My novel project is still nearing completion with a final proof read and minor changes etc. It’s a lengthy work, fifty chapters and each one is at least two thousand words, so a hundred thousand word novel.
Here is a little about the story…
The book is written in the third person, and in the present tense. When planning the novel, I found this list of the benefits of writing in the present tense..
Writing in the present tense can offer several benefits, including:
- Immediacy and Engagement:
Present tense creates a sense of immediacy, making the reader feel as if the action is unfolding right now. This can increase the intensity and engagement of the narrative. - Direct Connection to Characters:
It can create a stronger, more direct connection between the reader and the characters, as readers experience events simultaneously with the characters. - Heightened Tension and Suspense:
The present tense can enhance tension and suspense, as the outcome of events is unknown and unfolding in real time. - Streamlined Narration:
Present tense can simplify the narrative structure, particularly for stories with a linear progression, as it avoids the need for constant shifts between past and present. - Unique Voice:
It can give a distinctive voice to the narration, making the story stand out and potentially more memorable. - Realism:
In certain genres, such as thrillers or literary fiction, present tense can add a sense of realism and urgency, making the story feel more immediate and real. - Consistency with Certain Genres:
Present tense is often used in young adult fiction and contemporary fiction, aligning the narrative style with reader expectations in these genres.
I have to say, that there seems to be a lot more energy available when writing in the present tense too.
No AI
The work has been written without the use of AI which may be a little unusual these days. I guess you could say it is a product of a ‘stream of consciousness’. The content arrived at any time of day or night and I would leap onto the computer whenever the ideas were present.
It’s a blend
My writing seems to be a blend of the mundane and the unique. I find this both settling and exciting to write, in a way it’s an extension of my life in general which has both these elements present it.
Here is a quote from the prologue…
“…… is an other-worldly story of wonder, danger and love, …… “
An “other-worldly story of wonder, danger, and love” encompasses all the essential elements for a compelling yarn. The sense of wonder draws readers into a richly imagined universe, sparking their curiosity and transporting them to a place where the impossible becomes possible. Danger injects the narrative with suspense and excitement, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they anticipate the characters’ next moves and the perils they face. Love adds depth and emotional resonance, forging connections between characters and readers, and providing a powerful motivation that drives the plot forward. Together, these elements create a captivating and immersive experience that can engage readers from start to finish, making for what I would like to think, is a truly unforgettable story.
It’s controversial
There are controversial elements to the story. We live in a time when people are divided, in a number of ways, and the story reflects this. The uniting elements are love and the positive attitudes of several of the characters.
The tedium of proofreading
Having flown like Icarus I now find myself working in the morass of sentence structure, spelling and grammar. I could just hand the work over to someone who specialises in this sort of thing, but two reasons prevent me. Firstly, I don’t want anyone else to know the story before it is released, and secondly, I’m improving things about the story as I go. Just a sentence here or a descriptive phrase there can make an area all the more interesting and enjoyable.
In the mean time
In the mean time, to take excursions into the stratosphere, I write articles about things that cross the radar. Stay in touch.