Last month I participated in, and won, NaNoWriMo. I wrote
the first 50,000 words of my novel ‘Tied Together’ which I think it’s probably
going to be about 100,000 words in total. Anyway, after November ended I
decided I needed a break from that story and started a new novel.
I’ve been working on both Tied Together and this new novel,
which is currently being referred to as ‘Megan’ (my main characters’ name) for
several years now but I’ve never really written them- not the extent that I am
now. They’ve both changed drastically over time and they’ve kind of become
opposites to one another.
For example, Tied Together is a novel set in Copenhagen,
Denmark about a girl named Coralie and her family and friends. There are some
magical elements to the story as well, but it really is a novel about
friendship, family and even a little bit of romance. Basically, where I’m going
with this is that it’s a very light story, it’s a feel good story in the end.
‘Megan’, on the other hand, is about Megan Hill – the
coldest, most manipulative, just generally horrible, main character that I have
ever written. She doesn’t really have any friends or family, nor does she want
any. Her story is about how ambition can tear you apart, and there is definitely
not a happy ending.
Do you see what I mean?
I wanted to write this post because I’ve been talking with
two of my friends, who are both writers as well, about the difference in
writing style and tone in our own novels. In general, my novels usually are
more like Tied Together – I like focusing on the positives in life, but I’m
really enjoying writing Megan just because it’s so different.
My question for you guys is, do you notice a difference in
style in your own writing or do you tend to lean towards the same sort of tone?
I’m really interested to see what all of you have to say. Also, I’m looking for
a critique partner/group if anyone is interested.
