Tag: FirstEdge

First Edge—Making Time to Write: Starting Your Novel in Real Life

FIRST EDGE - WEDNESDAYS
Welcome to First Edge, my Wednesday focus on beginning novelists. Here you'll find practical guidance, encouragement, and permission to start your writing journey. Whether you're thinking about writing or ready to begin, First Edge offers the support you need to take your first steps.

Making Time to Write: Starting Your Novel in Real Life

“I don’t have time to write.” I hear this often from beginning novelists, and I understand. At 60, with a full-time law practice, I said the same thing. Then I wrote my first novel. Here’s how you can too.

## Real-Life Writing Scenarios

### The Early Riser

Sarah, working mother of two:

5:30 AM: Coffee brewing (set up night before)

5:35 AM: Writing corner, laptop open

5:40-6:00 AM: One scene, no editing

Result: 20 minutes = 300 words = novel in one year

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### The Lunch Break Writer

James, office worker:

12:00 PM: Eat at desk while reading yesterday’s work

12:15 PM: Write new scene

12:45 PM: Save and close

Result: 30 minutes = first draft of scene

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### The Night Owl

Maria, retail manager:

9:30 PM: Kids in bed

9:35 PM: Writing space ready

9:40-10:00 PM: Focus on story

Result: 20 minutes of uninterrupted creation

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## Making Minutes Count

### Small Sessions Add Up

Monday: 15 minutes = one paragraph

Tuesday: 15 minutes = scene continuation

Wednesday: 15 minutes = scene completion

Thursday: 15 minutes = new scene begins

Friday: 15 minutes = scene development

Result: One complete scene per week

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### Weekend Bonus Time

Saturday morning:

7:00-7:45 AM: Extended writing time

– Review week’s work

– Expand scenes

– Plan next week

Result: Momentum maintained

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## Creative Time-Finding

### Hidden Moments

– Doctor’s waiting room: Character sketch

– Kid’s practice: Scene outline

– Morning commute: Plot brainstorming (voice notes)

– Walking dog: Mental scene planning

### Time-Stack Method

6:00-6:15 AM: Story outline

Lunch break: Quick scene

8:00-8:15 PM: Scene revision

Result: Three touch points with your story daily

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## Start Today

Your First Week Plan:

Day 1: Set up writing space

Day 2: Write opening line

Day 3: Complete first paragraph

Day 4: Continue scene

Day 5: Finish scene

Weekend: Review and plan

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Remember: My first novel began with 15 minutes before my law practice opened. Today, twelve novels later, I still believe in the power of small beginnings.

“Time isn’t found, it’s made. Make time for your story.”

– Richard L. Fricks

Ready to find your writing time? Schedule a free consultation to create your personal writing schedule.

Tags: FirstEdge, BeginningWriter, WritingTime, WritingHabits, StartWriting

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First Edge—Starting Your Novel: Three Simple Scenes

Think you can’t write a novel? Let’s start with three manageable scenes. No pressure, no rules – just writing.

Scene One: The Mirror Moment

Write a character looking in a mirror, but they’ve just made a decision that will change their life. It could be small (cutting their hair) or significant (leaving their job).

Example:

“Emma traced the new wrinkles around her eyes, wondering if anyone at work had noticed. The resignation letter in her purse felt heavier than two pages should.”

Scene Two: The Coffee Scene

Two people share coffee. Something needs to be said, but neither wants to say it.

Example:

“David stirred his coffee for the third time, watching the cream swirl. Across the table, Sarah shredded her napkin into neat squares, not looking up.”

Scene Three: The Small Decision

Your character makes a seemingly minor choice that feels enormous to them.

Example:

“The red shoes gleamed in the display window. Lisa checked her watch – already late for the meeting. The sensible black pumps sat in her shopping bag, receipt neatly folded. She hadn’t worn red shoes since…”

Writing Tips:

– Set a timer: 15 minutes per scene

– Don’t edit while writing

– Focus on character feelings

– Trust your instincts

Share your scenes in the comments, or schedule a Story Discovery Session to discuss your writing journey.

“The scariest moment is always just before you start.”

– Stephen King

Remember: Every novelist started with a single scene. Today, it’s your turn.

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Note: If this is your first appointment, you do not have to pay. I offer a FREE—initial consultation.