On Writing…What I’ve Learned About “The Process”

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On Writing…What I’ve Learned About “The Process”

I always wanted to be a writer. I always knew the process would be tough. But it’s the way that it’s been tough that’s surprised me most over time. Now that I’ve published six books (with the seventh one on the way) I can look back at what I’ve learned and blog about it because…

Process Insight #1. It’s always easier to stall than write my manuscript.

Email? Let’s write them! Blog post? Have I ever got a good idea! The tricky part is, sometimes I honestly need a little cognitive break. I do a little something-something online and when I come back…BOOM! I’m ready to go. So it’s tricky to tell what’s a real time killer versus a needed break. In the end, I err on the break side because I’m the boss of me and I can do shit like that.

Power to the stalling!

Process Insight #2. I always fight with my characters. Always.

When I outline a book, I inevitably start with a big idea about what I want to do with the character. When I actually get into things, that character fights with me to be who THEY want to be. I battle with them for awhile, and then I give in. That’s when the character stops being my idea and starts being a little entity inside my head that interacts with their environment and does their own thing…within limits. That’s when I know I can run with the manuscript. Examples:

I originally drafted Myla from Angelbound as Monica and wanted her to be frail and frightened. I know. She kicked my ass on that, big time.
Maxon from Angelbound Offspring began as a rogue who slept and fought his way through life. He stayed that way, but he wanted his story to start later, as in after he gave up on all the rogue-ery.
Portia (also from Angelbound Offspring) was hella passive in the beginning. I had her as little more than a prisoner. She wanted to be a fighter, but with knowledge instead of swords. Aaaaaaaaaaand she got her way.

This feels about as good as it looks, which is to say, shitty.

Process Insight #3. Pinterest is a Key Part of My Worldbuilding

I need to visualize parts of my world, and my Pinterest boards are an important part of that. This can also become a sweet time suck (see insight #1).

Some of my 100+ Pinterest boards and 5000+ pins. I have a day job too, believe it or not.

Process Insight #4. I write a lot of stuff that I chuck. And I mean, a lot.

I did some analysis on old drafts (see insight #1) and found out that I chuck about four chapters for every one that I keep. This is super satisfying when the battle with my main character is over (see insight #2) but not too fun in the meantime.

Insight #5. There is nothing better than being in “The Zone.”

Once the character is set and the plot is humming, I hit “‘The Zone.” It’s usually about three-fourths of the way through the first full draft. It’s a lovely place where the words flow. I can write on the drive-thru for Starbucks or on the Boston T. I wake up early like it’s Christmas again and I’m five years old. Once I’m up, I write until my eyes hurt from strain. Only they don’t hurt really, because the book is finally flowing and that’s awesome.

So on that happy note, I’ll close off my insights and get back to writing. Stalling time is over!

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