How I Write {Prepping...but not for the Apocalypse}
Prepping...but not for the Apocalypse.
I am a full on prepper and will take sometimes up to a year, depending on the novel I am going to write, and though this could be grouped with research I don't. Prepping for a novel can mean a many different things and have many stages.
I can't say this enough, this isn't advice for other writers. I do my best not to stick my nose into other writer's business. If I'm asked, I will do my best to help, but I do not offer up unwarranted advice.
First Stage...
This is where you have the spark of inspiration. Sometimes it can be from a article you read, a non-fiction book, a story in the headlines, maybe even a dream you had. I have experienced each one of these that have spawned a novel or two. As a writer, I am also a daydreamer. My mind doesn't even shut off when I go to bed. I'll be laying in bed thinking of what I should be doing for my story or how it will play out. If I can see it play out as a film, going through scene by scene then I can get a synopsis written. From there I have a basic idea of what needs to happen. {Please note that this is only a basic formula for any type of genre that can be used towards your novel. Unless you have a series then the formula can be altered to have a cliff hanger. Your climax might also take place towards the end and therefor leave the reader on the edge of his or her seat.}
The formula for a basic novel usually goes something like this...
Second Stage...
I get as many notebooks as I can. Normally I just use a composition book and mechanical pencils because I make plenty of errors and changes as I'm writing. Whatever floats your boat, really. But I like my notebooks and I can get a bunch for a $1 each at dollar tree or Dollar General with neat designs to get the creative juices flowing. Since I try to be organized, I prefer one notebook per novel. If I have leftover paper unused, I just use that for information and notes for revisions or things I'd like to add or even briefly touch on while I'm writing.
Once I have enough dialog for a novel, at least a first draft, I will type it into a notepad document on the computer just to save on room. I'll also add taglines and possible titles to look over before I add more dialog each time. For a first draft I try to have at least over 50 kb worth of scenes. Many times I end up having double that. I just try to make sure I have enough to get to 50,000 words for the first draft. Usually 50 kb is enough.
Third Stage...
Alright I have my dialog and it has been all typed out and ready to add to a word document...but before I do that I need a timeline. Timelines are important for me. That way I can figure out where the consequences of the story will be compared to the climax, etc... Create as many chapters as you like. Sometimes a prologue or epilogue are used as well. I love writing prologues more than first chapters because I can start anywhere and have the protagonist start narrating the story and if I need to throw in a flash back or two. Flashbacks are fun.
Fourth Stage...
I do the math. If I want let's say 20 chapters with a total of 70,000 words, on average each chapter at least has to have 3,500 words. Not with Trust in Him, some chapters didn't even have 3,000 and some have almost 5,000. The end result was just shy of 100,000 words. Not sure how I managed it, but I did. I try to remind myself that I don't necessarily need to get 3,500 words per chapter on the first draft, but it is good to set a goal for yourself. I tend to have plenty of chapters and spread out the word count. Just how I do things.
Are you bored by now? Just kidding, the start of a first novel is so much fun. It's much like when you begin a new dress or have a fresh canvas to paint. Next I will be discussing the masterpiece at hand.
I am a full on prepper and will take sometimes up to a year, depending on the novel I am going to write, and though this could be grouped with research I don't. Prepping for a novel can mean a many different things and have many stages.
I can't say this enough, this isn't advice for other writers. I do my best not to stick my nose into other writer's business. If I'm asked, I will do my best to help, but I do not offer up unwarranted advice.
First Stage...
This is where you have the spark of inspiration. Sometimes it can be from a article you read, a non-fiction book, a story in the headlines, maybe even a dream you had. I have experienced each one of these that have spawned a novel or two. As a writer, I am also a daydreamer. My mind doesn't even shut off when I go to bed. I'll be laying in bed thinking of what I should be doing for my story or how it will play out. If I can see it play out as a film, going through scene by scene then I can get a synopsis written. From there I have a basic idea of what needs to happen. {Please note that this is only a basic formula for any type of genre that can be used towards your novel. Unless you have a series then the formula can be altered to have a cliff hanger. Your climax might also take place towards the end and therefor leave the reader on the edge of his or her seat.}
The formula for a basic novel usually goes something like this...
- A strong opening with at least a basic introduction of your protagonist.
- The problem.
- Climax, especially if you are writing drama {remember make them cry}.
- The consequences
- The resolution
- Ending
Second Stage...
I get as many notebooks as I can. Normally I just use a composition book and mechanical pencils because I make plenty of errors and changes as I'm writing. Whatever floats your boat, really. But I like my notebooks and I can get a bunch for a $1 each at dollar tree or Dollar General with neat designs to get the creative juices flowing. Since I try to be organized, I prefer one notebook per novel. If I have leftover paper unused, I just use that for information and notes for revisions or things I'd like to add or even briefly touch on while I'm writing.
Once I have enough dialog for a novel, at least a first draft, I will type it into a notepad document on the computer just to save on room. I'll also add taglines and possible titles to look over before I add more dialog each time. For a first draft I try to have at least over 50 kb worth of scenes. Many times I end up having double that. I just try to make sure I have enough to get to 50,000 words for the first draft. Usually 50 kb is enough.
Third Stage...
Alright I have my dialog and it has been all typed out and ready to add to a word document...but before I do that I need a timeline. Timelines are important for me. That way I can figure out where the consequences of the story will be compared to the climax, etc... Create as many chapters as you like. Sometimes a prologue or epilogue are used as well. I love writing prologues more than first chapters because I can start anywhere and have the protagonist start narrating the story and if I need to throw in a flash back or two. Flashbacks are fun.
Fourth Stage...
I do the math. If I want let's say 20 chapters with a total of 70,000 words, on average each chapter at least has to have 3,500 words. Not with Trust in Him, some chapters didn't even have 3,000 and some have almost 5,000. The end result was just shy of 100,000 words. Not sure how I managed it, but I did. I try to remind myself that I don't necessarily need to get 3,500 words per chapter on the first draft, but it is good to set a goal for yourself. I tend to have plenty of chapters and spread out the word count. Just how I do things.
Are you bored by now? Just kidding, the start of a first novel is so much fun. It's much like when you begin a new dress or have a fresh canvas to paint. Next I will be discussing the masterpiece at hand.
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