A work of fiction

For someone who works as a writer, it's been a long, long time since I've written a piece of fiction. I've been thinking a lot about writing lately. I'd eventually like to write a novel, but perhaps it's best to begin with a few short stories, poems, or maybe a novella. I think I would end up creating a character that has a lot of similarities to me. They do say, "write about what you know." I wonder if I would turn out one of those chick-lit books that's fun, a la Bridget Jones. But I'd worry that it would really lack substance.

Today I visited Barnes & Noble on my lunch break. I discovered the New Fiction table as I walked in. Ever notice how placement of tables, placement of books and especially cover designs are truly the key in determining what books you pick up? I think it's fascinating how I end up finding the books that I do to read. It's usually sheer luck, or sheer product placement. That aside, I did pick up a book from the New Fiction table with a nice cover design that turned out to have a really interesting description. It's called "The Heroines" by Eileen Favorite. "The Heroines" is about a teenage girl who lives with her mother at the bed & breakfast they run. It turns out the bed & breakfast is frequented by some interesting guests--famous heroines from beloved novels, such as Scarlett O'Hara from Gone with the Wind. These guests visit and share their stories, dilemmas and more with the teenage girl and her mom, and in turn, create quite a commotion. What an amazing, innovative plot!

I haven't read this book yet, but I'm thinking about getting it. Just the summary has made me think about creating characters and writing. I've done some Internet research and found many, many resources for writers (and non-writers!) to begin their quest to create. The tough part about this process is that there are so many books, websites, magazines, etc. out there, you have to sift through and determine which ones suit your needs and then be sure they are from a legitimate source. It really is a Pandora's Box of sorts, and I'm just beginning my search.

One resources is a magazine called "Writer's Digest." This magazine has advice for writers of several different genres, business information, inspiring stories from other writers and more.

The Internet itself has many online communities for writers, which could be a good way to get ideas, brainstorm, etc.

There are numerous books published on writing fiction. These can be found online or in bookstores. Often if you go to a website such as Amazon.com or Borders.com, you can see customer ratings before you buy.

Some authors and writing professionals hold writing workshops. These vary by community, and can be quite expensive, so do your research first.

Finally there are university and community college courses to enroll in that focus on fiction writing and sometimes specifically novels, short stories, poetry, biography, etc.

I think I will begin with browsing the Web for some writing exercises and maybe then picking up a book. I don't yet have the time to begin a workshop or course, but I would love for this to be a hobby, especially during the cold winter months here in Chicago.