I’ve been writing my first novel, off-again and on-again (mostly off-again), for several years now. I say mostly off-again, because, unfortunately, all I have to show for that time are six and a half chapters and a file full of notes.

They’re really good chapters, though. At least I think so. I’ve developed interesting characters: heroes, villains and a few whose final roles have yet to be revealed. I’m especially proud of the way I’ve built suspense, tension and drama leading up to the action sequences.

I’m also proud of my writing style. Strong verbs, strong nouns, solid word choice. A distinct point of view for each character.

But 25,000 words doesn’t make a fantasy novel, does it? 

So I’m back at it again. Hopefully for good, this time. I wrote for a couple of hours last night, and it felt pretty good. Whenever I pick it up again, I wonder why I ever stopped working on it in the first place.

This time, I’m going to stick to it.

I’m writing this blog to give myself a place to track my own progress. I hope that if I spend 10 minutes a day thinking about my efforts, I’ll stay more focused, and seven chapters will turn into eight, then nine, and so on.

I’ll be a novelist yet.