MMZ Creates » writing process

Write Every Day To Complete First Draft

MMZ — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:13:26 +0000

The most important and, at times, difficult stage for most writers to complete is writing the first draft. This stage must be done in order for you to complete your journey as a published author. You cannot move to the next stage unless you finish the first draft.
The first step to complete the first draft is how much time will you be able to write each day.
Can you set aside at least 15 to 30 minutes a day to write? If your answer is yes, then you are on your way to a first draft. Write more if you can, but no less than 15 minutes. And those of you thinking you will never get it done anytime soon. I will share my favorite quote from Confucious:

“It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop.”

I’m taking the very, very long road to finish a novel. You do not need to have the novel done yesterday. Unless you already have a deal with a publisher, you do not need to rush. But don’t hold yourself back if the words are coming one after another. When a steak happens, it is best to keep going with it. When it slows down again, keep writing at least 15 minutes a day.
And to help everyone continue on the journey of writing every day, I created a forum titled Write Each Day. This forum was created to help and encourage people to write every day. Please join the forum and write each day.

Novel Research: The Pitfalls of Excessive Research

MMZ — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 20:48:14 +0000

Once your have an idea for a novel, the first thing most writers research some elements for their idea. The elements include character traits, setting, background, and many more more elements. The list can become endless. A new writer may become involve in an endless road of knowing all the details. However, any writer can fall into this trap.

One of my biggest and continuing problem is the never ending research. I have been writing for over 4 years now. I never knew how to let go and just write. I have let go many ideas because I could not stop looking into details. Because I never sat and wrote my ideas, those ideas no longer exist. I don’t even remember them. My current work in progress is my best effort of just writing. Only a few hours were involved and most of it involved watching Man vs. Wild. The most important, and I mean the most important, is the writing. Nothing else can compare to just writing the book you want to write.

You do not need to know all the details in every scene. The details will come later once you have written the story. Make a note with your word processor or note to the side if you are handwriting the story. A simple note is all you need. Finish the first draft, and then worry about the fine detail. It is only the first draft. The second draft can have those details you want to have. Don’t let your idea escape because those details over take you.

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Character Names: Searching For The Winning Combo

MMZ — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 19:54:02 +0000

You have an idea for novel. It looks like a winner. The next step…the main character’s name.

The name search is the first step in bonding with your character. It is a hard to connect when you can not name the character. How can you tell your character’s story with out one? Can you do it? In my personal experience, I know can’t. Even if one idea doesn’t work, I always pull my character into another story line. The bond between character and writer is created the moment you name your character.

When you begin the search, some names will come faster then others. You may even take days to find the one which clicks with your character traits. I tend to search names by meaning, then origin, and finally decide on the spelling. Everyone has their own method of finding the right name. It is up to you to decide the right name, even if the name has been used before. But avoid any really popular character names, unless there is a reason why the character is named ‘Harry Potter’ or ‘Bella Swan.’

Another element a writer must think about is the genre of your novel. Fantasy readers except fantasy oriented names. While another genres are more forgiving on the creative of the character ‘s name. So remember to create a name for your genre but at the same time be true to your character nature. If a normal name works, then use it. If odd and unusual name works, then use it. You are the final judge for any name created for your character.

Look forward to another post on places to search for names.