Novelist to help others put pen to paper at Highland Lakes Writers Club meeting
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
MARBLE FALLS — If you’ve ever dared to think about writing a novel but feared sitting down in front of a computer or pulling out a pad of paper and a pencil because you didn’t know how to start or how to do it, here’s a bit of advice: Make a point to attend the Highland Lakes Writers Club meeting July 11.
“We’ve decided to turn to some of our members to talk about what they do,” said Kay Lee of the Highland Lakes Writers Club. “And at this one, Rick (Copple) will talk about writing novels.”
In fact, Copple’s subject for the meeting is, “How to Write Your Novel.”
“I think anybody who has considered writing a novel would be interested in the presentation,” Copple said. “I’ll give them some tactics on preparing to write a novel, whether to outline or not to outline.”
Copple has published numerous books, both through traditional publishers and in eBook format, as well as several short stories, poetry and comics. Though he always enjoyed it, he didn’t pursue fiction and novel writing more seriously until 2005. Copple published his first novel in 2009.
“I enjoy the creative outlet (writing) provides,” he said. “It’s fun creating something out of nothing.”
His choice of genre is best described as Christian fantasy.
“Even if that’s a genre somebody is interested in writing, Rick’s discussion will really be about providing tools anybody can use,” Lee said. “This will give them some advice on how to approach a novel and how to plan it.”
Writing a novel appears on many people’s list of things they want to do. But going from a list to actual completion isn’t easy. Lee, who enjoys writing poetry, understands why people want to write but also why they might hesitate.
“I think everybody believes they have a story to tell,” she said. “Even if people experience similar things, they often have a much different way to looking at them. So their story is unique, but it still is something other people can relate to.”
Copple said people often think about writing a novel but don’t pursue it much further.
“Probably, the biggest challenge is just getting started,” he said.
Writing a novel or a book is a way to tell the world how a person made a difference, Lee added.
But wanting and doing are two very different things. Sometimes people who want to write don’t because they remember how tough their high school English teacher was on their papers or they just don’t believe they can pen a novel or a story. Lee said she hopes programs such as Copple’s will help both club members and others get past those fears and onto paper.
“Writing and sharing those stories are something we should all try,” Lee said.
If people attend the “How to Write a Novel” program and want even more support, they should consider joining the writers’ club.
“I think of it as a writers’ support group,” Lee said. “People feel safe enough to read (their writings) in front of the group but also are willing to listen and entertain suggestions the group makes.”
The July 11 meeting will be at First United Methodist Church of Marble Falls, 1101 Bluebonnet Drive. While the event starts at 7 p.m., Lee recommends people arrive by 6:30 p.m.
Go to www.highlandlakeswritersclub.com for more information.
daniel@thepicayune.com