I was in Baja last week and met a reader who told me he was writing a book. He paused and continued by lamenting that he had been writing it for many years and it was not anywhere near completion. I’ve met many writers who are in this same predicament. They’re writing or “gathering” but not any closer to finishing their book–their dream. Believe me I sympathize, I was in the same situation from many years.
Here’s a few strategies I’ve learned from writing Almost Human. First, and foremost, write the ending. I had been writing this book for years and my novel just kept growing. My editor and teacher, Kathryn Lynn Davis, after reading several chapters asked me, “How does the novel end?” When I couldn’t tell her, she gave me the single most important piece of advice that helped me finish my book! “Don’t send me another chapter until you’ve written the ending.” It took me several chapters to accomplish this but once I did, I had a road map to line up my plot development and character arcs. So, after many years of writing on and off, I finished the novel in the next six months! While this may not work for every novelist, it worked for me.
I set myself a goal to write three pages a day no matter what. Very often, on a particularly productive day, those three pages flowed and grew to twenty or more. But most importantly, I wrote every day because that’s what we do, writers-write!
Also, I did very little editing as I wrote. I didn’t try to get my narrative perfect at the expense of the flow. I wrote and filled it out later. Sometimes as a warm up before my three pages.
I was fortunate to be invited to join a writers’ group that included several published authors led by a creative and insightful leader/author. The feedback and advice on how to to improve as a writer and navigate the publishing world was priceless. Just make sure it is a good group that truely critiques your work–no matter how painful. The goal is to become a better writer not participate in a mutal admiration support group. These writers were honest and skilled. I am very grateful.
And finally, I work hard at trying to live a life worth writing about. This can be referred to as “gathering” or “research,” I call it just having fun living life’s adventure. I feel drawing from our experiences makes our work ring true and gives it credibility.
I know while this worked for me and certainly is not exhaustive, it may not work for every writer. I wrote this because of how often I’m asked by readers how I managed to finish my novel.
Oh, it helps to have a worldclass, New York Times Bestselling author as your editor. Thank you Kathryn Lynn Davis!
Autographed copies of Almost Human can be purchased directly from the author.
Shipping and handling listed in PayPal is for the USA (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). International shipping will vary.
For information on book readings, signings and sparkling discussions go the my Amazon Author Page.
Ken, just curious: hv u heard of AWAI, American Writers and Artist Inc. and “The Barefoot Writer”?
If so , what do you think; worth looking in to…?
Mike Loring
PS Visited Riv. BMW Cycles, SAT.,had fun!
PSS getting around to your book soon, reading “Ghost Rider, by N.E. Peart now.
Great article–just ordered your book! My husband and I read quite a bit — actually, he reads to me while I crochet (no kidding, real Norman Rockwell…) Looking forward to it, and just getting into Goodreads as well, so we’ll get it on there also. Question: do you do guest posts on others’ blogs? I would like to reblog this post but also sometime possibily interview you on your blogging and creative process if you would be interested. Again, thanks for sharing your insights.
I would love to do an interview and I very much enjoy your blog. I’ve been following it with pleasure!
Hey thanks! In truth, you would be my first “guest post” via interview, but I want to digest you book first when it comes. Lookin’ forward to it!
Your autographed book will go out tomorrow by USPS media package.I would be honored to be your first! Absolutely, reblog me. I’m hoping for some reviews in Amazon, et. al.
Many thanks for the support of my work.
Sound advice. My wife and I have ordered your book, and we look forward to reading it.
Many thanks for you support of my work. I hope you enjoy it!
I am reading your excellent novel. Enjoying it a lot. Great advice maybe if i write my enjoy ding i might get my book finished. Then wirk on how to get published. Just a few thinks I noticed is whoever edited did not catch a lot of little errors. One of spot wendy is called winnie and another spelled windy. Quite a few extra the’s stuff like that . Only just got and started reading but love the story so far . When i fall asleep bec a use i do not want to put book down it is to me a great book. Sloop glad I got it
Thanks…for the insight and I’ll contact the publisher. Glad you like it!
Love it
Reblogged this on inspiration with an attitude and commented:
Calling all lovers of sci-fi and adventure! Also, calling all writers of sci-fi and adventure! Ken DeCroo’s first book is out! Here is a reblog from his site: http://bajamotoquest.com/
Check it out. And COMING SOON!! A blogosphere interview with Ken about writing, publishing, and all things bloggish! –dawnlizjones
I definitely am looking forward to telling the backstory to Almost Human and exchanging ideas!
It will hopefully be within this month, due to our schedule. (We just got back from So. California and Utah, oh yeah, and we read slowly….) So happy for you! Sold out first edition!
Yes. And I am working with publisher on cleaning up after the proofreaders. I’ll send you the next edition when its out.