Well I guess it's high time for some updates--I've been putting it off...
So no surgery needed for my shoulder, and I'm getting back into the swing of things. Life is finally returning to normal, and that is a huge relief.
My book oh my poor book...so as anyone who has read any of my previous posts will know I'm writing a book, and I've tried several things to "help" me get things done. None of them have worked so far. So long story short my book is still not done, and after writing while in pain and on medication I (now with a clear mind) am realizing how messed up my brain was.
Some of the most important steps in writing a book that are necessary to finish first were only half done if even that.
I cannot tell you how many times I have face palmed myself over the last couple of weeks.
I didn't finish shaping and creating the world or any of my character sketches. Let me clarify that I did finish those for the old world, but since changing everything I haven't updated any of my characters or the world sketches.
Which is important because it affects everything, so I'm a little frustrated with myself. Granted I wasn't functioning properly but I feel like that is a very poor excuse.
But in all honesty I am in love with the newer version of my book, it's deeper and more complex. I am so excited for everyone to be able to read it someday...haha you know when I eventually finish.
Alright, so whenever someone in my neighborhood finds out I'm writing a book they almost always ask me questions like what my process is, how many pages I have written (hate this one by the way), and how I chose my topic. So I was thinking perhaps people reading this have questions like that too.
So if you have any questions about writing just leave me a comment and I'll answer to the best of my abilities.
Ah but to answer those questions I mentioned.
First off my process. I hate answering this question because there is so much I do, and it can get confusing. Hopefully explaining it in letter form will make more sense...hopefully.
- First I find something that interests me.
- Then I'll work with the interest and form it into a concept that might make a good story.
- Then I ask myself a lot of questions. like lets say it's about a country side prison and prisoners are trying to escape. so I'd ask how and when do they escape? Why are they escaping? What are their obstacles? is the whole story about them escaping or is that just how it starts? How many prisoners escape? who is chasing them? Who's point of view do I want to use? Are any of them innocent? (this is usually when things really start spiraling out of control)
- Then I reign things in and focus on my characters. Who are they? What are they like, where do they come from, personalities, likes & dislikes, fears & peeves, family, friends, enemies, education, religion, hopes & dreams, etc. (I try to make my lists as long as possible, I want to know everything about each of my characters even the ones that aren't main characters).
- Then I'll work on the world. I want to know everything about it. (this list is always long and the answers are almost always lengthy). Basics: is it Earth? if not where is it and what is the planet like? Government, religions, superstitions, Wars & Alliances, landscapes, cities & towns/villages, modern world, medieval world, post modern, a mixture of time periods? animals, people (nationalities, tribes, groups, organizations, etc.) the more you know the better.
- Then I'll work on the story line and how that works with world events (if it adds to the story great, if not that's fine. So long as I know what's happening, I hate not knowing things).
- Then I just write. I forget about the world and focus on my story, and characters. (This part is hard for me, because I really want to edit while writing. However if I do that then I will never finish. Instead I get stuck and end up in the re-write loop of doom).
- Once the rough draft is done I'll print it all out (if I can) and edit the poor thing to death, and have trusted people edit it too (I demand full thoughts and opinions not just I like/dislike this and that. I demand Reasons!)
- Then the writing begins again...I'll make sure everything connects and that all the important events are covered and propel the story forward. The worst is to have this great world event that does nothing for your story.
- So after that the editing and re-writing and changes occur as many times as they need to until I'm satisfied.
Alright now for the question I hate. "How many pages do you have?"
...
Really, you had to ask that? Now I know they say there's no such thing as a dumb question but this has to be one of the stupidest questions ever asked, and I'll tell you why.
How many books have you read in your life?
Ever read Harry Potter, Cat in the Hat, or The Hobbit? What about your favorite book?
Do you remember how many pages were in any of those? Most people will say no. The number of pages doesn't matter. If you have a good riveting story with characters that are well developed and deep and people connect to them it doesn't matter how long your book is. People will remember the story you told, not how many pages you wrote.
The Hobbit is between 100-200 pages...it's not a thick book. Cat in the Hat even shorter. Harry Potter is thick but no one cares because they like the story.
Who picks a book based on it's density? Isn't it always because it sounds interesting to read?
Lastly how I pick or find something to write about...
That's kind of difficult, but I guess I just listen and watch. Songs, news stories, myths, observing something while I'm out those all give me ideas.
Once at the store I heard a girl screaming about how she wanted something and her mother replied very shortly "That's too bad. My answer is no and throwing a tantrum is not going to get it." it made me laugh because I came around the corner and saw the kid's face. She was glaring up at her mom, and I could tell she knew she wasn't going to get her way. Alone that's not really much of an idea, but what if something happened right then that changed things? maybe an earthquake or a robbery or perhaps this was a foreshadow for the person observing? maybe the character would be the one over hearing them instead of me, and perhaps later the character would recognize the girl as she's being kidnapped or see her as a sign of hope. Perhaps the child's mother is a police detective/investigator and the character finds himself/herself in danger and when they see the kid know the mom is nearby?
An idea can come from anywhere, you just have to write it down and remember it. I have a little note book in my purse that when I see something or hear something that I just like, I write it down. And later I do the same thing I did with this girl and her mom with each idea.
I guess the important thing is to remember to follow things through to the end, every idea push through and form it to the end. If you don't like it that's fine, just finish the thought first and then move on, because while you may not like it now you may like the concept later, and trust me you'll wish then that you finished the thought.
I also write down my dreams, if I remember them. Often times they don't make much sense, but sometimes I can get some useful material and ideas.
Anyway like I said before if you have any questions about writing just leave me a comment and I'll answer as soon as I can. Hope you guys out there have an Awesome day!
