Eleanor
asked
Susan Mallery:
What are the steps you take in writing a book and about how long does it for you to write a book? I really don't have one particular series I like more than others. If you are the author I read it. Thanks for keeping many readers happy--especially.
Susan Mallery
"If you are the author I read it."
OMG, Eleanor, that is so nice!! Thank you. :) Every author has a different process. I am what's known as a plotter. I start with a synopsis, about a 20-page summary of the story, which I send to my editor and agent for comments. Once I'm ready to start writing that book, I start with page one, just sit down to write. I can't move on until I have the first line. Sometimes that comes easily, and sometimes it takes days. I write until the characters come to life for me, about a chapter. Then I stop writing and do a very thorough outline of every scene in the book. Some people might call it the world's shortest first draft. :) It's at this stage that I iron out any problems or inconsistencies with the story. The plotting process takes about a week, and investing that week frees me up to write fairly quickly when I get back into the book. From the first inkling of a book until I've finished editing the final draft is about 18 months, but the actual work days spent on it breaks down to about 2-3 months.
OMG, Eleanor, that is so nice!! Thank you. :) Every author has a different process. I am what's known as a plotter. I start with a synopsis, about a 20-page summary of the story, which I send to my editor and agent for comments. Once I'm ready to start writing that book, I start with page one, just sit down to write. I can't move on until I have the first line. Sometimes that comes easily, and sometimes it takes days. I write until the characters come to life for me, about a chapter. Then I stop writing and do a very thorough outline of every scene in the book. Some people might call it the world's shortest first draft. :) It's at this stage that I iron out any problems or inconsistencies with the story. The plotting process takes about a week, and investing that week frees me up to write fairly quickly when I get back into the book. From the first inkling of a book until I've finished editing the final draft is about 18 months, but the actual work days spent on it breaks down to about 2-3 months.
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