A Little Whine, Please

I have an idea for a new novel. I have a good premise and some interesting characters but I'm not sure which one is the protagonist. I know I'll find out when I start writing the book, only I don't start. I feel overwhelmed by the immensity of the project, like I'm an ancient Egyptian laborer who just received orders to build a new pyramid.

I'm Puzzled

The other day I saw a group of men on motorcycles. They and their passengers wore black leather vests with the following inscription, "Undisputed Ryders." I assume it's the name of their club. And I'm sure they spent a great deal of time deciding on it. But I can't figure out what it means and it's been bugging me.

It's That Time Again

I am about to start a new novel. This will be my fourth if we count my very first attempt which was written in ten days using the stream-of-consciousness technique. Whooo-eee, that was a beaut!

I have written two novels since then. The first first draft of the second one, a middle grade light fantasy, was another one of my ten-day wonders. It amazed me how fast the words sprang from my fingers. And, looking back, how random and unfocused they were. Three cheers for my writing group, Loree Burns nd Eric Luper who read both of these pitiful manuscripts and critiqued them. They even managed to encourage me, and this stuff was B-A-D!

Two pretty darn good novels later (she said modestly), I've realized my problem in revising first drafts is I've tried to keep them as is. Not a good idea for a free-range writer. If I consider the first draft to be a 300 page outline, maybe the first first draft of this next book will shine. Maybe.