So what’s going on with that novel thing?

Recently several unrelated events confirmed my theories on writing.

1)Dean Koontz released a new novel titled Velocity. While annoying in one sense, I invested so much time trying to find a title that had never been used before, it demonstrates that my title selection is sound. Besides several trips to number one on all the best seller lists, Dean has been a consistent performer throughout a very long career. Personally, I don’t care much for his subject matter or themes, but he has good ideas and his wife markets them well. Confirmations can come in all shapes and sizes even where least expected. A new title is in the works which I won’t disclose until the check for the book is in my hands. Cause like now I’m superstitious. ;)

2) I crossed the halfway point for the book formerly known as Velocity. There’s no certainties in this process, yet an invisible marker is behind me. A stack of index cards with remaining plot points sits on my desk, and I don’t feel short on content or ideas. In fact, I may have too much, which in my opinion is a good problem. Slicing the excess away is easy for me, getting it down right the first time – difficult.

3) After a few people read the first 50 pages, I was surprised in a good way by their comments. For instance, to paraphrase: “The few issues with Velocity can all be addressed with light revisions, rather than rewriting. Burn the Ridge Runner, concentrate on Velocity and don’t look back.” OK, so that’s positive. Perhaps burning something that I spent two years working on seems harsh, but it’s expected. Many authors first, second or third attempts are not as good as their famous works. I’ll take this as a sign of progression. Other comments – “The weakest part of Velocity is better than the best part of the Ridge Runner.” Again, more progress.

4) I learned about the rule of three. In short, the precept states that it takes about three years of consistent effort to become proficient in a discipline. Mastery takes ten years. While it may be possible to compress that time period, I don’t think there’s a shortcut ultimately. Even those lucky few who are successful right out of the gate stumble about until they’ve paid the toll in full.

2 thoughts on “So what’s going on with that novel thing?

  • June 21, 2005 at 9:03 pm
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    well it shows great minds think alike and yes ur on target with other things…..cant wait to read the results!

  • June 22, 2005 at 10:06 pm
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    thanks hippie j. i can’t wait to finish the results. ;)

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