How I write;
Writing a novel: I start with an idea that consumes my interest. I begin mulling it over, researching, and asking myself “what if” questions to suggest a story. As the story develops, I pick a genre to tell the story in an interesting way. I read several novels in that genre. When I am satisfied I have the right genre, I look at the novels I have read to see what the formula for that genre is. I see what parts of the formula don’t fit my story and decide how to change the formula without alienating the readers.
I don’t outline. I begin writing the rough draft, usually by hand in theme books. Some of my first books were written on the backs of paper placemats at Burger King or Carl’s Jr. where I ate lunch at work. I redline the draft and type it into my computer, editing again as I write. Each chapter is a separate file. I print it on yellow paper. I redline it and print the revised manuscript on blue paper. I redline it and print the revised manuscript on white paper. I redline, and I then combine all the chapter files into a manuscript on the computer.
I have the manuscript evaluated by a professional. The evaluation contains:
Basics; suitable for the target audience
Title & Cover; reflect the content, clear and appropriate cover copy
Opening; grab the reader, draw the reader on
Basic Premise and Tone; interesting, believable, unique, clear, accurate, language appropriate for genre
Point of View; consistent, insightful, appropriate, convey the story
Structure, Plot, & Pace; focused, propel the reader, appropriate struggle, high point, appropriate climax, good foreshadowing
Setting; describe without slowing pace, enhance novel, provide sense of place
Characterization; clear characters, effective, image, behavior, plausible challenges, motivated, flawed, emotional connection, believable
Dialogue; easy to read, reflect speaker’s personality & background, distinguishable from character to character, sound authentic
After I have addressed all the evaluator’s concerns (this could involve several revisions) I have a professional copyedit to address grammar & punctuation.
Done—next, the publishing process, but that’s another story.
I don’t outline. I begin writing the rough draft, usually by hand in theme books. Some of my first books were written on the backs of paper placemats at Burger King or Carl’s Jr. where I ate lunch at work. I redline the draft and type it into my computer, editing again as I write. Each chapter is a separate file. I print it on yellow paper. I redline it and print the revised manuscript on blue paper. I redline it and print the revised manuscript on white paper. I redline, and I then combine all the chapter files into a manuscript on the computer.
I have the manuscript evaluated by a professional. The evaluation contains:
Basics; suitable for the target audience
Title & Cover; reflect the content, clear and appropriate cover copy
Opening; grab the reader, draw the reader on
Basic Premise and Tone; interesting, believable, unique, clear, accurate, language appropriate for genre
Point of View; consistent, insightful, appropriate, convey the story
Structure, Plot, & Pace; focused, propel the reader, appropriate struggle, high point, appropriate climax, good foreshadowing
Setting; describe without slowing pace, enhance novel, provide sense of place
Characterization; clear characters, effective, image, behavior, plausible challenges, motivated, flawed, emotional connection, believable
Dialogue; easy to read, reflect speaker’s personality & background, distinguishable from character to character, sound authentic
After I have addressed all the evaluator’s concerns (this could involve several revisions) I have a professional copyedit to address grammar & punctuation.
Done—next, the publishing process, but that’s another story.
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