Joseph Cognard asked Victoria Zigler:

Hi Victoria, On average how many times do you go back to rewrite each book. Have you ever had a book that changed drastically after you started?

Victoria Zigler Thanks for taking the time to ask a question! :)

My books often change a little after I start them, because I don't outline; I find it easier to write without an outline, since then my characters are free to take the story where it needs to go, rather than me trying to force them to listen to me (which they really don't like to do). Mostly they don't stray too far from my original idea though; except in the case of "Yua And The Great Wizard Hunt" (a middle grade fantasy). I originally planned that one as a mystery story where a Westie had to find his abducted master, but it turned in to a story with a Westie who can speak and understand English, searching for his wizard master; I didn't plan any magical or fantasy element to the story, but the characters insisted.

As for the writing... I do three rewrites, so four drafts (not counting the editing phases). In the first draft I just worry about getting the story down, and don't worry about accuracy of facts, grammatical errors, etc. In the second draft I add or change things that need to be added or changed because of the direction the story went, and also check the accuracy of my facts where needed (especially since this can sometimes make a difference to the story). In the third draft I add a few extra details and descriptions to scenes, so as to bring the story to life. In the fourth draft I double check the accuracy of facts and descriptions, and also tidy up my grammar and spelling mistakes a bit. At that point the story is ready for the editing phases to start.

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