For the Fun of it

The final installment of "How Do You Write Novels?"...

#10.      Have fun

This may seem obvious, but it’s something many new writers neglect to do. 

Yes, writing is work.

Yes, it can be difficult.

Yes, it gets stressful.

Yes, it takes more time than you think.

Yes, sometimes you will want to throw your own book against the wall. 

But the simple way to overcome all of that is to just have fun.

That being the case, here’re (yes, that's a word!) five ways I keep the fun alive when I’m writing a novel, or when I’m in the middle of a series:

• Take your character out to coffee.

Write a short scene where you’re talking to them, asking about life, love, anything that has nothing to do with the book. Chances are this will help you bond better with your character, and help you to keep writing them fluidly.

• Put your character in a different time, and see what they do.

Usually, I recommend at least a few hundred years in either direction. It's better if you go into the thousands though.
I enjoy doing this, because it freshens up the whole thing. When you’re done, it’s usually easier to go back to what you already knew, and (again) you’ve learned more about them.

• Think to yourself, “if a human-sized pink bunny walked through the middle of this scene, (a) would anyone notice, and (b) what would they do?”

Honestly, I don’t know why I do this. But I get some good laughs out of it, and usually I get better at filling in my scene and writing the character’s placements more… gracefully?

• You know those two characters who hate each other? Put them in a room with no doors and no windows and tell them they have to work together if they’re going to get out.

Usually you end up with the hero and the villain either shouting or physically fighting until an agreement can be made. The meantime can be quite amusing, as well as enlightening.

• It’s fifty years in the future and one character is telling this story to their grandchild.

This one is fun, but the trick is to do it through the grandchild’s point of view. How do they see granny or gramps? The good guy or the bad guy?

Plus, it’s always fun trying to think up how a child would look at their grandparent.

How do you guys keep your stories alive, when you just want to throw them up against the wall?

Thanks for reading, and have a good weekend!

{RD}

p.s. Don’t forget about the contest!

Enter to win a signed hardcover edition of “Telekinetic”, along with a surprise gift from me!

Write a comprehensive positive review of Rani Divine’s “Telekinetic: Book I of the Advanced Saga” on any well-known site or forum that accepts book reviews. Reviews written between January 1, 2014 and May 1, 2014 are eligible to be entered into a drawing to receive a signed hardcover edition of the book, along with a surprise gift from Rani!

Three winners will be announced on June 1, 2014.

Rules: Reviews must be positive and comprehensive, may contain a short synopsis of the book, and must be copied and sent via Facebook message to Rani Divine on or before May 1, 2014. All entry messages must contain a link to the review. All reviews not posted on Amazon or other sites where purchase is available must include links to the book on both Amazon and Xlibris. Additionally, reviews must not make mention of the contest or winnings. All reviews sent between March 13, 2014 and May 1, 2014 will be eligible to win.

Winners will be chosen by Rani and the staff of RAD Writing, LLC.