Pauline Rowson's Blog - Posts Tagged "developing-characters"
My writing routine, crime author Pauline Rowson explains hers
There are a writers who write the same time every day come what may; others will write a certain number of words every day and say, 'when I've done my quota, I'll knock off writing.' Me? I have no routine and I don't count the number of words. Some days the words will flow and I can spend up to eight hours, maybe more writing. Other days I will struggle to find the correct words. If the latter happens I will usually pick up my knitting, do some sewing or go for a walk. My mind is constantly working though, thinking through the plots or sub plots, developing characters. I do, however, try to write or 'think' my novels every day. And if I can, I usually work on my crime novels every late afternoon and early evening, knocking off about 7.30pm.
I'm currently working in pencil on my outline plot, working up ideas for the new DI Andy Horton, which will be number eight in the series. Then I'll start to put down some character sketches before starting on the first draft of what I call the creative writing bit which goes direct onto the computer. When I will begin this creative writing stage I'm not quite sure yet, but it shouldn't be long.
Read more about my writing and my books on http://www.rowmark.co.uk or on my blog http://www.paulinerowson.com
Dead Man's Wharf
I'm currently working in pencil on my outline plot, working up ideas for the new DI Andy Horton, which will be number eight in the series. Then I'll start to put down some character sketches before starting on the first draft of what I call the creative writing bit which goes direct onto the computer. When I will begin this creative writing stage I'm not quite sure yet, but it shouldn't be long.
Read more about my writing and my books on http://www.rowmark.co.uk or on my blog http://www.paulinerowson.com
Dead Man's Wharf
Writing routines - transforming a simple idea into a fully formed novel
I'm often asked if I have a writing routine. There are writers who write the same time every day come what may; others who will write a certain number of words every day and when they've done their quota, they'll knock off. Me? I have no real set routine but I do like to write every day, speaking engagements permitting.
Some days when the words flow or I am at a critical stage of writing - usually at the end of the first draft of a novel - I am keen to crack on and write as much as I can. This can result in me spending up to seven hours, maybe more, sitting at my computer.
Other days I will struggle to find the correct words and the creative flow will trickle to a halt. If the latter happens I usually pick up my knitting, do some sewing or go for a walk while my mind works away at the snag with the plot or with a character.
But writing isn't only about pounding away at a keyboard, writers also spend a great deal of time staring into space - thinking! (That's where the knitting comes in handy, I can knit and think at the same time). Writing a novel also involves research and because my crime novels are set in the area in which I live I do a lot of research on location walking DI Andy Horton's patch which is Portsmouth, the Solent and the Isle of Wight. (Alright so I can't walk on water but I can traverse the Solent by boat.)
Whether I am walking, knitting sewing, sun bathing, sailing.... my mind is constantly working, thinking through the plots or sub plots and developing characters. Time will also be spent mapping out the plot lines and developing and researching the background of my characters, their personalities and motivations.
And when I'm not doing all the above there are copy edits to be checked and proofs to be read.
I'm currently writing DI Andy Horton number eleven, as yet untitled. I aim to finish this by the end of September when Death Surge, (DI Horton ten) will be published by Severn House, so it's back to work and on with the writing.
Undercurrent
Some days when the words flow or I am at a critical stage of writing - usually at the end of the first draft of a novel - I am keen to crack on and write as much as I can. This can result in me spending up to seven hours, maybe more, sitting at my computer.
Other days I will struggle to find the correct words and the creative flow will trickle to a halt. If the latter happens I usually pick up my knitting, do some sewing or go for a walk while my mind works away at the snag with the plot or with a character.
But writing isn't only about pounding away at a keyboard, writers also spend a great deal of time staring into space - thinking! (That's where the knitting comes in handy, I can knit and think at the same time). Writing a novel also involves research and because my crime novels are set in the area in which I live I do a lot of research on location walking DI Andy Horton's patch which is Portsmouth, the Solent and the Isle of Wight. (Alright so I can't walk on water but I can traverse the Solent by boat.)
Whether I am walking, knitting sewing, sun bathing, sailing.... my mind is constantly working, thinking through the plots or sub plots and developing characters. Time will also be spent mapping out the plot lines and developing and researching the background of my characters, their personalities and motivations.
And when I'm not doing all the above there are copy edits to be checked and proofs to be read.
I'm currently writing DI Andy Horton number eleven, as yet untitled. I aim to finish this by the end of September when Death Surge, (DI Horton ten) will be published by Severn House, so it's back to work and on with the writing.
Undercurrent
Great crowd at the Chiltern Writers Group - I was happy to pass on lots of writing tips
On Thursday 13 March I was welcomed by a very lively group of writers at the Chiltern Writers Group where I was pleased to be able to pass on some tips and techniques on writing a novel.
My talk was on the perfect system for planning, researching, plotting and writing a novel. I covered from concept to completion using mind maps, plot lines; developing and keeping track of characters, and factoring in research.
Some lovely comments from those who attended.
"Thank you for the inspirational talk at Chiltern Writers Group, Wendover. Found it incredibly useful and will be using your tips!"
"Thanks for a fab talk at Chiltern Writers Group."
"Really helpful and inspiring."
"Many thanks to Pauline Rowson for her excellent talk at Chiltern Writers last night. A real inspiration to write more." Dave Sivers
Read articles on writing tips and watch videos
To see all my events and appearances for 2014 and 2015 or to book me as a speaker please visit the Events Page on my website
My talk was on the perfect system for planning, researching, plotting and writing a novel. I covered from concept to completion using mind maps, plot lines; developing and keeping track of characters, and factoring in research.
Some lovely comments from those who attended.
"Thank you for the inspirational talk at Chiltern Writers Group, Wendover. Found it incredibly useful and will be using your tips!"
"Thanks for a fab talk at Chiltern Writers Group."
"Really helpful and inspiring."
"Many thanks to Pauline Rowson for her excellent talk at Chiltern Writers last night. A real inspiration to write more." Dave Sivers
Read articles on writing tips and watch videos
To see all my events and appearances for 2014 and 2015 or to book me as a speaker please visit the Events Page on my website
