Writing Process & Accountability
I’ve never been super structured about my writing process. Generally, I write because it’s what I love and it gives me balance. In the past, I was never very big on setting specific goals like daily word counts or doing a lot of outlining and planning before I wrote. Mostly, I had a general goal in mind (finish the book by x month) and a general plan for the story in mind.
But the more experienced of a writer I become, the more I find structure helpful. With each novel I’ve written, I’ve focused more on pre-novel planning and outlining. The final product might deviate greatly from what I’d originally planned for, but I’ve learned that the more robust my planning and outlining is, the less there is on the back end for me to fix.
This has been especially true with writing a series. Not only does each book in the ReInception trilogy need a story arc, but I have to be sure that I’m taking into account everything that happened in the first two books - answering unanswered questions and delivering on promises to my readers.
Writing book 2, DeInception, involved planning for two character POVs instead of the single POV in book 1. But each character was isolated and on his or her own journey. Plotting and outlining looked pretty much how it does for one book, just running two storylines in parallel.
Now, in book 3, MassInception, a whole cast of characters has come together. I found that simple outlining was not enough so I started at square one, relistening to both ReInception and DeInception multiple times and taking notes as I did so.
From there, I started my plotting, but still, there was too much to keep track of to rely on my Scrivener, so I created a board, listing each character and making sure I don’t lose track of their heroes journey as I complete the trilogy. Every character won’t have the same importance or page time and I won’t write from all of their POVs, but each needs to have their story told and their arc completed.
I’ve also started sharing some of my process in Instagram posts. Sharing daily word counts, research projects, successes and hurdles helps keep me excited for the next day and accountable. Please check it out and let me know what you think?
Is there something that you are most curious about my writing process? Drop me a note and I’m happy to share.
Also, if you are in the DC/Maryland area, don’t forget to come see me at the Book Fair of Bel Air! I will be sharing table 39 in the adult section with the amazing Randee Dawn. It’s going to be a great event with tons of amazing authors and lots of cool swag and bookish vendors. Best of all, it’s free so you’ll have all those extra dollars to spend on the best thing in the world — books!
**Also, another friendly reminder to please review my books (and any book you read, but especially by an Indie author!) It really helps with sales and the evil algorithm. I can especially use your review if you’ve read DeInception! Thank you so much!!!