This year we are taking an adventure. Many a time I have started a novel, and never quite made it to page three. My problem has always been that I think of a great beginning, but then I really don’t know where the story goes after that, usually too many ideas or not enough.

Since Breezy and I would both like to write an adventure novel, we purchased a program that would better help us to plan and complete our novels.

We started the curriculum last week – The One Year Adventure Novel by Daniel Schwabauer.

The author and teacher of the program is entertaining and the lessons have a great soundtrack. There are 72 lessons, and we are to do about three per week. They are not trying, and nor are they frustrating. He simply starts you at the beginning and sets up a few limitations, and uses examples from classic literature and old films. One thing he shows you is that “Boundaries inspire creativity – not hinder it.”

To prove the statement above, here are two assignments:

1. In sixty seconds, write a paragraph about anything you want.
2. In sixty seconds, write a paragraph in which the narrator describes his first blast-off in a rocket ship.

Which was easier? Most likely the one that was more specific and had boundaries in which to write about. In this way, the author gives several boundaries with which to inspire and create a believable story.

So far I am really enjoying it, and it only seems to get more interesting as it goes. I have had a difficult time coming up with the story, but I believe that I may have come up with the synopsis. If you don’t have any ideas as to what your novel will be about, Mr. Schwabauer gives several ideas for the synopsis.

Would you like to write an adventure novel? You can visit the website here, check out a couple sample lessons here, and even request a free DVD with samples here.

Are you using a new curriculum this year? You can post about it on your blog, and sign Mr. Linky here.

Categories: Day-to-Day Life | Homeschooling