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Writing a novel #6

Phyllis and me

Fireflies takes place in my home town of Iowa Falls, Iowa. Of course I know Iowa Falls like the back of my hand and the inside of my soul but never-the-less, I talk to old friends, revisit places ~ physically or in pictures, keep momentos close by on my computer desk; things that make me think of Iowa Falls and transport me back there when I’m writing. These all give me the sense of wonder and the joy of being a part of my own novel. I am there on the bridge. There at the Princess Cafe. There on Washington Ave. I’m everywhere in Iowa Falls that I can be when I’m writing about it. I’m loving every minute and enjoying the process of writing even more.

A week ago I vacationed with a girlfriend of mine since we were in second grade at West Side School in Iowa Falls, Iowa. We will always be the best of friends and we share so many, many memories through grade school, middle and high school, college, marriage, children and now grandchildren. How fast life has gone. On my visit to North Carolina, we talked and talked until all of our oral muscles were fatigued from the use or abuse they enjoyed so much. In doing so, however, I was reminded of many details of Iowa Falls ~ her people and her places along with her events, her joys and her sorrows. That, my friends, is called life.

So, what ever you are writing about, find out more from your friends. Perhaps they are your most valuable source of detailed information.

Now from Fireflies ~
Audrey held thoughts of French fries piled high and smothered in catsup along with a Cherry Coke or what made The Princess Cafe famous, a Green River. That’s what Audrey would order today, a Green River. She recalled how Stephen had introduced her to Green Rivers.

Writing a novel #5

Another great writing tip is to join local writer’s groups. This is beneficial for many reasons: it gives you a networking with other local writers, it keeps you motivated, it can give you access to agents, publishers, editors, and it has shown me a whole new group of friends. I have connected with a small critique group. This is new for me and I think I’m going to like it. We exchange one chapter per week and critique each other’s work. I’m also going to start reading Fireflies at one of the writer’s groups that has a forum set for that purpose. This will give me more critiquing opportunities ~ I need to be a good listener here and not become defensive.

So join local writer’s groups, get to know people in your own community, and be willing to listen to what they have to say about your work. It will pay off and you will be a better and more inspired writer for it.

Now from Fireflies ~
Stephen was solemn and Audrey sensed something deep and very sad in his voice. It went far beyond the image of a hog swirling in the Iowa River on either side of the dam. She knew there was a shadow lurking in the corners of his soul and because of what Doug had said at the Princess, Audrey was sure it had to do with Vietnam.