This is the first day of my countdown to finishing my first novel. I'm giving myself 365 days to complete my book. My story is a murder mystery set in New York City. Writing what you know is a piece of advice that almost all writing teachers will give you. I'm following that advice. Writing a novel that takes place within the cultural milieu of New Orleans or involves the internal workings of the LAPD would be interesting and fun but I have no direct experience of The Big Easy or the Los Angeles Police Department. I was born in Brooklyn and lived there, in Queens and on Long Island until I was thirty eight. So I'll write about places I know and organizations I have some knowledge of.

I'll blog about my writing process, what I'm doing in terms of developing my technique and which authors I'm reading. Occasionally I will post excerpts from my book and include any random thoughts that seem to be relevant. I'll also, on a regular basis, throw in thoughts and ramblings that aren't relevant. I tend to digress. I know this about myself...I've seen me do it.

Right now I'm struggling with my outline. I'm trying to get it done quickly (but not too quickly) so that I can get down to real writing. To recap my story is a murder mystery set in New York City. The murder takes place within the acting community and the NYPD investigates. I've trained as an actor so I'm staying pretty close to home here. My experience of the NYPD is a topic of discussion for another time. I'm also trying to get my main characters in place. That is not as easy as it sounds.

Please post any feedback, comments, etc. that you feel appropriate. I always appreciate criticism. Okay, to be honest I may curse you silently but on this blog at least you'll get nothing but gracious thanks.

So here we go. 365 days to a finished novel and counting...

Bill Browning, posting from Starbucks, Midtown Atlanta, evening of 18 February 2010.