Day 1 - Tis the Beginning

After reading the latest chapter of a "Castle" fan fiction story, I was left thinking of how the author could have written it to add a twist. Within minutes, that thought morphed into "OMG! I just thought of a new novel!".

So, I spent the afternoon and night joining and reading fiction writing forum posts to pick up ideas on the writing process and what potential pitfalls to avoid.

Now I have my main and supporting characters (except those that come into the story for a few moments, peppered throughout the story - they will be developed when they appear), their names and personalities and some have brief back stories that are pertinent to the story itself.

I also have the overall story synopsis and some minor details mapped out. I have also answered the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHY, and HOW questions.

Lastly, I'm in the middle of writing an outline of Chapter 1, which right now reads more like a screenplay (rough scene layouts). Dialogue will only be written if something comes to me and I want it written down so I don't forget it.

Worries:
a) How long to make each chapter.
b) When to end with cliffies and when not to.
c) How long to make the actual book.
d) Will it get published if there is no room for a sequel/trilogy.
e) How does the murder get the knowledge he needs to pull off his whole stunt (hard to understand without giving away the full plot).

I think that's a good start.

Now, if only I can keep this momentum up until the book is finished (understanding that one wouldn't be writing EVERY day or as much each time).