A W-rite of Passage

The word novel suggests something new and unusual. When writing a book one has to bear these reader’s expectations in mind. The theory that there are only seven plots that have existed over time merely makes the task harder to find a novel way to tackle one of these themes – love, revenge, murder, self-discovery, technology, nature, or  supernatural. The trick therefore is to give an old theme a new life. Two years ago I began, with great optimism, to write a novel about identity and self-discovery.  When I finished the first draft of Under the Pipal Tree I was less confident of having written a story that would compel the reader to turn the pages. I therefore sought professional help to have the novel appraised and steer me in the right direction.  In Writer’s Corner (just below Writer’s Block) I have noted my experience with Cinnamon Press’s mentoring service. I will record my writing/editing journey as I go along. A writer friend, Polis said “editing is where the writing grows legs”. The voyage is often solitary but enriched by meeting fellow sailors.