Behind the Scenes of a Novel - Day 7

Today I've managed to refocus my thoughts. I spent some time in conversation with my publisher. I am not dwelling on yesterday's unexpected news. I've also been in contact with my publicist on an up-coming radio interview. Getting word out there on my current novel and the one coming out in November takes precedence over trivia.

I've also taken my anger and disappointment and written an earlier hub so writers just getting into the business know to get everything in writing. I published it, have asked colleagues for support and now I'm walking away from the issue.

My energy has been spent making chapter four sizzle and move the story forward. My dynamic couple are rediscovering the things they love about each other. The super secret project they are working on is making headway. She has hired a secretary and her law office will be up and running soon. Yes, making progress.

Looking at how and when Macy will make an appearance in this novel. I know the circumstances, I'm just not sure when it will happen. I don't know if it will happen in a crisis or if it will happen at an earlier time. I do know they knew each other in college and shared some of the same adventures.

It will take time for the secret project to be completed and to move us into it's usefulness. How do you tactfully introduce abuse of women? How do you make people be compassionate about it? How do you get them to take a stand against it? Those are some of the issues I'm facing. Yes, this is a novel, but the subject matter is serious. I need to make it believable. My audience needs to understand I see it as a serious issue. Abuse has many forms and women, children, and the elderly are the biggest victims. I want to bring awareness without sounding preachy or trying to sway people to one side of the issue or the other.

My job is to tell a great story with awesome characters. The subject matter can be controversial. I want people talking and thinking about the issue. That's where I'm putting my focus. I will read and reread what I'm writing so the novel will speak for those who cannot.

I've found my focus. I can accomplish what I want. Telling a story comes naturally to me. Creating believable and compassionate characters is something I'm getting better at.

I have been asked if I write from personal experience. I write from things which could happen in real life. I write from ideas created in my imagination. I believe I leave a part of me in every piece of writing I do. Those people who know me well, or have known me for a long time, think they can find me in my novels. One reader told me she could see my quirky sense of humor in one of my novels. Others think they have seen me as a character or in some of my favorite haunts. Are they right? They will never know. I don't confirm or deny.

Now I'm off to do some of that serious writing. Hope you have your focus and know where your work is heading.