I’d like to thank Elizabeth for giving me
a platform to discuss one of my favorite subjects: the writing process. (Not!)
a platform to discuss one of my favorite subjects: the writing process. (Not!)
I have to admit, I doubt if many authors
approach a writing project with the same helter-skelter methods I use, but I’m
looking forward to the opportunity to analyze my lack of a strategy. Or, I should say, my lack of an organized strategy.
approach a writing project with the same helter-skelter methods I use, but I’m
looking forward to the opportunity to analyze my lack of a strategy. Or, I should say, my lack of an organized strategy.
It really is quite frustrating. From the
way I start a new manuscript, to the way it eventually ends up, are at such
different ends of the writing spectrum, it’s a mystery to me how I complete any
project. Wait, I just thought about
something! This puzzle could provide the major plot theme in my next book in
the Silver Sleuths Mystery series!
way I start a new manuscript, to the way it eventually ends up, are at such
different ends of the writing spectrum, it’s a mystery to me how I complete any
project. Wait, I just thought about
something! This puzzle could provide the major plot theme in my next book in
the Silver Sleuths Mystery series!
My process really is that convoluted,
folks. I could probably benefit from a
team of sleuths investigating it, but I’m going to give it my best shot. Please bear with me as I try to describe my
creative process, because the key word here really is “creative.”
folks. I could probably benefit from a
team of sleuths investigating it, but I’m going to give it my best shot. Please bear with me as I try to describe my
creative process, because the key word here really is “creative.”
First of all, one of the easiest tasks
for me in beginning a manuscript is giving it a title. In fact, in almost every instance, I have
thought of the title before I’ve even written “Chapter One.” A fun phrase (the title) will pop into my
head, and then it’s just a case of what if
. . .
for me in beginning a manuscript is giving it a title. In fact, in almost every instance, I have
thought of the title before I’ve even written “Chapter One.” A fun phrase (the title) will pop into my
head, and then it’s just a case of what if
. . .
The second step for me is to clear my
desk, pull out pen and paper, and detail the physical and emotional traits of
my characters. Yes, I actually do this
in longhand. I use one sheet of paper
per character and I add tidbits, if necessary, as the story develops. There’s something about writing down the
specifics that satisfies my imagination.
Don’t ask me why because I certainly can’t explain it.
desk, pull out pen and paper, and detail the physical and emotional traits of
my characters. Yes, I actually do this
in longhand. I use one sheet of paper
per character and I add tidbits, if necessary, as the story develops. There’s something about writing down the
specifics that satisfies my imagination.
Don’t ask me why because I certainly can’t explain it.
I then move on to the plot outline and a
chapter-by-chapter analysis, both of which are also done by longhand. This is a time-consuming process, but I enjoy
it. By the time I’ve done all this ‘writing,’ I feel I have a good, strong
grasp on what my story is going to be, and it’s at this point I sit down at my
computer.
chapter-by-chapter analysis, both of which are also done by longhand. This is a time-consuming process, but I enjoy
it. By the time I’ve done all this ‘writing,’ I feel I have a good, strong
grasp on what my story is going to be, and it’s at this point I sit down at my
computer.
After a day of typing, that good, strong grasp feeling has evaporated
because somewhere in the middle of chapter one, my characters have taken over
and changed quite a bit of the initial outline, which also affects my
chapter-by-chapter analysis. Out comes
the pen and, while muttering under my breath, I make the adjustments to the
story line. By the third time I have to do this, I’m no longer muttering under
my breath. I’d be more specific, but you
get the picture . . .
because somewhere in the middle of chapter one, my characters have taken over
and changed quite a bit of the initial outline, which also affects my
chapter-by-chapter analysis. Out comes
the pen and, while muttering under my breath, I make the adjustments to the
story line. By the third time I have to do this, I’m no longer muttering under
my breath. I’d be more specific, but you
get the picture . . .
And that, my dear friends, accurately
explains my writing process. Weird? Yes.
A ton of wasted paper? Certainly. Fun? Most assuredly! Because every writer’s goal is to get to the
point in the manuscript where you type “The End,” and it doesn’t really matter
how you get there.
explains my writing process. Weird? Yes.
A ton of wasted paper? Certainly. Fun? Most assuredly! Because every writer’s goal is to get to the
point in the manuscript where you type “The End,” and it doesn’t really matter
how you get there.
Strange procedures, quirky habits and
ritualistic customs are all part of the process. A writer has to find a process
that works for him or her and just start writing. Um . . . I mean typing,
because our readers aren’t thinking about any of our strategies while they are
engrossed in our finished product. I
mean, really, can you imagine what my readers would think if, while trying to
solve the latest crime in my novels, they knew what I had gone through to
create the darn thing!
ritualistic customs are all part of the process. A writer has to find a process
that works for him or her and just start writing. Um . . . I mean typing,
because our readers aren’t thinking about any of our strategies while they are
engrossed in our finished product. I
mean, really, can you imagine what my readers would think if, while trying to
solve the latest crime in my novels, they knew what I had gone through to
create the darn thing!
Mitzi Kelly grew up in
El Paso, Texas and now lives near San Antonio, Texas with her husband, John,
and son, John Lewis, and four dogs. An
avid reader of all genres, she also enjoys intelligent political debate, and
especially time spent with family and friends.
El Paso, Texas and now lives near San Antonio, Texas with her husband, John,
and son, John Lewis, and four dogs. An
avid reader of all genres, she also enjoys intelligent political debate, and
especially time spent with family and friends.
She is the author of
the popular Silver Sleuths Mystery series published by Thomas &
Mercer. The first two books, CLASSIC REVENGE and DEADLY POLICY are available at Amazon.com, and the third book in
the series will be released soon! You
can contact her through her website at mitzi@mitzikelly.com.
the popular Silver Sleuths Mystery series published by Thomas &
Mercer. The first two books, CLASSIC REVENGE and DEADLY POLICY are available at Amazon.com, and the third book in
the series will be released soon! You
can contact her through her website at mitzi@mitzikelly.com.
Elizabeth – Thanks for hosting Mitzi.
Mitzi – Thanks for sharing your writing process. I think we all have to work out a process that is right, and that’s going to be different for each of us. One thing you and I have in common is that we start with the characters. Without good characters, there really can’t be a solid story, or at least not an engaging one…
Great post, Mitzi. My problem with writing in longhand is reading it later. But, there’s something about an empty piece of paper that seduces me.
Thanks for posting today, Mitzi!
I think what impresses me most about your process is that writing descriptions is your step 2! They’re usually the very last thing I add, since I have a tough time with them. But I like the idea that it makes the characters more real to you when you start out. May have to give that a go.
I write out all the details by hand before I begin, too. Most of it doesn’t change once I begin writing though. (Which is also done by hand and later transferred to the computer through Dragon Naturally Speaking.)
Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog today, Elizabeth! I have really enjoyed working with you. I’d be interested to know if you like doing your character descriptions earlier in the process on your next project. Let me know if you give it a try!
Margot and Diane, thank you for taking the time to comment. It seems we share some interesting aspects of our writing process!
I’ll spend months on the outline and characters before beginning. I usually get through the first drafts quickly and without many changes. Which is good, as I don’t enjoy writing the first draft. (Trade off is that the editing isn’t huge and I enjoy it.)
As for titles, that’s the last thing I think of. No wait – dividing the manuscript into chapters is the very last thing. (Just ask my publisher.)
I usually write random scenes in no particular order. After filling up an entire notebook like a scratch pad, I use those pieces to help create my outline. By the end of it all, a lot of those scenes get scrapped, but they did help to get all my idea out from the start
Thanks, Teresa! Yes, I have the same problem. I’ve decided that in my next life, I’m going to be a doctor. I’m already experienced in one of the main requirements!
Thanks for commenting, Alex. I think I could learn a thing or two from you. Your method certainly sounds more productive than mine!!
Susan, I love your notebook idea! Thanks for commenting. I may have to steal that idea!
Hi Mitzi! I recently stumbled upon the Arc brand of notebooks from Staples. They’re fantastic because you can remove the pages and pop then back in wherever you want. I started my last project in a regular, old-school notebook, but I’m looking forward to using these new guys for better organization next time!
Happy writing and thanks for the post today :)
Thanks, Susan! I’m off to Staples . . . !!
HA! For all my attempt to do things in an organized fashion, it really is different every time, so I could interpret my process as disorganized, too. I’m not actually a pantser, but the levels of planning vary widely, as does the amount of research.
Hello, Mitzi! I do all of my planning in longhand, too. The ideas flow better for me with a pencil and notebook. I like writing my scenes first in longhand and then transferring it to the computer. It’s great because I end of editing as I type it into the computer, and so my first draft is really almost like a second draft already.
Have a great weekend, Mitzi and Elizabeth!
Happy reading and writing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines
I have to know about my characters, too… what they look like, their name, and at least their basic motivation/goals, before I can start writing.
I’ve seen Picasso work. (film).
No worries about process at all.
_The Mysteries of Picasso_. Worth a look.
J
Welcome to the disorganized club, Hart! It’s bigger than I thought. :) Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Laura, we are truly kindred souls! I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Hope you have a great weekend, also!
Your post made me examine my own process. I start with the story. The story pulls me in and then my characters decide how it will play out. It really is amazing how my characters take over the story.
Momlarky, j and Plowing the fields, Thanks so much for the comments. I love hearing about other’s thoughts and strategies. It always amazes me how very different inspirations can achieve the desired result. I’ve definitely learned some new techniques here!
I’m in the phase of change from a total pantser to an organized pantser, laying the foundation, preparing the tools, setting the stage, and then improvising like mad *within a framework.*
Gustave Flaubert wrote “Be regular and orderly in your life so that you may be wild and original in your work.”
We NEED the foundation of ritual, habit, organization, in order to free ourselves to be wild and unpredictable in our art.
Where many authors go wrong is that they’re also wild and unpredictable in their foundational craft — and it leads to “art” which is simply orderly and regular.