How to Write a Novel

Top 3 sites that pop up when you Google the phrase "how to write a novel":

http://www.peacecorpswriters.org/pages/depts/resources/resour_writers/100daysbook/bk100da.html

http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/art/snowflake.php

And this very funny (and useful) blog post by Justine Larbalestier:

http://justinelarbalestier.com/blog/2006/09/06/how-to-write-a-novel/

Now to put some of this advice into practice...

Excuses and Name Calling

So it's been a couple of weeks since I've done anything with "the novel" (if you can call an idea in my brain such a thing). Life has interfered, beginning with a trip to my hometown for my ten year high school reunion, followed by my daughter starting at a new daycare which has lengthened my commute by 15-30 minutes (depending on traffic) and just general disorganization stemming from those two events.

Thankfully, this week we're back into the normal swing of things, and I can refocus. Today I thought of a great name for my main female character. I was looking for something that was traditional, but that would lend itself to an unusual nickname, and I think I've got it (though I'm going to refrain from writing it here for several reasons I don't care to get into at the moment).

Anyway, my goal for tonight is to get a rough sketch of her life, appearance, personality, etc. Actually get something on paper and not just scribbled notes on a pad!