After I write this (right now it’s Wednesday morning), I’m going to knock out revisions on two separate books, then get back to writing my second book of the Memphis Barbeque series.
This will be my 5th book. I’ve got two books on the shelves (one of them is out of print but still out there, mainly in libraries), two books in production, and one just starting out on a Word document.
Each time I start the process I feel a little at a loss. How do I do this? How did I do it last time? Because each time I’ve written a book, the process has been slightly different.
I try different approaches to see what I like best. The only problem is that sometimes I can’t remember what worked.
I’ve written books all the way straight through (A Dyeing Shame, Pretty is as Pretty Dies, Delicious and Suspicious). I didn’t even stop for chapter breaks—just put them in during revisions.
For Progressively Dead (in production), I wrote every chapter separately –I numbered out 18 chapters and just randomly picked one and wrote in it for that day. This was an odd and disjointed process and I’m not sure why I chose it. It took forever to work out the transitions between scenes and chapters.
For two books, if I got stuck at any point, I started writing a different part of the book until I was ready to tackle the part that stumped me.
The other two books, I just marked *** where I got stuck and picked up at the next scene and continued writing.
I always have a “random” file to put in all the disjointed ideas that I have when I’m writing a book. Many of them I’ll weave into the manuscript at some point.
Outlines never work for me. I have a half-finished 6th book that I’ve just put in the graveyard. Too pat when I’d outlined it. I’ll never outline again (except for my little mini-outlines where I sketch out the next scene, chapter, etc.)
I’m going to ignore my lost feeling. There’s nothing like getting words on the page to get rid of it—whatever the method is.
What works for you? Do you experiment with your process? Do you remember what worked?
Elizabeth – It sounds as though you’ve tried a couple of different ways of writing. I think most of experiment, at least a little, with the way we write. Thanks for sharing your style.
I think its fantastic that you are going on 5 books, even the out of print one. (:
best of luck to you with this recent one. I have one completed MS, and another that I am currently editing. The two are so different, that I dare not compare them.
Thanks for the thoughts. I wrote a novel for NaNoWriMo 2009 recently. I found the plot changing over time as I kept writing. I realized that I couldn’t start and end with one plot- there were so many refinements on the way.
I’m a very new writer, so first I’ll admit I’ve never finished any manuscript. I’m still in the process of finding my voice and learning about the writing process
I’ve tried outlines and it always makes me feel constricted. My best writing comes when I turn on the computer having absolutely no idea what I’m going to write–and then write without overthinking.
Easier said than done!
I’m not an outliner. I tend to write straight through and then on my first round of revision, I create a file of one-line chapter descriptions – to see the flow of the story.
Elizabeth-Good for you for trying different things! At least you can say you have been successful down very different paths.
I have tried outlining, but I know I will never be a thorough outliner. A friend (and friend of his) told me Jeffrey Deaver spends up to eight months researching and outlining before he every puts a sentence on paper. That’s not me.
But I am still finding my style! I think Lorel at I’m Blogging Drowning Here! would agree.
Michele
SouthernCityMysteries
Interesting post! I thought it was just me who fiddled with the writing process from manuscript to manuscript.
Here’s the comforting thought I always fall back on: If you did it once (and twice, and thrice, etc), then you can do it again (and again)!
BTW, the last ms I completed, I didn’t bother to stop for chapter breaks either, and it worked great (alas, I am an outliner, though).
Elizabeth, I feel better now knowing that a pro (you) can feel a little overwhelmed when writing a project.
But you always get through it; this gives me hope.
I like outlines. But I always give myself permission to throw it away if needed.
I can’t image having that many books going on at once and still keeping the characters in order, much less running into problems with the writing.
Whatever process you use, it has worked great for you in the past. I’d say keep it up.
Wow, I’m glad I’m not the only one with a “different” process. It’s so weird because I’m so organized in life. But my last book I wrote every third chapter, then went back and started over. Somehow, it worked. For that book it was the right thing to do.
I write straight through, scene by scene. I do include chapters. On first draft, I’m basically transcribing the movie in my head. I worry about everything else on the following drafts. The only thing I change up is how much prep I do before I begin. So far I’ve ranged from knowing only characters and ending to knowing more about the characters and major plot twists and ending. And in one, I had to do a lot of research on an energy process before I started. That’s about it.
Glad to see I’m in good company. I also only do the mini outline where I look ahead only by a few chapters at most. Every time I try to outline the entire book, I get stuck. Great post.
Also wanted to drop you a note and let you know I left a little something for you at my blog! Take it or leave it, it’s up to you. Just wanted to let you know how much I’ve enjoyed your blog. http://bit.ly/8LrdNT
I was, am, and will continue to be in awe of what you accomplish in terms of writing and being a mom, wife, sister, daughter, etc. Thanks for sharing your process with us. I need to focus on one thing at a time or everything suffers. Sadly, my days of multi-tasking are over.
Karen
Wow! Writing one chapter at a time and randomly at that? I admire your tenacity. That would drive me crazy!
I usually am enticed by a story idea. Then I meet the characters. They ask me to play. If I allow them to lead, the story takes off. If I listen to the gollums and trolls, I get off course, get frustrated, try to edit as I go.
I don’t do outlines, per se, but I do like to “sketch” out a story before I begin writing it. A skeleton if you will to add flesh to.
Happy Thursday,
Jen
I can’t believe how many projects you have going! I’m a one-at-a-time type writer. I’ve experimented with my approach but usually fall back to my original pattern. I don’t outline either. I start with a general idea and see where it leads.
I have to know where I”m going. I can’t just write and see where it takes me because I’ve found I usually end up writing in a circle. I need to be able to sit down and say ‘I’m going to get to where ever’ in the plot. I know who dies, I know who did it and and I know why before I start.
Certainly surprises happen along the way, both good and bad, but I stick to my original idea.
That’s for a manuscript. For my games, it’s far looser. I still know the basics, but once I have my characters and their motives I just let it fly. Quicker and easier.
Elspeth
Outlines are what save me – I can’t imagine doing a book without one.
And I do the same thing as you – if I struggle with a scene, I skip ahead and come back to it later. I call it playing connect the dots!
I think it’s cool you parcelled out “Progressively Dead” and worked on chapters at random. I might try this.
I also applaud you for working on different sections of a book at different times. I can only do it chronologically. I also find I need to go back and re-read yesterday’s work so I don’t break continuity with time-place-setting.
I think the freedom of randomly writing could yield good results and I will give it a try. I have one work in progress that has had me stymied for ages and maybe jumping ahead will unlock a door…
Thanks, Jill
Check out the “Blood and Groom” book trailer: http://ow.ly/FGOm
argot Kinberg said…
Margot–Fun to see if we can do it a little differently, isn’t it?
Corra–I’ve got a ton of unfinished manuscripts in my story graveyard. I don’t think they’ll ever see the light of day, but it was fun writing them. And I learned a lot.
Jm–Congrats on your projects! And I bet you’re already looking forward to the next one. That’s the way I do it, too.
Prem–That’s the nice thing about not following a strict outline. It gives you some freedom to experiment. But I know lots of writers who swear by outlines, sell the *outline* (not the book) to publishers, then write faithfully to the outline. They’re doing really well professionally, too. But I can’t seem to do it.
Jane–I think I’m a one at a time writer, too. :) Just hasn’t worked out that way.
Jemi–I like the chapter descriptions you do. I do something sort of similar with my tiny outlines. Helps keep me straight, but still gives me the freedom to roam around the ms. a little.
Michele–The methods all do work..I’ve tried them all! It’s basically just what you feel in the mood for. I think I’m going to write this one straight through until I get stuck.
Research for THAT long? Gosh, I’d never get anything written at that pace. No, it takes me 3 months from start to finish to write a book and revise it (my personal revisions, not the editors, which take longer.)
Alan–No, I can’t seem to leave well enough alone. If one thing works, I don’t try it again I just say, “I wonder what ELSE works?”
I like your thought. We know we can do it. We KEEP doing it. We just need to do it again.
I’m definitely not writing in my chapter breaks as I go ever again. It seemed to distract me from moving forward when I did do it.
Outlining is a very organized thing to do. For some reason, though, applying organization to my writing seems to kill it for me.
Diane–Connect the dots! Exactly.
Teresa–Each time I’ve wondered what the heck I was doing. And then sometimes I’ll look and my finished first draft and wonder what the heck I was *thinking*. But the second draft and third make everything so much smoother. I think just throwing it on the page works out really well.
Jill–You know, I found that when I read where I left off, I get really off-track. I start thinking about revisions and second-guessing what I’m doing. Now when I’m done with my writing for the day, I make a note for the next day regarding where I want to pick up and what I need to cover.
You know, the jumping around really kills any writers’ block (not that I really have a problem with block–with deadlines I don’t have the luxury.) But if you’re stuck on one part, usually you can write easier on a different section of the book. Then, when you come back to the troublesome passage later, you have more of a fresh approach to the problem.
Mason–I’m friends with Jim and Joyce Lavene, who live nearby. They have 6 series going at once. Can you imagine? They have files with all their notes and pictures of settings, characters, etc. to help them remember what they’re writing.
I certainly have to outline. I would get lost without a path to follow. Not too strictly, however, but the main plotline is more or less clear to me before I set out.
For the first time I allow myself to leave unfinished scenes and move on to what I feel like working on, and I think it may be a good method for me to keep up the interest in my work.
My process keeps evolving and I go with it. Build on what worked last time and if it flows differently, I go with the flow.
Marvin D Wilson
Elizabeth, you always seem to have multiple projects/books going on at the same time. I don’t know how you do it. I tend to have a loose outline. In other words, the major plot points. Then, I start writing. I do have chapter breaks. I’ve never written in one huge long, no chapters, document.
Helen
Straight From Hel
I’m always excited to see how other writers tackle the job. With each novel I write, I’m always trying to improve on the methods I used in the previous book. I do rely on chapter summaries and character cards to keep everything straight. But I can’t stand an outline for the very same reasons you mention…it feels too pat. I’m hopeful that I’ll find a successful method soon. Thanks for sharing!
Kristen–That’s a cool way to do it! Whatever works is definitely what I’d go with.
Carol–Sounds like we have a similar method to it. I don’t do any prep before I start, though.
Marvin–Your easy-going style is very attractive to me! I overthink things sometimes.
Helen–I like that idea, too…not an outline, but a loose direction to shoot for.
Carolina–Mini outlines rule! :)
Thanks so much for the award! I need to have another awards day soon and pass these on!
Karen–I feel more like a Jack of all Trades and Master of None. :) Multi-tasking is a dubious skill…I think it’s just me adapting to my life’s craziness.
Jen–It was easy to write that way…but stringing together the separate chapters later was more nightmarish! I had to consciously think about all the transitions. Actually, though, it probably made the transitions stronger than they usually are!
I like your idea of going with the story idea first. I start out with my victim, but the victim has a story that comes along with him.
Elspeth–That seems like a *very* rational approach to it! I can imagine that it would be different with the games.
Another day of not being home, and too tired to read all the comments (but I did have fun watching hot SWAT cops).
I use the “whatever works” method. But I really don’t like to skip around much. Often, when a scene just won’t fall into place, I will flag it with a big “FIX THIS” but it’s usually a character issue, not a plot issue, that causes the problems.
I’m more likely to continue to wrestle with unwieldy scenes because I’m afraid if I move too far ahead, then that will create changes throughout the earlier part of the manuscript and I’ll have holes.
Of course, not having a contract on the manuscript I’m writing does allow for a little less pressure.
I’m coming to the tail end of my 4th (though only one is editing and polished enough to shop and my NaNo has gaping holes–probably 20% more to really write, and I’d give just about ANYTHING for your publication record), but I’ve found a couple things are consistent.
I write MOSTLY in order, but let myself skip ahead and write scenes that seem to be bursting forth–they usually change significantly when I “get there” but they are totally the key to knowing my characters.
2/4 books I’ve gone in later to add earlier chapters (I started too far into the story)
I also do the *** skip ahead if something isn’t flowing, though this trilogy(of which I’m finishing book 2) I haven’t needed to, possibly because for the first two books I KNOW the end so clearly, as the next book is partially formed.
I do mini-outlines like you do… not a full blown thing, and I let myself veer if something comes up, but it keeps me on the general road from start to end (typically it is a single sentence to the main thing that needs to be achieved)
And I’ve always hopped works a little–doing a couple at a time, but found it was REALLY helpful this November to have one work be in progress via laptop, and the other via notebook–no confusion at all because the processes are polar to me.
I like to sit down and know my beginning characters. I have a general idea, but I can be writing and my thread changes. It’s like I’m reading as I write. Endings are the hardest for me. Maybe I just don’t want to stop learning about the characters.
Think of each book as an adventure. No use replicating what you’ve done before–you might end up with the same thing over and over (like some formulaic books that I get bored with but politely will not mention).
See what feels right for your current project. In my (very limited experience compared to you) I’ve done mini outlines, full outlines, all written straight through, and now I’m free-form writing scenes as they occur to me. It’s scary, but exciting, and it ‘feels’ right for this book. Use whatever method excites you!
Thanks, Elizabeth. As usual, your topics are timely and relevant to my life. For my first novel, and only one, so far, I used, loosely, a twelve chapter structure for traditional mysteries that I saw online somewhere. Sort of a three-act story arc. I pasted that into my columns on Writer’s Block software as a reminder. Then, like you I jotted down random ideas in my many little notebooks all over the house and they came together in a story that I put into the writers blocks map to make sure I wasn’t missing important things. But now, I’ve just been asked by my agent to come up with a synopsis for 2nd book and so will have to approach that from a different angle. Thanks for this Elizabeth!
I don’t have any set way of approaching any particular project. Like you, I mix it up. Don’t know why I choose any particular way to do each project, it’s sort of an organic process. And I almost always feel overwhelmed at one point or another. Nerves.
This topic fascinates all of us because the magic answer is different for each author and for some it’s different with every book. Like many others, I’ve tried several methods, write outlines that I ignore, or finish a draft and then cut and paste to make it work. No matter how I do it, it’s fun.
I don’t outline – I’ve tried it but I get too antsy. My characters tend to be too rebellious to let me tell them what to do. With several plays and two novels I’ve used mind-mapping. I want to visualize something – almost anything and then that is the bit of the buried treasure I’m after – so I dig a bit more and more. I also do lots of things with the main characters but not in preparation – more as I go along. In the last book I wrote one word chapter headings and used them to draw me into the story. It was weird but it worked to get me through. Some stayed and some didn’t. On the mystery I’m working on now, I do make chapters but I’m not even numbering them. I just have the first line as the title so when I use document map, I can find where I need to be – to go back to find out some supsect’s mother’s name or whatever. I’ve also done story board things but that is later on – just to see how the plot is hanging together. Also, the first novel I finished had four voices so I needed to keep track somehow. I think my first draft is me telling myself the story so it is often full of stuff that doesn’t suit the novel but I had to find out about. I love reading (and apparently writing) about this process. It is vastly interesting to me and probably deadly to non-writers.
Hart–I’ve tried working on two manuscripts at once, but I seem hopeless at it. It only works if I’m revising one and writing the other…or revising both. My brain just can’t seem to make the leap.
It sounds like you and I follow the same process for the most part. I think you’ve got MUCH more of a handle on where you’re going with your story than I do when I’m writing.
Dorte–It takes some getting used to, doesn’t it? Ditching those scenes that need help. But it does make the overall writing go easier, I think.
Stacy–Another perfectionist? I feel like you do…that there must be an even BETTER way to approach a manuscript (ignoring the fact that the last way worked just fine!)
Terry –You and your SWAT cops! :) I’m glad you’re having fun there. Now a character problem I’ll fix right there…going forward. I won’t go back and change the character up until that point until revisions–but I’ll mark the place in the manuscript where I made the personality change for the character so that I can fix that part later.
Elizabeth–You pegged that right! Nerves.
Judy–Endings are hardest for me, too! I struggle with them much more than my beginnings.
December 3, 2009 7:14 PM
Lorel–Great idea…to go with what seems exciting to me then. When we’re too comfortable, that’s probably a bad sign!
Jan–I’ve tried using FreeMind mindmapping…with some success in the brainstorming process. It doesn’t seem to help me to have an outline, but I like the brainstorming to be out on paper and I like the way mindmaps look, visually.
I love the way you put it “the first draft is telling ME the story.” I think that’s so true. My first drafts are really so I can get my head wrapped around the story in a way that I can revise it.
I’ve just started on an outline for my first novel and so far I have found it beneficial. I’m a software developer by trade, so laying out specifications before diving into whatever I’m working on seems to come natural to me. Also, being able to see the whole arc of the story has helped me wrap my head around some of the details I want to throw into each of the chapters.