turn the pages, find out what is next for your characters. 

A good story reflects your voice, the voice you hear deep inside of you, the words that are screaming to get out.  A writer writes, it is a passion.  It overtakes you, takes your breath away.  You can only write, and have to hurry to get to the paper, or the computer. 

Sure, writer's blocks happen.  Then you stop for a while.  Relax, do other things.  I paint when I get blocked.  No, I am not a painter, by any means, but it slows down the thoughts, and gets me back on track.  Meditation, music, dance, cooking are other ways to free the mind, our thoughts.  We have to be careful to not be duplicitous, betray ourselves with our mind.  

There is only one true voice, and once you free it up, the writing flows and flows.  You simply have to get out of the way- you become the writer and the writing, a kind of disappearing act.  You dissolve into the work.