Amy Nelder

When writing a novel, there is no such thing as a “bad” first draft. You are simply storyboarding. There is no film yet, no “action,” no actors. Your only job is blocking the beats, imagining the frames, holding up your fingers as an invisible camera, storyboarding.

First date Him: tell me about yourself Me in a singsong voice: ok but you’re not gonna like it

When your family asks, “How’s the writing going?” - distribute the first three chapters, query, and discussion questions - tell them you’re stuck on a character death and could they help you research how to write an authentic murder? - produce their diary and begin reading aloud