Let’s Write a Book! | Part II: Planning 

Check out part I of the journey.

It’s been almost a month since I boldly declared that I would write a novel. 

I’m still planning on getting it published in some capacity, but that’s a long way down the track. We’re still a ways from the general public being able to consume my mighty words.  Job one, of course, is to write the book itself.

What’s my motivation?

If you’ll allow me to get personal with you for a moment: I’d like to take you back to my university days. 

I was in the process of completing my Master’s degree and I was strongly considering doing a PhD, but something put me off. I wanted to do something of my own accord, rather than spend 6 years writing about other people.

I could have spent most of my 20s becoming an expert on someone else’s life when I wanted to do something significant myself. Writing a novel feels similar. 

I will always be a big consumer of popular culture and will maintain spicy opinions about the likes of Rebecca Ferguson. But I want to impact popular culture in my own way.

This is the most I’ve ever planned in my life

Novels take planning. I’ve spent most of the past month planning and learning how to construct a story – I’ve greatly enjoyed the Barry Sanderson writing series about the nuts and bolts of writing fiction.

I’ve had more than enough theory jammed down my throat, I’m ready to write.

The outline of my plot so far:

A Britsh man lives in South Korea and enters into a relationship with a woman and the ups and downs of an ill-advised engagement.

I’ve discussed the characters with my wife – I’m British and we met in Korea, but our marriage was very well-advised. When I talk about their motivations, I feel like they all have too much drama in their lives, but I’m hoping this will keep it interesting.

Example – Why is Isaac in Korea? Two options:

1. He’s uninspired in the UK and wants adventure – Boring
2. He got catfished and has to make the most of Korea– Spicy 

We’ll see if this becomes Jeremy Kyle: The Book.

Write what you know: Korea

‘Write what you know’ is a super common adage. In my case this means living in Korea as foreigner and getting married. The novel will draw on my personal life for inspiration but will take significant dramatic license. 

I think people will assume that certain events in the book are drawn from my personal life or that the disastrous romantic relationship at the centre mirrors my personal life. 

For the record: My life in Korea and marriage are very good and free from drama.

I don’t think I’ll be able to do anything about reckless speculation, however, the reason for the close-to-home setting is to avoid extensive world-building in a debut book.

The story will take place in modern South Korea. Naturally, I’ll have to explain some cultural elements, but it won’t require lengthy descriptions. Most people will have at least a vague concept of the country, so this world will require far less heavy lifting than if I wanted to create something akin to Mordor.

Emotional state

So far we’re doing well, I showed my first chapter to ChatGPT for some constructive feedback, verdict so far

A strong start with great atmosphere and character dynamics, but could flow better.

Books I’ve been reading

To get me in the mood for this I’m trying to read books which have grounded plots. Recently I’ve enjoyed:

• Bartleby, the Scrivener – Herman Melville
• The Picture of Dorian Gray – Oscar Wilde
• Catcher in the Rye – J.D. Salinger

I need to start some books which are set in modern day Korea next.

Also, I watched Hoosiers yesterday.… whitest film ever

Here’s part III of the writing journey.