"Secrets"

I found Micheal A. Stackpole's The Secrets podcast on iTunes. This seems to be a gem of helpful knowledge. I highly encourage anyone wanting to write one or many books to check it out.

*Disclaimer: I did not receive anything from the podcast or Mr. Stackpole. Bite me FTC.

More new ideas

I have had a convergence of previous ideas and have found it hard to find the concentration to continue on the current story. I have decided to write down these ideas in an outline format and, hopefully, be assured not to forget the ideas and be able to return to the task at hand. I do not want to give up my current book, but I'd like to return to the idea at a later point if I wish.

-Steven Kipp

New Story Ideas

About once a month an idea hits me like a stray golf ball: it comes from nowhere but is very real and awakening when it hits. I have decided that I should write these down somewhere. I'm thinking in a word document or possibly a little black book of ideas.

Along the same lines is the thought of not rewriting the great American novel. I don't want to write something that is the same story about the same type of characters looking for the same magic rock to defeat the same big ugly. It's been done. It's been done masterfully by people who had more writing skill at age ten then I imagine I'll ever have. I don't want to be a professional writer, and I don't think the world will miss much if I'm not. But I do want to write a few things, and maybe even see one on the best-sellers list or in a major bookstore. Point being that there is a certain amount of "how is this not the same thing?" thinking that I need to go into these ideas as well. It's also be nice to have those along with the story idea as well.

The thought now comes to me that a comp book would work very, very well. I could write the working title, the idea and any notes on it. Then when the next one comes along I move to the top of the next page and start all over. As we like to say here after we get a plan: "Hold my beer and watch this." (these are also famous last words...)

-Steven Kipp

Great Reading, Lack of Writing

I have been doing some great reading lately, however, I have given very little attention to actually writing. Hence the lack of posting. Half of the problem is that there is precious little time in my days, and of it I don't have enough of a stretch to devote to writing. I write extreamly slowly and need a good hour just to get into it. Go ahead, call me an amateur. I've never pretended to be anything different. One of these nights I think I'm just going to have to sit down and write for as long as I have and see if I can get anything done.

Another problem is that I feel that this book is such a great idea in my head and I don't want to screw it up trying to translate it to paper. I may try doing story boards for it. This, I have no doubt, will take a long time. But as fast as I'm moving now what do I have to lose?

-Steven Kipp

Where I'm at in the process

Thought I might explain where I'm at in the process with this post:

I have a solid (or what I think is a solid) idea for a book. I have a good idea of their environment, their relationships and their goals. I have a good idea of the major things that are going to happen and how each of the characters might react to them.

I'm also writing this book with future books in mind.(sequels) I do not have an intention to leave any of these as cliffhangers, however. I want each to stand on its own.

One last thing I have in relation to the book is that I have a good friend who I think will edit this monstrosity for me. I've never been great at grammar or spelling and the computer's spell and grammar check can only do so much.

So that's my starting point, wish me luck!

Welcome

I've always wanted to write a book, so I thought I might share my experience with anyone willing to listen...well I guess that would be anyone willing to read. It might be nice to write down some of the processes I went through and some of the tips and tricks I've learned. It might be nice to have a place to share the victories and also share the defeats and down-turns.

I think it will be nice, now that I have place to share this info, to get some advice from other people as well. What worked for them, what they have tried and failed, and what seemed to work, but failed later.

One major thing is that I probably won't give anything away about the story, characters or plot. This isn't a blog about a book, it's a blog about writing.

So I shall set out on my odyssey and see what comes of it.