In November, 2022, some friends and I decided to do NaNoWriMo and I embarked on the process of writing my first novel. I did write the 50,000 words in November and then I kept going, refining the characters and the story. The novel, ACTS OF LOVINGKINDNESS, is very loosely based on my senior year of high school, but the challenge was making it into a story that other people who aren’t related to me or didn’t also grow up with me would find interesting.

I started submitting it to literary agents in July, 2023, which was probably too early, because I’ve continued to get feedback from friends and family who’ve read drafts and I’m still making changes. I’ve only received one request for a full manuscript, but I’m undeterred! Having read untold quantities of YA and new adult novels, I know that mine would be a great addition to the mix.

What are your experiences with writing novels, especially if you are also a screenwriter?