Welcome!

Welcome to Two Guys Write a Book. This blog will chronicle the efforts of two regular guys to write their first novel manuscript starting from scratch, and knowing next to nothing about the process. We're learning as we go. It'll be a blast, of that I am certain.

The only thing that we know definitively about this project is that it will be a piece of Science Fiction.

Have you ever wanted to write a novel but don't know where to start? You're in the same boat as us. Follow along if you'd like. You may not end up in print (we may not either), but collectively we will definitely get a good stretch of those literary muscles.


Some Background:

Ed and I used to write a lot in High School, then we graduated and life happened. We continued to write fiction over the years afterwards though our efforts were isolated and generally short lived. We have always talked about writing a book together, but there was never time. We have finally come to the realization that there will never be time unless we make it.

We have tried a few different ways to tackle this thus far. Generally our plan of attack was "write X number of words by X time". Those attempts have met with failure because in all honesty we have day jobs and are not used to making time for writing in our lives.

Just as you don't get off your couch and immediately go run a marathon if you are not used to doing so, it also seems that you don't just sit down and write a novel if you aren't used to doing so. Jumping into the deep end has not worked out very well for us thus far, so, we are going to take a direction from this marathon analogy and start with a form of literary interval training.

Just like any training program, you have to stick to your assigned work, and follow the rules.


The Rules  

1) You must meet the minimum contribution to the daily writing assignment.
2) If you fail to meet the daily minimum, you will be punished.

Punishment: You must take a picture of yourself wearing the Hat of Shame and upload it to this blog. You may not take a Hat of Shame picture in the same location twice. If you are sick, or it is a holiday, you are exempt from punishment - however, you are still encouraged to write if you can, since, well, that is kind of the point of this exercise.


Assignment 1 - Dust off that notebook, break out that pen

Task: Generate high level base concept ideas for a scene you think is interesting. (Ex: A problem occurs during atmospheric re-entry.)

Daily Minimum: 3 ideas. (Remember, It is okay to exceed your goals)


We will compile our list of ideas at the end of the week.  Let the writing begin!