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by author Debra Butterfield
I’ve had many writers ask me about my writing process. Not really sure why they ask except that they might be looking for validation of their own process. My advice is always “do what works best for you.”
That said my process for writing fiction is a mix of character and plot development first, then writing and self-editing. I have to know where my story is going before I start writing. I don’t outline in the standard sense that many writers do, but I have the beginning and end in mind. I pants the middle.
I wrote my first novel with the intent it would be a standalone; however, many of the reviews stated they hoped there’d be a second book. Thus, my first novel series (Her Inheritance) was born.
With that series I learned the intricacies the hard way. I constantly referred back to book 1 for character and story details as I wrote books 2 and 3. Thankfully, I was able to do a search on my computer files to find what I needed. Though, there were a few times I searched the actual pages of the book. Not fun.
Now that I’m diving into my next series, I’m approaching my writing process with the added step of creating a series bible that will include the majority of the characters, the story setting (complete with a city map), and the planned premise for at least book 2 (and maybe book 3) so I can be sure to plant the necessary elements for it in book 1.
My Writing Process Starting Point
I always start with character development.
Readers identify with characters, not plot, and I believe characters drive the plot.
Over the years, I’ve developed a character profile I use. It’s a combination of items I’ve picked up from other writers as well as some of my own. It’s 7 pages long and includes such items as important childhood events, values, beliefs, and dreams. (You can purchase a copy here, https://www.themotivationaleditor.com/book-
store/character-profile/.) I do this for each major character in the story and a few of the supporting characters (not as extensively for them).
It’s rare for me that a character will “take over” my story or insist on behaving a different way. I think that’s because I spend as much time and effort to develop the character beforehand. His/her thoughts and behavior flow freely through my fingers as I write.
Plot Development
While I develop a basic sketch of some critical scenes—the inciting incident, 1st plot point, and the climax—I allow the plot to develop organically as I write. I might know how a character individually will react to a conflict, but when I bring two characters together, that’s where I get surprised at times. The plot can take a turn or a whole new plot point develops out of the reaction between the two characters.
Once I have a good idea of where my story is going, I create a Scrivener project and dive in.
Do I start at the very beginning? Not always. Some scenes are already so vivid in my imagination that I write them first, then go back to the beginning. I write in scenes, not chapters.
I try to write 4 to 6 days. When I sit down to write, I reread what I wrote the day before. This puts me get back into the story and reminds me where I was in the writing. Yes, I’ll edit some (not extensively) as I do this.
Here is a snapshot of how I set up my writing projects in Scrivner.
Find What Works for You
I get these questions on a regular basis. Do you:
Write every day?
Have a word count for each time you write?
Have a set a time limit for writing?
Trying to fit into someone else’s way of doing things will derail you, or worse yet, stop you in your tracks.
As I said at the beginning, many writers ask about my writing process, and while I’m more than willing to tell them, I always end with “do what works best for you.”
Know yourself!
When are you at your peak creatively?
Do what you can to write during that time of the day, whether daily or once a month.
What responsibilities do you have?
Children, aging parents, a day job?
Devise a time you can write and put it on your schedule like you would a doctor appointment, then keep it! When my kids were young and I worked a 9-to-5 job, I sat down to write after I put the kids to bed.
Are there things that help your creativity?
I play music as I write, mostly instrumental, so words aren’t vying for one another in my head. Oddly enough, I’ve learned the music of Henry Mancini really taps into my creative side. Make your environment conducive to your creativity.
There is no right or wrong to one’s writing process. It’s all about what works for you. That way you’ll be motivated and inspired.
Author bio:
Debra L. Butterfield is the author of eleven books, including Self-editing and Publishing Tips for the Indie Author https://www.amazon.com/Self-Editing-Publishing-Tips-Indie-Author/dp/1936501864/.
She is a freelance author and editor, former editorial director of CrossRiver Media Group, and a former copywriter for Focus on the Family. Writers can find her at TheMotivationalEditor.com and readers at DebraLButterfield.com.
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