Writing process

While I patiently wait for agents and publishers to review my new novel, I thought I would let you know what my process is when writing a book. I suppose that each author does it differently. I find that having an idea of how I want the book to start and end is how I begin the process. Then, I basically fill in the middle. This may sound like an oversimplification. When I sit down each day to write, I have a good idea where I want to take the story. Fortunately for me, I am creative enough to make the plot interesting. I don't take this for granted. I'm not telling you that there aren't days where I struggle, but that keeps me grounded.

Due to me sticking with historical fiction as my genre, I try hard to stay true to the history of the time. This requires that I do my research. Because I'm such a history nerd, I enjoy this aspect of the process. I always learn something that I didn't know. So win - win. Of course it's still fiction and I insert my characters into the historical event while not taking away from the actual characters that lived that experience. I don't actually rewrite the event, but add my spin which makes my story flow. Even with all the research I do, it doesn't always provide me with all the information I need. This is where my creativity comes into play. It really gets my juices flowing to sit down each day on my laptop and create.

I know that this may sound helter-skelter and at times I can get lost in the story and confuse characters. So while writing the first book, I had to take notes to keep on track. I know of authors that will script out their whole book ahead of time and even do an outline. This is probably the smart play, but it would take away the spontaneity that I thrive on. This might not be for everyone, but it has worked for me so far.

You might ask me how I came about this "process". Well it wasn't something I planned when I decided to try my luck at writing. So I would tell anyone who wants to take up writing as a hobby or career, find what works for you. The most important thing is to enjoy what you do and don't stress over the little things.

I will keep you posted on the status of my second novel, "Sins of Men".

Dan