When I retired from college teaching, my colleagues gifted me with an illustratedĀ Alice in Wonderland.Ā
Last week when I pulled this book from the shelf, I flipped through the illustrations, focusing on the characters, especially the March Hare. Why? Because we changed the calendar to March, the 3rd month of 2025.
Here, the March Hare sits at a tea table with Alice and the Mad Hatter.
`Take some more tea,’ the March Hare said to Alice, very earnest.’
And so, I keep making associations–about tea parties, but also about writing. Both require creativity: pots of hot tea, yummy treats to go with them, a pretty table-scape. Writing? Deciding on a topic, drafting scenes, editing, revising, and so much more.
Since I began my blog twelve years ago, my fortĆ© has been writing about family history, writing memoir–true stories from my life as best I can recall. Both Mennonite Daughter and My Checkered Life fit into the genre of memoir, non-fiction.
Today I’m thinking of memoir writers who’ve turned to writing fiction, specifically novels. My first memoir-writing coach, Linda Joy Myers, founder of the National Association of Memoir Writers, is the author of several memoirs and books on writing craft. In 2023, she published her first novel: The Forger of Marseille. I could tell from her blog posts prior to publication that switching from non-fiction to fiction was a challenge for her. Yet, she seemed to thrive, publishing a 5-star novel. Curious about her ancestry, she traveled to France for research during the writing process, what fun!
Foreign travel does seem appealing. So does finding treasures in European history, which in Linda Joy’s case, became the backdrop for her first novel, set in a previous century.
Alluring? Yes, but. . . .Ā It’s time to take a pause and consider. At my age, will I have the energy? Is this the best use of my time for the next few years?
In January, Grant Ferguson, author of middle-school mysteries, introduced me to his system of writing fiction. Collecting and curating the best of what expert writers used to write bestselling novels, Grant developed a system of “storytelling tools and techniques to limit try/fail cycles,” as he explains on his website, Tame Your Book.
Grant explains, “I put together the Trellis Method: A Unique Writing System that teaches while you write. For more information, send me an email to grant@tameyourbook.com.”
If you feel stuck, especially if you are changing to a different genre, Grant’s method may help address these questions:
This week I began reading Alexander McCall Smith’s Chance Developments.Ā
In this slim volume, McCall-Smith spins five tales inspired by “orphaned” photographs, old black-and-white photos of unclear provenance that feature unidentified people in all sorts of situations.
Alexander McCall Smith’sĀ Chance DevelopmentsĀ regales the reader with insightful stories about human quirks, pitched with some hilarious high notes. For example:
- A nun, untethered from the convent, unabashedly begins looking for a man in her wider world.
- An ornery son, sent off to a circus, strikes it rich as a sleight-of-hand artist and ventriloquist with a live doll on his lap.
Well, that’s one way I could begin writing fiction. I believe I could find “orphaned” photos. Maybe from this, try my hand at writing a novel.
Maybe.
Maybe not!
What do you think?
Should I write a novel?
Have you ever thought of writing in another genre?
If you are a tea-drinker, what flavor/type do you prefer?
You are invited: Tea Time at My Table
Yes, you should write a novel! Everything you learned writing your two non fiction books, will help you write fiction. It will give your brain exercise and will be fun. Many stories start with a photograph, so that’s a great idea. You could also draw ideas from your travels and life experiences. I just know you would write an engaging story. “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
— C. S. Lewis
This is a very enthusiastic opening to our conversation here, Darlene. Thanks for your vote of confidence! š
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Lovely, Marian! Thank you.
You are kind, Jack. You’re welcome! š
Absolutely! Go for it!
Thank you so much, Fatima! š
Yay! Marian, Iām excited that youāre even thinking about writing a novel! Why not go for it? What genre would you write?
Thanks for cheering me on, L. Marie. I may begin with auto-fiction.
(Thinking of you at this difficult time, my friend.) š
Thank you, Marian. Mom has improved, so I’m thankful.
Glad to hear this, L. Marie!
Good morning, I will give you a “go for it” nod. I have found writing a novel to be difficult but fun. Sometimes the dialogue just rolls and you can make up everything! Yes, I have now finished a novel, it is at a publisher’s house, no guarantee yet but there is always KDP publishing that I have done once too (for a family memoir). The hardest part was keeping track of flow of the novel and moving things around occasionally without messing up what you have on the laptop or whatever. The novel I’ve finished I started in 2005, and then realized so much had changed in the way of smartphones etc., I had to change some things when I restarted this project in earnest in 2024. You’ve taught English literature for years. You can do this. …. Although yes, you sometimes have to put things aside but that sometimes helps cognition when you get back to it.
I like hearing from a “voice of experience” with advice I can use.
And congratulations on your upcoming release. I will keep an eye out for it, Melodie! š
Go for it, Marian! I love memoirs, yet writing fiction takes on a fun adventure like Alice. Enjoy!
If you want to see how a fantasy adventure plays out using the Trellis Method, please look at the posts about L. Frank Baumās The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. To find those post, click on the Search menu and enter āDo You Want to Personalize Story Structure? Now You Can!ā Youāll see the links to six posts, Parts 1-6. Also, the entire public domain copy of Baumās book is on the site.
I wish you fun and success in your writing adventure!
Grant, I noticed your new entry, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” earlier today. I’ll have to take a closer look at it soon. š
Sounds great, Marian. A fun but long exercise studying L. Frank Baum’s works, not only the book analysis but research into the writer, the story behind the book, illustrations, and so much more. I look forward to hearing from you after you’ve had a chance to check out the series.
I love the Oz books too!
Many are surprised at the number of besides the Wizard. An amazing book “fiction factory” at the time.
Good morning, Marian! I’m not first responder. I was busy and forgot you’d have a post today.
I think it’s not up to any of us, but to you. š I think if you really WANT to write a novel, then you should. And using a photo to get you started sounds like a great idea. I don’t think age should factor into it at all.
I have switched genres–from writing nonfiction to poetry and an occasional flash fiction story. I’m not sure I have it in me to write a novel.
I have the same response, Merril. It’s not up to us but up to Marian!
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Merril, thank you. I appreciate your “take” because you are experimental and explore many genres, including the nuances of poetry: haiku, shadorma, tanka and more. I’m not sure you’ve ever written a limerick. Maybe. ;-D
You’re welcome, Marian!
I write mostly free verse, and you will never see a limerick from me! Some are clever, but I’m really not a fan.š
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Should I write a novel? Only if you do it to enjoy the process of doing it, that is not to stress yourself about getting published.
Have you ever thought of writing in another genre? No. I write from my real life and that is all. I have no desire to write fiction.
If you are a tea-drinker, what flavor/type do you prefer? I like Irish Breakfast Tea and Earl Grey. Both have strong flavors that seem to wake me up.
I agree: “Only if you do it to enjoy the process of doing it.”
And ditto to your tea choices. I like English Breakfast Tea–and feel very British when I imbibe Earl Grey. Could it be because of the bergamot? š
Marian, itās ironic that so often writers are āclosetā people, but, to market their books, they have to get out there! That can be intimidating. Although I donāt know you personally, I have the impression that you love to be out there, relating and chatting as much as you love to write. So, go for it! Donāt let age stop you from doing what you love to do!
I just read a wonderful novel by Patti Callahan called āOnce Upon a Wardrobeā, based on C.S. Lewisās novel āThe Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.ā Let that book inspire you!
Yes, I do like interacting with people–authors and readers. I realize age shouldn’t be a deterrent, but spending a day at the Amelia Island Book Festival was tiring.
Thanks for the title, Elfrieda. I will see if our library has a copy. š
If you’re toying with the idea of writing a novel, I’d suggest that you do some freewriting and see where it leads you.
Sound advice, Liz. Maybe start with journaling–and/or flash fiction. Thank you! š
You’re welcome, Marian! Freewriting about why you want to write a novel might shake some ideas loose, too.
Good idea, Liz!
Thanks, Marian!
Thanks for sharing this new question in your mind, Marian. The fact that you are asking the question is in fact a sign of the possible calling to explore fiction. Only you know the landscape of your inner life. But perhaps you might do what many novelists do — start with short stories. Just as a memoir writer often begins with essays, so fiction writers can try out characterization, plot structure, imagery, etc. with the shorter form. Also, you can share your process and even the product on your blog — a new way to stay engaged with your readers.
You know me well, Shirley, and I appreciate the way you describe a possible process. Short forms are a sensible way to start.
You always have my best interests at heart. Thank You! š
Go for it, Marian. Fiction is freeing. It lets you play with imagination and storytelling that isn’t tethered just to facts like memoir can be.
I value your thoughts, certainly the voice of experience, Susan. And I’ve read several of your books in different genres. Thanks for your vote of confidence! š
Oh boy (girl), I could write a novel answering you (but it would be non-fiction). Currently I’m sipping on Peppermint tea with a slice of lemon. I began the morning at 6 a.m. with Mighty Leaf’s tropical green tree, then went to a cup of vanilla bean tea half water/half steamed milk. You and I would have a ball at your tea party. And I think we have a very similar chandelier. Call us romantics!
Speaking of romantics, I BEGAN with fiction, writing two books of romantic suspense before I switched to children’s books and in between them, my flash memoir. Each genre uses different writing skills, but lots of creativity. I love being a multi-genre author and I think you will too. I hope you go for it. Age/shmage. Creativity and imagination keep us young, my friend.
Lastly, yes, I have three unfinished novels in my file drawers. As you suggest in your post, it’s easy to write what I call a “pod” or more toward a novel, but putting it all together takes diligence, time, belief in yourself, and …. lots of hot tea.
Thank you for blending your comment with various tea tastes, Pam.
Yes, we are romantics, but I suspect I won’t be writing romance novels with steamy bedroom scenes. š
Just to be a devil’s advocate, there are different levels of ‘steamy scenes’ in romance novels. Plenty (like mine) are quite tame. In my mind, the world continues because of LOVE, and love beats out the darkness. Thus, I do enjoy writing ‘romance’ scenes (that are G rated) š <3
But of course!
Should you write a novel? That’s a question only your heart can answer, in my humble opinion. Would you be able to deal with the pressure to be “perfect” in it, and the time/effort involved?
As for tea, I like to try different flavors. Sampler boxes are wonderful, you don’t need to commit to a lot of tea of a flavor you don’t find appealing. Usually I have a cup of tea after dinner before going back to my ice water for the balance of the night.
Thank you, Ginger. You echo my thoughts when I ask: “At my age, will I have the energy? Is this the best use of my time for the next few years?” So, I must take a pause and consider. For sure.
And thanks for the “free” tea advice. š
Marian ā As you know, I switched to writing a crime thriller series after writing two nonfiction books and have never looked back. YES, you should write a novel!
Laurie, you have been a roaring success with the Sean McPherson series though I first met you as the author of Note to Self. You are such a role model! š
Go with your heart, Marian sometimes though we need to take that step into the unknown…Tea… my favourite is Oolong No 12..which is handrolled however atm I am addicted to flower tea where the flower is handrolled in a tea leaf and when you pour on the water it unfolds and a beautiful flower is sitting in your glass tea pot..so far I have tried water lily(very beautiful) dandelion so pretty and rose…but yes dip your toe and go with your heart , Marian…
I believe oolong tea tastes floral and fruity too.
Your description of the flower hand-rolled in a tea leaf sounds wonderful and exotic. Served to an unsuspecting friend, it would be quite a surprise.
Thanks for the vote of confidence too, Carol! š
Hi Marian!
Iām sure you have some ideas to get started on your novel, be it photographs or snippets of text or chunks of memories. But, I can totally see your hesitation to start such a tedious and multiple-year project.
If I were you, I would contemplate and consider what you love doing most in your free time. I know it sounds simple, but if you prefer other activities to writing, Iād go for those. Yet, I do know how much you love writing – and how good you are at it – so writing a novel might be exactly what your creative mind prefers right now. š
Liesbet, you know me well. Yes, I am hesitant because I know the arduous journey I’d be facing. A sensible approach may be to write short stories–auto-fiction, and see where that takes me. š
Hi Marian, I am a huge Alice in Wonderland fan and have several different versions. If I see a new one, I buy it and I have some vintage copies too. Should you write a novel? Why not, other people do and you’re a good writer. Should you change genre? Why not, I write in multiple genres and all my books do okay. I am a tea drinker and rarely drink coffee unless I’m at the hospital waiting and waiting and need a boost. Okay, so I drink coffee oftener than I would like – smile
I hope you heard me laugh (sympathetically, I hope) at your last comment.
Of course, I’m not surprised that you are a fan of Alice in Wonderland. In fact, I see some similarities between the character of Alice and you–both so very imaginative and persistent.
“Why not?” is a good stance to take when considering other genres. Thanks, Robbie!
Thank you, Marian. I think I was supposed to be a doctor š. I believe in trying new things. It keeps life interesting and gives you purpose.
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Definitely a tea drinker. And yes, I have thought about writing a novel. I’ve started a hundred or more. I just feel like I need the plot figured out before I start…and I never quite figure it out! lol Why not try to write a novel, or take a short story and flesh it out. See what happens! Being creative is never a waste of time.
Jenn, good to hear from you! Yes, we both probably need to start with short stories, so we can see results quicker. Ha!
My favorite line: “Being creative is never a waste of time.”
Well, I better start with the fact that I am not a tea drinker, Marian! Does that cancel me out from the conversation, haha? The photo concept reminded me when I wrote about a very old photo of mine recently, and I tried to piece together the details. It was fun. I really like your auto-fiction idea. It’s such a sturdy, familiar framework to start the project and then build anything from there! It’s just nice to have those beginning blocks in place. š
Well, I drink a small cup of coffee every morning, first thing, so of course you are not cancelled.
I’m receptive to the auto-fiction idea. Why? As you say, It’s “nice to have those beginning blocks in place.” Thanks so much, Melanie! š
I think it is a great idea, Marian!!
Thanks for chiming in, Rebecca. š
I hope you go for it, Marian. I’m going at a snail’s pace, but I love the creative challenge of writing a novel. I sent out my share of queries and plan to self-publish before the year is out. I’m also working on a book of humor. Change keeps it fresh.
Going at a snail’s pace is just fine: Remember the story of the Turtle & the Hare!
I look forward to both books, novel and book of humor. And I like your advice: “Change keeps it fresh.” š
I love chiming in on your great ideas, Marian!!!
That makes two of us, Rebecca!
Enjoy your weekend. š
If you feel something and want it, just do it! Who can answer what the best use of time is? After all, time is a thief. Perhaps by doing something new, you can steal a bit from time.
(just thinking out loud, like the nut I am)
Thank you for the suggestion, Resa!
I am actually toying with the idea of writing auto-fiction–short pieces–as a way to experiment with a new genre. ;-D
Great idea! šš