CRAFT EDGE - SATURDAYS
Welcome to Craft Edge, my Saturday focus on fiction writing craft. Here you'll find deep dives into writing techniques using One Stop for Writers and Fictionary resources. Whether you're developing characters or structuring scenes, Craft Edge helps you master the tools of storytelling.
Disclaimer: I know the following doesn’t directly reconcile with our Craft Edge Saturdays post. I simply felt like someone might need some encouragement about writing.
Hello, I’m Richard L. Fricks. At 70, I stand as proof that it’s never too late to pursue a dream. Since retiring from my legal career in 2015, I’ve written 11 novels. What might surprise you is that I embarked on this journey without any formal training in creative writing. If I can do it, so can you. This is an invitation to unleash the novelist within you – whether you’ve been nurturing the idea for years or have never considered it until now.
Let’s address the first group – you’ve always wanted to write a novel. You’ve carried stories in your heart and played with plots in your mind, but life’s incessant demands have pushed this dream to the back burner. I understand. Between career, family, and the myriad responsibilities life throws at us, nurturing a seed of personal ambition like novel writing seems like a luxury you can’t afford. But here’s what I’ve learned: writing isn’t a departure from your daily life; it’s a rich, rewarding enhancement of it.
Writing a novel is not about finding extra time; it’s about making the time. It’s about prioritizing a part of yourself that longs for expression. It’s about committing to your creative journey, even if it means writing in the quiet hours of the morning or during the stolen moments of your day. The fulfillment you derive from bringing your story to life is worth every minute you invest in it.
To those who’ve never considered writing a novel, let me plant a seed of possibility. Writing a novel isn’t just for those with a literary background or a lifetime of stories bubbling under the surface. It’s for anyone who desires to explore the depths of their imagination, to challenge themselves, to embark on a journey of self-discovery and creative expression. You might be astonished at the stories lying dormant within you, waiting to unfold on paper.
Writing a novel is an exploration. It’s about discovering new worlds, delving into the complexities of characters that you create, and narrating a story that’s uniquely yours. It’s an art form where you’re the artist, and the canvas is as vast as your imagination. The beauty of novel writing is that there are no boundaries – no idea is too far-fetched, no plot too outlandish. It’s a space where freedom meets creativity.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the lack of formal training. I am a testament to the fact that formal education in creative writing is not a prerequisite to becoming an author. While such education can be valuable, it’s your passion, commitment, and imagination that are the real drivers of successful writing. The intricacies of the craft can be learned and honed over time, but the spark of storytelling comes from within.
If you’re holding back because you fear your writing isn’t good enough, remember that every author starts with a rough first draft. Writing is a process of constant evolution. Your first draft is just the beginning. With each revision, your story gets sharper, your characters more vivid, and your narrative more compelling. The key is to start – your skills will develop with practice.
To help you on this journey, I offer coaching services that cater specifically to your needs, whether you’re a beginner needing guidance on where to start or an aspiring writer seeking to refine your manuscript. My approach is rooted in practical, real-world experience, tailored to help you bring your novel from concept to completion.
Writing a novel is not just about crafting a story; it’s about leaving a legacy. It’s a way to share a part of yourself with the world, to connect with readers most profoundly. And when you see your name on the cover of your published work, the sense of accomplishment is unparalleled.
So, if you’ve dreamed of writing a novel, let this be your starting point. If you’ve never considered it, let this be your invitation to explore. Schedule your free 30-minute initial consultation with me. Together, we’ll chart the course of your novel-writing journey. It’s never too late to start, and there’s no better time than now. Your story matters. Let’s begin the adventure of telling it.
Book your FREE initial consultation appointment below and take the first step towards becoming the author you’ve always wanted to be or discovering the author you never knew you could be.
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The Pencil Driven Life 