Reflections From A Romance Writer On The Loose

My Pre-Writing Process Step 5 Chapter Points

10/21/2016

Step 5, Chapter Points, is something that I only started doing about a year ago. I used to be a self-proclaimed panster. That means I just sat down and wrote not have a single clue where the hell I was going. But I couldn't plot.

I am not a plotter. Well that's not true. I can plot the hell out of a story. I've done two that I know every little detail and found that now that I know what's going to happen I've lost interest in them.

So I've become sort of a hybrid in a way. I make a list of things that I really want to happen in each chapter. I want to be sure these points move the story forward, so they need to be in the right order. I consider this a really super light outline. Just enough to know where I'm going, but not to draw myself a complete map of how to get there.

So now that I've got my summary (which has probably turned into a synopsis), my map, my character information, my bible (if I'm writing a series) I am ready to move on to the next step. What else could there be?

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My Pre-Writing Process Step 4 A Series Bible

10/20/2016

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The next in my process is making the invaluable and much needed Series Bible.

Unless the book is a stand alone I do this from the start. However I will admit I writer a lot of series. Now's the time to mention that I like my books in a series to be able to read on there own as well as together. I really enjoy writing series, but I want to make sure I'm consistent with descriptions of my characters and where they live. Keeping track of character features and issues is very important. A family tree and map of the town is helpful too. So all those character sheets I've done get assembled here in the order of how the books will be written and released.

Now I'm off to the next step. Coming?

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My Pre-Writing Process Step 3 Characters

10/19/2016

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I'm ready for step 3. Character Worksheets.

Each and every character gets there own worksheet. Even the minor ones! I know what you're thinking. Why? The answer is easy. You never know when a minor character will become something more. Because I tend to write series based around families and friends I need to know a lot of the players before I start writing. The series arc helps with this, but I still find that I want to know more. Some of the stuff will never make it into the book becoming less important. Yet other things so small I might think they'll be unimportant could turn out to be a major issue at some point.

Along with the character sheets there is a few other things I need to do worksheets for. I will do a family tree and town map. If a certain home, restaurant, or business is important to the story I want all that info at my finger tips.

Now what happens to all this information? How do I keep it at the ready as I write? That's the next step. A Series Bible.

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My Pre-Writing Process Step 1 Ideas/Titles

10/17/2016

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I'm going to start this out by saying I don't think there is any right way to prep or plan when you are writing a book. Everyone has to find a process that they are comfortable with, and this is mine.

My pre-writing process has about 6 steps. The 1st step for me is coming up with Idea, or sometimes a Title to work off of.

These ideas can come from anywhere. Sometime I'll be watching TV or listening to the radio when an idea strikes. Wherever I think of something I try to write it down. Then it get's added to the white board of hope. This is where I make list ideas for books, promotional stuff, and anything else I'm hoping to get done or considering doing. Seeing it there gives it some time to take more shape. If after toying with it for a while I decide if its still an interesting idea to me. Sometimes this process can be wiped out by an idea I just can't let go of, which moves it to the top of the list. Then it moves to title time.

I've found that I write better with a title in mind. Again this might not be everyone's preference, but it helps me get a clearer picture in my head. So no matter the idea I try to come up with something. The working title doesn't always end up the same at the end, but it's usually pretty close.

Are you with me so far? Once this is all in place then I'll move on to the next step in my process.

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Consistency!

9/26/2016

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What's that mantra about do something for 30 days straight and it'll become a habit? However it goes I"m giving it a go. So if you follow me on social hopefully you'll e seeing more from me. Here too if I can think of enough to say. Honestly the things I want to say aren't suitable for public consumption. I'm not kidding. I'm getting a little frustrate with a few things and need to work my way to a solution that doesn't involve me killing someone. Maybe I can write story where I kill them all off. Sounds like definite possibility.

In book 6 of my Brazen Sister Series, To Protect The Heart Of a Brazen Woman, I almost killed someone. Why didn't I? Because she was the main character and the hero needed to rescue her or lose his heart forever. For now I'll just start making a list of everyone who needs to go!

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My Pre-Writing Process Step 5 Chapter Points

My Pre-Writing Process Step 4 A Series Bible

My Pre-Writing Process Step 3 Characters

My Pre-Writing Process Step 1 Ideas/Titles

Consistency!

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My Pre-Writing Process Step 5 Chapter Points

My Pre-Writing Process Step 4 A Series Bible

My Pre-Writing Process﻿ Step 3 Characters

My Pre-Writing Process Step 1 Ideas/Titles

Consistency!

Author

Archives

Categories

My Pre-Writing Process Step 3 Characters