Paying Attention

Writing novels has been a passion for a couple of decades transforming into a full-time endeavor eight years ago. Looking beyond the story to see the skeletal structure beneath predates both milestones by many years. Early on, I wondered: What is about a novel that will reside clearly and comfortably in the memory for years while others are forgotten shortly after the final word is read?


Once the question was asked those many years ago, so began my pursuit of story perfection. Will it ever be achieved? Of course not, but to seek it in all things, including fiction writing is a duty I will not deny. To improve from one story to the next in small but measurable ways is my goal. At some point, the novel not easily forgotten should evolve—that is the hope.

There are no new ideas; so goes the cliché, but it’s true, even biblical (Ecclesiastes 1:9): “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” This doesn’t preclude alternate uses and better ways of presenting old ideas.

Clearly, this does not promote plagiarism; instead, it should encourage us to pay attention to the world around us. Within other works lie gems to be transformed and refitted to a different use. It could be anything; a better plot direction, ways of improving dialogue flow or even an amusing or dramatic phrase or word providing the perfect device to turn a story or conclude a scene.

Do not simply scan newspaper articles, study them and every novel, movie and conversation; there are gems of wisdom waiting for you to glean. Inspiration comes to advance the search for perfection one baby step at a time. The only secret in the process is to keep taking those steps. That unforgettable novel will come together.

If it’s a brand new idea you are waiting on before you get down to business then... well, good luck with that.


Daniel (Danny) Lance Wright
Author of
"Paradise Flawed"/Dream Books LLC/2009
"Six Years' Worth"/Father's Press/2007
"The Last Radiant Heart"/Virtual Tales/Spring 2010
"Anne Bonny, Where Are You?"/Rogue Phoenix Press/May 2010