Ask a Published Author: "How do you decide what to write?"

How do you decide what to write when your head is full of multiple plotlines? — Anonymous

I write the characters that shout the loudest. Just kidding. Well, sort of.

Sometimes, when I’m having a lot of trouble with a story I will start writing things down to see where it’s actually going, figuring out what works and what doesn’t, and sorting out the plotlines that work from the plotlines I want to work. Sometimes I may write—or just think through in my head—alternate plotlines or POVs to see what is most compelling and works best for the story.

Sometimes you do have to scrap things and start over. It’s hard work, but I’ve found that it’s worth it if it makes the story stronger.

Suzanne Lazear is the author of the steampunk fairytale series The Aether Chronicles. Innocent Darkness is out now. The sequel, Charmed Vengeance , will be released on August 8, by Flux.

Next week Jennifer Bosworth, author of the YA novel Struck, will take up the Head Counselor whistle and answer your questions!  Ask her about first-week jitters, writing YA, and more here!