Development - Initial Settings

20 October 2012, Development - Initial Settings

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

You have a creative idea which you turned into a theme.  You focused that theme and defined characters from it.  From the development of the characters, you defined the initial setting of the novel.  Let's look at the last in terms of an exercise and a means of developing the first scene.

Notice, I haven't really said much about the plot yet.  The development (definition) of your major characters (protagonist, antagonist, and protagonist's helper) gives you potential settings and beginning storylines.  From the theme for Aksinya, the initial point where the protagonist's and the antagonist's storylines intersect is the perfect point to begin the novel.  The setting is provided from Aksinya's storyline.

Let me refresh you on storylines.  Every character has a storyline that runs from the beginning of their life until the end of their life.  In most novels, the protagonist's storyline is also the plot.  The intersections of the other character's storylines with the protagonist is the overall plot.  Those storylines are occurring in the background all the time, they run in parallel even when they don't intersect with the storyline of the protagonist. 

In Aksinya, the storyline of the demon begins at some point when he was created.  The storyline of Aksinya begins with her birth.  Everything from the point of the demon's creation and from Aksinya's birth are undoubtedly interesting, but won't necessarily make a great novel.  The initial intersection of their storylines is the point where Aksinya calls the demon.  From her storyline, this is also in the guesthouse of her family's estate.  I could have selected another setting and beginning, but that wouldn't have resulted in as powerful a novel.

As an exercise, outline the storylines of your major characters from birth to death (or some point in the novel).  Note where the storylines first intersect.  That will usually give you a good beginning for your setting and plot.
I'll write more about this tomorrow, but the theme should define the major characters which defines the potential settings of the novel. That is especially evident from the examples of my science fiction novels.

More on turning your themes into plots tomorrow.

My Notes: once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, focus your theme, and define your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - more Character to Place

19 October 2012, Development - more Character to Place

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

I would guess that most people just set their novel.  I mean by that, they get an idea that includes the location they intend to use for the beginning and scene setting of the novel.  I'm telling you, this is a very bad idea.  Just as the characters must support the theme and the plot must support the theme, the setting of the novel must support the theme.  This means the theme always comes first.

I will concede that if you get a fantastic idea for a plot with characters, setting, and storylines, then back into the theme, you can produce a great novel--it's just harder to do.  If you notice, in starting with the theme, that builds the characters when builds the setting.

In my published novel, Aegypt, the protagonist, Paul Bolang, is a French Lieutenant in the Foreign Legion.  He is stationed in Tunisia--where the novel starts.  In this case, again, the theme defines the protagonist and the protagonist defines the setting.  The novel begins in Tunisia.

In my published novels, The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox, in the first novel, The End of Honor, the theme defines the characters, specifically the protagonist's helper, which defines the setting, the planet, Neuterra, and this is the setting for the beginning of the novel.  In the second novel, The Fox's Honor, again the protagonist's helper define the setting, the planet, Falkeep, which is the setting for the beginning of the novel.  In the third novel, A Season of Honor, the protagonist's helper, again, defines the setting for the beginning of the novel, the planet, Acier.

I'll write more about this tomorrow, but the theme should define the major characters which defines the potential settings of the novel.  That is especially evident from the examples of my science fiction novels.

More on turning your themes into plots tomorrow.

My Notes: once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, focus your theme, and define your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Character to Place

18 October 2012, Development - Character to Place

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

The development of the characters in a novel begin the scene and novel setting.  I've been through this before, but I might as well hit it again.  The fact that Aksinya is a Russian and Russian nobility begins the placement of the novel.  The novel didn't have to be placed in Russia to begin with, but the origin of the protagonist made this a simple choice. 

The Centurion Abenadar was born in the Galil in Nazeret, therefore, the setting and beginning of the novel is in Nazeret in the Galil.  Alan Fisher, the protagonist of my published novel, The Second Mission, lives in Alamogordo, New Mexico--so the novel begins in Alamogordo, in retrospect, (it doesn't stay there very long) and actually the first scene begins in ancient Greece near Athens.  I know this is confusing.  The Second Mission is about the second mission into time.  The novel begins where the protagonist's helper and the main subject of the novel is--Athens in ancient Greece.  I hope that is clearer.  In this case, the place of travel, subject of the novel (Socrates), and the main point of the theme focuses the place and beginning.  I'll give you more, tomorrow.

More on turning your themes into plots tomorrow.

My Notes: once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, focus your theme, and define your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - even more Character to Plots

17 October 2012, Development - even more Character to Plots

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

First the theme, then the character(s), then the plot.  These are the steps in the creative process for writing a novel.  We are at developing the characters.  I already wrote about this subject in great detail, but I might as well synopsize these concepts a little.

First, you reveal your characters through the plot.  You develop your characters at this stage.  The development should be complete before you begin to write.  The revelation begins with the first page.  The point is the revelation of your "already" developed characters.  This is a critical step.  The development of the characters begins to set the scene.  It begins to develop the plot.  It begins to gel the novel. 

You write a novel based on the theme and the characters.  The plot is an outgrowth of these two things.  It may be possible to write something in another way, but I wouldn't recommend it.  A plot without a theme is meaningless.  A plot without defined and developed characters is nothing.

Surely, you've read a novel that seemed poorly written and conceived.  It is possible the author missed these two basic steps.  If the characters are deficient and/or there seems no point in the novel, it is very likely the author did not start with the theme and developed characters.

More on turning your themes into plots tomorrow.

My Notes: once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, focus your theme, and define your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - more Character to Plots

16 October 2012, Development - more Character to Plots

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

The exercise is then to take your focused theme and begin to identify characters.  Just find the major characters and begin to develop them a little.  The actual development of a character is a very detailed and extensive process.  I showed you this process for Aksinya and for Centurion Abenadar.

In the process of creating a novel, the first step is the idea which becomes a theme, the theme is focused, that focused theme defines the major characters, and that is the point where the novel really takes off.

If you are really writing a novel, at this point, you must develop your major characters.  The minor characters can usually wait; however, for some novels, you must define some of them too.  An example is my published novel, Aegypt.  The theme is rather complex, but deals with the views of three minor character and the protagonist in regard to the circumstances of the theme.  The theme of Aegypt is: If a real goddess who was revered in the ancient world came into the modern age how would she be viewed by modern people and what could she tell us about history. This is loosely the theme of my published novel, Aegypt. Note that one character (the protagonist's helper) is defined.  The rest of the characters are implied with the statement "how would she be viewed by modern people."  I expanded this to the protagonist and three minor characters.  Each of the characters approach the world differently.  Their views of the goddess in the novel are part of the theme.

The point is that at this point, you begin to develop the characters in the novel.  Out of this character development, in conjunction with the theme, comes the plot.
More on turning your themes into plots tomorrow.

My Notes: once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, focus your theme, and define your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Character to Plots

15 October 2012, Development - Character to Plots

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

If you are willing to let a little creativity flow, the creation of a theme, focusing the theme, and visualizing a plot will pretty much begin the development of your novel.  I mentioned yesterday, that a focused theme begins to give you characters.  The example is the theme of Aksinya.  The theme of Aksinya is: the woman Akinsya is redeemed from the demon she called and from sorcery.  This theme gives us a protagonist, Aksinya, and an antagonist, the demon.

I already delved deeply for you in showing how I developed Aksinya's character.  I have also shown you how I developed the demon's character.  I won't repeat much of that analysis, but let's note the definition of Aksinya's character sets the initial scene for the novel.  If you will remember (if you don't, look back through this blog), Aksinya is a child of nobility who was left too much to her own devices.  Her family was noble from Russian (her step-father was a Russian Count) and from Germany (her mother was a German Duke's daughter).  There was much more to this because Aksinya was also the daughter of a Romanov Prince, which made her a Princess by birth.

Aksinya was a child who longed for affection, and who, for some reason, never received much of it.  She was solitary and imagined herself ugly.  She likely thought her lack of affection was due to her ugliness.  In any case, Aksinya took up sorcery to relieve her solitude and her feelings.  She called the demon to protect her family, so in spite of her feelings, she still loved them enough to give her soul for them.

If you have been observant, the very development of the character, Aksinya, has begun to build the scene and the initial plot.

More on turning your themes into plots tomorrow.

My Notes: once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, focus your theme, and define your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - more Theme to Plots

14 October 2012, Development - more Theme to Plots

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

A focused theme is one that begins to define characters.  A theme can be general enough that it doesn't necessarily define any characters, but a focused them does.  I noted that the theme of Aksinya is: the redemption of Aksinya from the demon she called and from sorcery.  This is a relatively simple theme to write down.  I could and did start more generally as: the redemption of a person from the demon he called and from sorcery.  This general theme has a presumption of a protagonist and an antagonist.  I could be more generic with simply redemption, but that is an entirely unfocused theme.

As an exercise, you might try taking an entirely unfocused theme such as: redemption, love, family, hate, fear, death, and see if you can turn them into focused themes.  I did that with honor for The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox.

Note, that once you have a focused theme, you can begin to define your characters.  I'm not necessarily giving you a rote method to write, but I'm trying to get you to see the intellectual steps in developing a novel.  The first step is the theme.  Second, a focused theme.  From the focused theme comes the main characters.  Next you define the characters.  Next is scene setting (visualizing the plot).
More on turning your themes into plots tomorrow.

My Notes: once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, focus your theme, and define your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Theme to Plots

13 October 2012, Development - Theme to Plots

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

If you have a focused theme, you have begun to define characters.  For example, the theme of my published novel, Centurion, is: What led the Centurion Abenadar to state "Surely this was the (a) son of God." The theme of Centurion lists the protagonist.  The theme of Aksinya is: The young woman Aksinya is redeemed from a demon she called and sorcery.  The theme of Aksinya defines the antagonist and protagonist.  The theme of Aegypt is: If a real goddess who was revered in the ancient world came into the modern age how would she be viewed by modern people and what could she tell us about history.  This is loosely the theme of my published novel, Aegypt.  Note that one character (the protagonist's helper) is defined.  The other characters need to be developed. 

Let's look at the themes of my other novels and see how they fit in this scheme of novel creation.  The theme of my published novel, The Second Mission is: What would happen if a modern man were accidentally drawn into the second human mission into time--what would that mission be and how would the real time traveler handle the intrusion.  That is the theme of The Second Mission.  The plot concerns the time traveler's observation of Socrates and ancient Athens.

My science fiction novels are all based on honor themes.  They are called The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox.  The first novel is The End of Honor.  The theme of The End of Honor is: when love intrudes in political events and leads to war, what actions must the leaders take to bring back honor and peace.  This is a pretty deep theme especially for a breezy and fun science fiction novel.  The theme implies a protagonist and protagonist's helper (love) plus an implied antagonist (war).  The second novel of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox is The Fox's Honor.  The theme of The Fox's Honor is: what would cause a man to be willing to intentionally give his life for his nation and what would happen if the woman who loved him gave him his life back.  Again, we have implied characters protagonist helper, protagonist, and a general antagonist.  The last novel in The Chronicles is A Season of Honor.  The theme of A Season of Honor is: what would motivate a man of honor to compromise everything: peace for himself or peace for his people.  This theme obviously needs characters and a plot.  There is an implied protagonist.

More on turning your themes into plots tomorrow.
My Notes: once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, stabilize your theme, and focus your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Ideas to Theme to Plots

12 October 2012, Development - Ideas to Theme to Plots

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

Make your idea and theme list and keep it up.  Every time you get an new idea, add it to the list.  This will keep your brain and ideas primed.  Now, all you have to do is select one of the themes/ideas from the list.  I state themes/ideas because you might have an idea for a plot or story that requires the theme to be focused--that's okay, although the theme is the most important point in developing a novel, it doesn't have to be concrete.  In fact, most themes are not as concrete as you might imagine.  They must be explainable, and I contend, you need to be able to write it out, but themes, by their nature, are slightly amorphous.  For example, the simplest expression of the theme of Aksinya is one of redemption.  A more descriptive explanation of the theme is: the redemption of Aksinya from a demon and sorcery.  That is a very focused theme.

Perhaps the first step then is to take the idea and turn it into a theme--or to take your theme and turn it into an idea.  If you note, the expanded theme for Aksinya stated above already includes the protagonist and the antagonist.  Theme, more than anything must begin to point to the major characters in your novel.

The theme for Centurion is: the reason the Centurion Abenadar would state "Surely this was the (a) son of God."  This is the full theme of the novel, and I've gone in great detail to show how I arrived at this theme.  I'll continue on ideas to themes then themes to plots tomorrow.

My Notes: once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, stabilize your theme, and focus your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - a Theme List

11 October 2012, Development - a Theme List

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

I really haven't written enough about themes.  I'm not sure all the worlds books could hold everything there is to say about themes.  The theme is the beginning of all art and especially all writing.  A theme is actually a tellic association (the beginning and the end) in literature, but that's an ancient Greek concept.

I started not long ago with trying to help focus creativity to write.  The focusing creativity became the development of a theme.  I've been trying to show through example and through explanation how to get a creative idea and turn it into a unique theme.  If you have a creative idea, you can turn it into a unique theme.  I like the idea of a unique theme because I don't want you writing novels that have no chance of publication (or entertaining people).

Here is an exercise that might help you develop ideas and themes.  Sit down and begin to brainstorm ideas and themes.  Write whatever comes to mind and write down as many as you can think of.  I've done this with ideas for writing from my aviation experiences.  I started a list about 20 years ago and I keep adding to the list.  The list is about 200 ideas long and growing.  I've written many of them into essays and stories.  Your first list might be just to get your idea maker primed, or you might just use this as the beginning of your idea list.  I keep a novel idea list and write down ideas as they come to me.

Once you have a unique theme, you can turn it into a plot.  I turn a theme into a plot by visualization.  I basically visualize the theme playing out and write it down.  To do this, you need to stabilize the theme and develop characters.  We'll move off from there tomorrow.

My Notes: once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, stabilize your theme, and focus your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - and more Unique Theme Ideas

10 October 2012, Development - and more Unique Theme Ideas

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

When you think of theme, think of all the great novels prior to the last half of the twentieth century.  I know of a couple of golden age cataclysm novels, but at the time they were avaunt guard.  They were new ideas for the new century.  The idea of the end of the world is an overworked theme. 

Instead of "end of the world" or "the greatest human catastrophe" or "the worst human event," think of human interaction.  In my mind, a great love story is more poignant than any world threatening theme.  I want to see and feel real human thoughts and interaction.  I want to see new human ideas explored and brought to the forefront. 

In my mind, the purpose of great literature is first to entertain and second, to put up a mirror to human thoughts and ideas to show them to the reader.  I want to read about human predicaments.  I would like to say, I want to read about real human predicaments, but think about Aksinya.  In that novel, there are real human events that are brought to the forefront by a demon.  That is just what I mean by the use of a theme to bring out human ideas. 

Even science fiction themes can provide a reflection of human thoughts.  Look at my Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox novels.  In these novels, the science fiction brings human reality to the forefront.  The theme is human honor.  The mode of revelation is science fiction.

In building your themes use real human interaction and emotions.  Build your themes on human interaction and not on grandiose but unlikely events.
Once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, stabilize your theme, and focus your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - more Unique Theme Ideas

9 October 2012, Development - more Unique Theme Ideas

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

A unique theme doesn't mean a silly theme.  Bathos simply won't do.  I have to admit, I've seen more silly plots than silly themes.  Usually silly plots mean almost no theme or a mixed up theme.

How can you tell that you have a silly plot or theme?  I really haven't touched on plots much lately--I'm slowly moving there.  So a silly theme is characterized by...  I'm not sure how we can characterize a bad theme.  I've looked at overused themes in the past.  I consider some themes trite and not worth writing about.  I do think that themes that focus on human interaction during real human events or subtle interjections of the fantastic make the most powerful themes (and plots).  What does this mean?

Themes that rely on any cataclysm that means the end of the world: a meteor hits the earth, the moon hits the earth, a nuclear war, a robot war, a plague, a anything that means the end of the earth.  These are just overused themes.  Just because an author uses one doesn't mean they are silly or have no hope of success, but they are self limiting, and I got tired of reading them when I was in the sixth grade. I don't want to write about them.

The most powerful themes, in my mind, are those that take human normalcy and make it different.  I point to the Bronte Sisters as an example.  In their novels, the themes are about normal humans who have normal but exaggerated flaws.  Those flaws and their interaction in the normal world create the beautiful power within those novels.  This is an example of a theme that focuses on human interaction and real human events.

An example of a novel with a theme that focuses on human interaction with a subtle interjection of the fantastic is Aksinya.  In Aksinya, the demon and the sorcery of Aksinya are the subtle interjections in the theme.  These interjections focus the interactions of all the characters.  There is no cataclysmic tragedy of the end of the world--there is the cataclysmic tragedy of the end of an individual(s) hope.

This is my basic point about a good theme vs. a poor theme.  A good theme is about human interaction and the forces that propel it are internal and basically historical and cultural.  A poor theme uses forces external to human interaction and the forces that propel it are external and not historical or cultural.  I'll explain more tomorrow.

Once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, stabilize your theme, and focus your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Unique Theme Ideas

8 October 2012, Development - Unique Theme Ideas

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

Developing ideas isn't as difficult as many people imagine.  Just think of all the really stupid books out there.  In fact, if you try to encapsulate some of the most profound works, they can sound kind of silly.  As novels and themes become more complex, this is what you might expect.

Themes and literature are becoming more complex.  This is sometimes difficult to fully comprehend.  We read a really great author, like Shakespeare or Charles Dickens, and we can't imagine works of greater quality or skill.  The reality is that Shakespeare and Charles Dickens were both amazing authors because of their use of symbols, culture, and language.  Many critics have complained that Shakespeare, especially, used and reused basic themes and plots.  Basic themes and plots in the hands of a master produce outstanding literature.

Today, even if you are a master writer, you won't be able to sell that kind of stuff.  Themes today need a touch of the unique.  This is why I attempt to be unique in my themes and plots.  This really takes creativity.  Still, themes and plots are definitely becoming more and more complex.  You should expect this, literature has become more complex.  The use of symbols, culture, and language by authors has stagnated and in many cases degenerated, but the complexity of ideas and literature has grown--it will continue to grow, that is increase in complexity.

To develop a theme, take a simple theme idea (look at Shakespeare for ideas) and make it more complex.  Make it unique.  Add fantasy and science fiction.  Turn a basic idea into a fantastic idea.  This is creativity and this will produce something worth writing.

Once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, stabilize your theme, and focus your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Theme Ideas

7 October 2012, Development - Theme Ideas

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

I really don't think ideas or themes are that big of a deal--what I mean is the average creative person should have about one a day (or more)...I do.  I don't get one novel length creative idea a day, but I'm not working at it--I have enough to write.  When I sit down to write this blog every day, I don't spend a lot of time agonizing over what I will write--I write.  I start with a basic idea of what I want to write about, then I put something on paper--er, the aether. 

Ideas come to me all the time--the trick is to harness them.  You harness good ideas through writing. 

I gave you some basics of themes and generally how to concoct them.  This is the basic starting point of any novel.  Even if a writer doesn't think they are writing to a theme, they are--they just don't realize what they are doing.  Everyone starts with a theme.  This is the basic concept of the novel.  As I've shown, a theme doesn't have to be a high and mighty idea.  A theme can be as simple as boy meets girl and then something happens.

I already wrote about my unpublished novel, Dana-ana.  This is a novel characteristic of my style.  The basic theme is this: boy meets strange and bullied girl, boy's family takes in strange girl, strange girl exhibits odd Anglo-Saxon characteristics, boy falls in love with strange girl, strange girl proves to be more than anyone expected, boy is separated from strange girl through his mistrust and the actions of the strange girl's enemies, the strange girl is willing to give her life for the boy, and finally, the strange girl is redeemed and reunited with the boy.  This is a unique and very complex novel, but the theme can be outlined very simply.  It can be simplified even more to this: an Anglo-Saxon maiden in the modern world.

Dana-ana is about as complex a novel as Aksinya.  The point is that the theme of Aksinya can be simplified very radically.  The simplest description of the theme might be: a girl conjures a demon and is eventually redeemed.  A more descriptive statement would be: a Russian girl conjures a demon to save her family, the family dies and the girl is tempted by the demon, the demon entices the girl to use sorcery, the demon entices the girl to affiance a young man, the girl's lady-in-waiting seduces the girl's fiance, the girl is prosecuted by the church for sorcery, the girl is redeemed by the willingness to give her life for another.  Very simple sounding, but the novel itself is very complex.

My point is this: again, don't sweet this stuff too much.  I know you have a story you want to write.  The trick is to identify the theme and get writing.  

Once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, stabilize your theme, and focus your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Ideas

6 October 2012, Development - Ideas

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

I think people sweat about ideas too much.  Just look at some of the great prolific writers--such as ERB (Edgar Rice Burroughs).  He tended to reuse and overuse themes, but hey, he wrote a whole lot of great stuff.  Tarzan is so great that it hasn't been made into a correct (in any sense) movie ever.  John Carter is so great, it took Disney over 70 years to really screw it up.

Look at the basic themes in Tarzan and John Carter.  The theme of Tarzan is that a man of nobility is a man of nobility no matter where he is born or to whom.  This theme plays out in various ways in the many other Tarzan novels.  It is a classical Romantic theme and Tarzan is a classic romantic character.

The theme of John Carter is similar.  It is that a man of nobility is a man of nobility no matter the circumstances or the civilization.  Many of ERB's lesser known novels use a similar or a varied theme.  For example, The Mucker is a novel whose theme is about a man whose nobility is brought out by the civilizing power of a woman.  Just look at how simple, but powerful these themes are.

ERB did no preaching in his novels--he intended them to be fun to read and just entertaining novels.  They are still entertaining to adults and teens today because their themes are inherently true.  Not necessarily provably true, but inherently true.  You might ask--what do you mean by that statement?  ERB's themes are timeless because they are what humans hope to be true about human beings and the world.  Everyone wants to believe there are ethical and noble people out there--Romantic themes or ideas capture this desire and these characters.  It is likely that few people or no people are really like this, but that doesn't mean they are not a human ideal and writing about imagined human ideals is always popular.

My point is this--don't over-think your ideas.  Grab one and go for it.  You might imagine the theme you create is silly or not worthy--try it out for a while and see.  I'll point back to the current novel I am writing: boy rescues a feral girl (who happens to be a demigod) after an accident, the girl falls in love, the girl wins the boy. The setting is Boston. This is a very unique theme, especially the demigod aspect.  This is a characteristic of my writing.  I've studied Greek, Anglo-Saxon, and Egyptian myths, and I've used these elements in my novels as themes.  Pick an idea, build a theme, then write about it.

Once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, stabilize your theme, and focus your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Theme

5 October 2012, Development - Theme

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

I hope you are writing, and you have some kind of daily, weekly, and yearly goal for your writing.  If you are writing, the next step is relatively simple.  First you need an idea--I wrote about this yesterday.  The idea is the creative part.  Once you have an idea, you can begin a novel.  I really can't help you much more than I have with building an idea.  Don't copy.  Don't write knockoffs.  Don't steal material. 

Using similar themes is okay.  Using the same environment or settings (unless they are real) is wrong.  On the other hand, you can take a classical or historical setting, place a similar theme within it, and create an entirely unique novel. 

Take the theme of boy meets girl, falls in love, and wins her love.  This theme has been done a million times.  You can modify this theme in all kinds of ways to produce a relatively unique novel.  For example, vampire girl meets boy or vampire boy meets girl--whoops, that's been done.  How about demon boy meets girl or monster boy meets girl or poor boy meets girl.  Take any modified theme for now and place it in a setting. 

Let's say we have as a theme: army boy meets Kurdish girl, falls in love, and wins her love.  Choose as a setting Turkey or Iraq.  Are you seeing how this works?  How about the theme of my newest novel: boy rescues a feral girl (who happens to be a demigod) after an accident, the girl falls in love, the girl wins the boy.  The setting is Boston. I like unique and odd themes.

Once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, stabilize your theme, and focus your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Ideas

4 October 2012, Development - Ideas

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

You have a concrete goal--write 1,500 words a week.  This isn't that difficult of a goal.  If you keep it up, you will have a completed novel in one year.  That's a perfect goal for any writer.  If you really do wish to write, you need to put your time where your desires are.  Without sweat equity (investment) you can't become a writer of any skill. 

I've written over and over, if you wish to write well, you need to have written at least one million words.  This goal is the start toward your one million words.

The next question is what should you write?  This is where all that creative stuff I was writing about comes into play.  If you are creative, I know you have a couple of novel ideas noted somewhere.  If you you don't--what are you thinking?  If you want to be a novelist, you need to have some novel length ideas--start thinking.  If you really don't have any, now is the time to immerse yourself in all the filling kinds of pastimes with the goal to produce a creative idea.  If you can't do that--you might want to give up on the idea of becoming an author. 

I know, if you are reading this, you likely have some great ideas for books.  Now is the time to make those ideas real.  You need to begin to visualize your plot, stabilize your theme, and focus your characters.  More tomorrow.
I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Incremental Goals

3 October 2012, Development - Incremental Goals

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

Start writing.  That is number one.  If you don't start you can never succeed at writing.  If you remember, I've written that you must write about one million words before you have enough skill to write well--so start writing.

The second goal is like unto the first--what do you want to accomplish?  What are your goals.  If you want to be a novelist, you need to start writing novel-length works.  If you want to write short stories, you need to write those.  The point is to define your goals.  Once you define your goals, you can begin to achieve them.  I know a lot about short stories, and I've written them, but they aren't my thing.  You will learn some good ideas to help your writing, but I focus mainly on novel length works.  I do write short pieces,... mainly essays and autobiographical shorts about flying, but my love is the novel.

Let's say your goal is to write novels.  That's a great goal.  Now you have to set incremental steps (goals) to achieve that major goal.  The goal is to write a novel.  If you want to write a novel, you have to write.  When I began to write, it took me about a year to write a novel (I can write one in about a month now).  Let's set a year to write your novel.  For a first novel, a good word count is about 75,000.  That is a goal.  With 52 weeks in a year, you need to write about 1,500 words a week to finish a 75,000 word novel.  1,500 words is nothing.  You can write 1,500 words in your sleep.

Here are your incremental goals: write 1,500 words per week (that includes all rewrites) and write every day.  If you set aside an hour or two a day to write, you will easily achieve 1,500 words a week, and I guarantee that those 1,500 words will be pretty good ones.  You aren't limited to 1,500 words per week--that's just your goal. With these goals, you can write a novel.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Goals

2 October 2012, Development - Goals

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

You have to have a general idea of your goal.  My goal was always to write a novel--I've written 21 novels plus a bunch of starts.  I'm on 22 and 23, but progressing slowly.  Of course my goals were not just to write a novel, but to be a published author--I have six books in print.  My goals didn't stop there; I want to continue to have my novels published--I have two novels on contract.  I have further goals--I'd like to see all my novels published, and I'd like to write a lot more novels.

If you want to accomplish anything in life, you must have goals.  If you want to be an author, you need to define your goals.  The goals above a pretty good, but if you are just starting to write, I think you should refine them.  Here is the first goal I'd suggest.

1.  Begin to write.  I speak to wanna-be authors all the time.  The difference between a wanna-be and an "is" is the doing.  If you want to be a writer, you must write.  This means you must begin and begin now.  No excuses--just do it.  Let's dive deeper into this.  You need to start writing, and you need to do it regularly.  I personally don't need a schedule for writing, but if you are the kind of person who needs a schedule to achieve something, then make a schedule.  Schedule your writing and start.  You might as well start right now--that is the minute you finish reading this blog.  The starting is critical.

This is just like an exercise program--only better.  People who stick to their exercise program will always see the benefits of that program.  People who start a writing program will always see the benefits of that program.  I don't mean to say you will become a great author, but until you actually start, there is no hope you will become a great author.  Let's put it this way--if you start to write, there is a chance you will become a great author.  If you don't start to write, you can never become any kind of author.  Start writing.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Applying Creativity

1 October 2012, Development - Applying Creativity

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

I spent a long time on the basics of historical study, the plot and theme, symbols, characters, and then creativity (not quite in that order).  What I'd like to do now is apply these within development to show how to create.  What we'll do is gather the tools and devices I've put together and weave them into writing.  I'll give some suggested exercises to help develop the tools and to provide examples of their use.

I'll use my rules of writing to tie the parts together and give examples from Akisnya.  Gather together your historical notes, your cultural notes, your plot ideas, your character ideas, your primary symbols, and your ideas about theme.  What we'll do with them is to turn them into a creative whole.  Note the questions below.  These are questions I'll try to answer with this approach to creativity.  The point will be to recreate or create a creative moment for the purpose of the development of writing.  Through this approach, we will see how to invent ideas and how to put those ideas on paper.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.