I've written five novels and am a published author. Although I doubt that qualifies me as an "expert,” perhaps I can offer a few words of advice to those considering this type of work. Let's get one thing straight. It shouldn't be "work.” It's a calling or an outlet. I began my writing career after years of reading everything I could put my hands on. I was a prodigious reader and still am. I decided that perhaps I could write as well as some of the so-called "best-selling” authors. But what to write?

Ah, there's the rub. I realized that I had no idea whether I would be able to come up with 100,000 words. So I figure that one walks or crawls before one runs. In writer's terms, that would equate to a short story. I considered about ten pages might qualify and pondered the subject matter. Without having read a single book on novel writing, I considered my options. It should tell a story. Good, a beginning. But should it be a real story or a fabrication? Hmm. How about a little bit of each.

A semi-autobiographic approach is a realistic solution. You can relate to my process as I go through it. I would draw on my life experiences and choose one place in time that might prove interesting. A moment of decision, stress, joy or humor would be a perfect starting point. In my case, it was a stress-filled, time in my youth when my parents were getting a divorce. I changed a few items but kept the majority of the elements. It took a while until I mapped out the story and did a fair amount of editing. But I managed to get it on paper and was quite proud of myself.

It was my first writing experience and gave me optimism that I could write at all. About a year later, I decided it was time to tackle the next big hurdle: a full-length novel. This time I needed to flesh out characters, plot, setting and ending. I chose the outline format and began thinking of what might be fascinating enough to hold the reader's attention through about 300 pages. I always loved science fiction and came up with a plot. I employed my advertising background to construct the main character and used the setting where I grew up.

By falling back on what I knew

best, I was able to avoid massive research and move right into the writing part itself. Many new writers get hung up and turned off by all the minutia of the details that are required for establishing believability. Rely on what you know and what you've personally been through. It can be very liberating to simply relive the past and regurgitate previous adventures.

The short story, or an article, is the ideal vehicle to begin a writing career. Personal events can provide the fodder for a first story, even if they aren't particularly memorable or exciting. The idea that they motivate the writer is what's important. Concentrate on mastering a style and communication. Try not to be fancy with words or thoughts. You can flip open the Thesaurus when needed. Just have fun and enjoy the exercise. You don't have to please anyone but yourself at this level. When you feel more confident, tackle the novel.

But I have a counter-intuitive suggestion. Don't read books on how to write. They may have good intentions, but they influence your instinctive notions. Instead, do as much as possible from a tableau rasa, or blank slate. As an artist and painter, I can attest to this approach. Then, if you feel the urge, read a few articles on writing and take whatever advice may help. Like an article by a novelist. Did I hear you say, like you? Absolutely!

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