A Writer’s Corner – The Process

“I was wondering if anyone would be willing to show me the process when they plan their novels? I know we all have our own way in just curious if there’s an easier/more organized route to go!”
A few writers have asked similar questions to this recently.

“A question to those that don’t plan or outline. When addressing the blank page, has the full scene already played out in your head by the time you put pen to paper, or do you take it one word at a time and discover the story as you go?”

One writer states:

“No. I know where the story is going, but I have no idea how this all will happen. Example. My character is going to visit somebody about something. I know who the person is, I know why my character is visiting, but I have no idea how the encounter will actually happen.

I am in my character’s head/body and imagine I am heading to the address. I set out on my way, describe what the character sees and thinks. I arrive, I imagine the house, the environment and whatever is important. He enters the house. Who is letting him in? Greeting. Eventually description of the inside. Dialog. Talk about subject he came for. Ideas that come to mind to make the situation/story more interesting. Possible twist/minor change of story direction. Leaving the house. Thinking about what happened, conclusion. End of scene.”

This is exactly how I approach writing. I definitely have an outline and know the goal of the scene and then walk through it as if in a movie.

Many writers used a form of ‘discovery writing, a term paraphrased Stephen King. He has said if he’s not surprised by writing a story, how can his readers ever be?

I started my first novel this way, and the early chapters are the weakest, in my opinion. I get mired in detail and lose focus. I sometimes end up throwing what I’ve written away, which makes me cringe. Whole chapters have gone in the recycle folder. No, this isn’t for me. The arc comes first, then the detail involves getting into the mood.

Whether it’s an entire novel or a chapter, my process is now the same.

First, I outline the plot points, build the characters and their backstory, define the pivotal moments, and break down the steps that lead to the pivotal scenes. I often write the climactic scenes or dialogue very early so I can add elements that foreshadow. I pretty much always follow this. It works well for me. I never bother to fine-tune or work on the prose.

Next, I work on building the mood and emotion, filling in the gaps to bring the reader into the minds of the characters.

Last, I write the prose, knowing what I want to say and what emotions will be portrayed.

This process works for me very well. I will finish the current novel within three months using this method. I think I’ll stick to it.

Image generated by AI using Midjourney.