The Woes of Writing a Novel

My biggest goal in life is to become a prolific writer; settling down after a career as a feminist, english professor, journalist, and publisher to author a series of “undying” novels. Although this is a somewhat grandiose aspiration, I have never wavered in confidence that, ensuing middle age, I will write a copious amount of award-winning books soon to become staple upon bookshelves worldwide. The fact seemed inevitable - and not in anyway akin to other slightly less plausible hopes habitual to dreamers like me. Yet lately I question to what extent life will hew to my meticulous, and very ambitious, plans. Perhaps, upon reaching senior years, the time and energy needed to write a novel will have diminished , and, consequently, I shall perish without realizing my ultimate dream - a prospect just as tragical and dramatic as it sounds. According to convention, authoring a novel, or novels, in ones youth is rare, likely because adolescents are too young to retain fully formed philosophies and, in any case, are preoccupied with other, teenage-like pastimes, such as school. However, at present, I probably have the most free time, energy, and drive I will ever posses, and thus, with a great deal of deliberation, I have decided to write a book. I am not predicting a masterpiece or some undying legacy, merely an exciting, blissfully stress free project that will ensure a definition as a “writer” and extinguish any prospective regrets. My plot was settled upon while browsing in the bookshop and catching glimpse of Edward Rutherfords vast works. For those unacquainted with the author, he has penned a rather prolific array of novels each chronicling families spanning over hundreds of years in one integral venue. Some of his more notable works are “New York” and “London,” which, as you can imagine, are colossus. I thought this was a interesting concept, and right up my alley in regards to writing, however, I do not consider myself that well versed in different locales, or, for that matter, history. Yet, in a brilliant flash of inspiration, I realized there was one, if unhistorical, place I was extremely well acquainted with - Pasley Island. This met my criteria of a personal connection (as one always needs some form of intimate undertone) and, as historical fiction, would be right up my alley. I have resolved to very loosely base my story upon it, encompassing merely the scenery, which would be ingrained in my mind regardless of what setting I chose, and perhaps some of the more interesting circumstances. The notorious Bell-Irvings, founders of the Islands underlying sense of family and community, will certainly find their place into the novel under the alias of “Apple Bee,” for example. Also, I would love to keep the dynamic of world war 2, specifically, Pasley’s role in the women’s and children’s lives, who would venture up to their summer cabin without their husbands, fathers, or brothers. It’s origin as a whaling station is also fairly interesting to…But all in all, I intend to write a creative, largely imaginative novel starring make believe characters, all of which I am currently plotting in preparation of the actual writing. Although it has been a slow start, I believe I actually might follow through on this project, and, who knows, perhaps produce a masterpiece.