Yes, it is a constant presence in every book, and I often encounter it.
As someone who has navigated the twists and turns of writing four novels—and is deep in the creative throes of my fifth—I want to share this specific perspective into a writer’s world.
As a reader, I hope you enjoy learning what goes into creating a good book. Today, I discuss the most challenging aspect of being a novelist.
You might think the toughest part is dreaming up that elusive Big Idea – the one that sparks the entire story. But let me tell you, that’s just the beginning!
My greatest challenge when writing a book lies in bridging the daunting gap between idea and execution. It’s a vast and treacherous chasm where many stories stumble and lose their grip.
People often share their grand concepts for books with me. My response is that a concept does not make a compelling novel. A story truly unfolds through the rigorous process of writing, page by page, chapter by chapter.
So, what happens during this intense creative labor?
Countless decisions! As the story takes shape, the author balances narrative and dialogue, breathing fresh energy into every corner of the plot. Sure, the Big Idea is the launchpad, but the magic happens in the execution.
If not done well, stories may suffer from the dreaded “saggy middle,” always lurking in the shadows, threatening to drain energy and momentum from what started as an exhilarating journey.
Authors recognize when a story is on the right track. A giddy energy fills their emotions, and the book nearly writes itself. (Perhaps that’s a slight exaggeration, but it is certainly easier to write during those times.)
As I maneuver through these challenges, I want to express my gratitude to readers like you. Your support makes it all worthwhile. So, keep those comments coming, and don’t forget to share your thoughts by posting reviews. They truly mean the world to me!
Warmest regards,
John
