The Great American Novel

So, you want to write the
Great American Novel?

Great!  Welcome aboard!  Here’s a brief look at what’s ahead for you.

First, longhand or typewritten manuscripts are quaint and nostalgic, but unworkable in the digital revolution. Writer’s use computers – a laptop or a desktop.  Microsoft Word comes installed on most PCs now and is perfect for book writing.

You’ll be spending a lot of time writing, so you’ll want your work environment to be comfortable.  The kitchen table is not a good writing environment on many levels so the den, a spare bedroom, or a corner of the living room is advisable.

Maybe you have an idea for your Great American Novel, or maybe writing in general has been a life-long dream. Either way, you need a basic plan, even if it’s to not plan at all.

Not plan?  There are two basic kinds of writers – those who outline and those who don’t.  Both can produce excellent books – it’s not the result that’s different; it’s the process.  ‘Outliners’ plan and ‘pantsers’ don’t, so knowing which one you are will save time in the long run.

Now you’ve finished your book.  What’s next?

You’ve finished the first draft … but now the hard part starts.  You’ve got months of rewrites, edits and tweaks to do.  Then, find a good editor – a fresh pair of eyes who can see what you can’t because she’s detached.  A good editor will decimate your ‘baby’ but it’s worth it in the end.

Next, you’ll need to find an agent or a publisher.  With the digital revolution, other options are now available, but most authors still work with agents who work with the publishers on your behalf.  This sounds simple but the process can take months, years or even never, depending on a long list of variables.

Because of the recession and the digital revolution, the part your publisher plays in the life of your book is shrinking.  The unsuspecting author will discover she now needs to be a marketing expert, too.  The list of marketing tasks is as long – or as short – as you decide, and your book sales will reflect your work.  Tasks include: establishing an online presence, building your brand, connecting with your readers, establishing media contacts, scheduling virtual book tours, scheduling other public events, and much more.  It’s hard work and often well outside the average author’s skill-set and/or comfort zone.

Non-writers think being an author is a cake-walk.  They see us sitting around in our pajamas, pouring words from our imaginations into our computers.  Not true.  The Great American Novel, like so many other things that are truly worth doing, is a lot of work and sacrifice.

• Do you want to write the Great American Novel?
• Are you ready to do the work and make the sacrifices?
• Have you dreamed about being an author your whole life?
• I look forward to your comments, so, please leave one!
  

Happy Writing!

Julie

PS: Please take a few minutes to read the Wedding Chapter – Edited from my soon-to-be-published book (2012) ‘Janelle’s Time.’ You’ll meet Richard and Janelle Grayson, the newlyweds, AND, meet Duke Logan Conor (he crashes the wedding) from my upcoming book, ‘Logan’s Time.’

The TIME Series – by Dayna Leigh Cheser
Janelle’s Time – Release: March 2012
Moria’s Time – WIP – NaNoWriMo Project, 2011 Winner
Adelle’s Time – Planned
Logan’s Time – WIP

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