I seem to be learning a lot about myself while I write this first novel. Maybe some of it I knew already and have just remembered. Some of it I’ve never thought about before. I’ve decided to record it as it comes to me, and this is the first round.
- I am a terrible chapter mistress. Some chapters have barely more than 1,000 words; others have more than 5,000. I’m leaving it though, because I like the way it flows. I’ll just have to do better next time around. Or not. (See next item.)
- I am a reformed perfectionist when it comes to storytelling. I can hear the wisdom and realize I might be making a mistake, and I can still try it my way anyway. I am willing to fail in exchange for experience and understanding.
- Being an author, or writer, or however I eventually decide to describe my profession, isn’t a thing I’m achieving. It’s a journey I’m taking.
- I believe the reader’s comfort matters a great deal; a good story should go down easy. I also believe that challenging readers is important; a good story should stir you up. This strange balance is exciting.
- Many goods are better than one perfect. Maybe.