Wow, I’m awed by Susie’s detailed writing process. She writes great fiction, fast.

I however, do not. Let’s talk about my writing process so you can see how incredibly different we are, but yet end up with a novel at the end.

The longest time I took to write a book was eight months, Sweet Caroline. The shortest, four months and twelve days, Diva NashVegas.

My average writing time is five months, but I prefer more. Here’s why. When writing on deadline, I’m so engaged and engrossed in my current characters I can’t carry on dialog with possible future characters.

When a book is done and submitted, I begin to think of the next book while waiting for rewrites. I get a high level idea and plot, usually with beginning, middle and end.

When the rewrites come, I’m back into the writing phases and all future story ideas are shoved behind.

By now, writing time is down to four months. So, here’s how it goes.

I brainstorm the plot with Susie and Chris Lynxwiler.
I write a synopsis and submit it to my editor and agent. After getting their feedback, I rewrite the synopsis, or go back to Susie for brainstorming.

I need to vary key things when I write: in-depth knowledge of the protagonist and other main characters, and a clear road map.

I struggle with second guessing myself. I often change the book in the middle which can cause problems. I’m always asking “why” and checking for internal and external conflict, fine tuning motivation.

I research. Since setting is important to me and I can always draw plot points or motivation from a setting, I visit the location and research on the web. What are the people like? What are the city’s traditions.

I research the protagonists career. Songwriting took a lot of researching. Running a lowcountry cafe not as much, but still, it took me awhile to wrap my head around how a restaurant works.

I want details from the protags career to be real.
They also can add great conflict and tension.

All of this may take a month. I spend time staring and thinking.

Once I start writing, I can write quickly, but I have to know where I’m going, who I’m writing about.

I can write 10k a week, sitting at the computer about six hours a day. But I feel it’s important to really have the first 3rd of the book solid before moving on.
I spend time rewriting and editing, doing add-on research to make sure I’ve gotten all I need.

For me, writing creates questions, so I must think, research, brainstorm answers. So there’s no way I can take my original idea and just let it flow. It’s too surface.

I like to use real names, real places. So, I don’t just say, “she went to a fine university.” I want the name of that fine university. It adds authenticity for me.

Once the book is written, 2 – 3 months, I start the rewriting process. Oh, let me say, it’s important to finish the book before beginning rewriting because the end will reveal issues and plot points to be woven into the beginning of the book.

I can rewrite the book three to four times in a month, averaging 20 – 50 pages a day. Of course, I’ve been editing here and there throughout the writing process.

Some days I love my writing process. Others, I hate it. But, it’s me and after ten books there is no other way for me to do it.

With Sweet Caroline, I tried the “write creatively and don’t edit” method. Oy, what a mess. I literally started the book over in January from a completely different angel and facing a March 1 deadline. (SUSIE HERE – oh yes, I remember this!! So, this is a Caveat – FIND THE METHOD THAT WORKS FOR YOU!! I HEREBY GIVE EVERYONE FREEDOM TO FIND THEIR OWN GROOVE!)

I only recommend this method if you have three months to fix the story after it’s written. But, I do recommend writing and rewriting until you have a good gut feel for the story, then press ahead. We can lose ourselves in the perfection process if we’re not careful.

I start writing around noon each day, but I don’t kick in until about 2 or 3 p.m. Then, I’m in a groove for several hours, but I need those running-up-to hours to get started.

I aim for 2000 a day and can write 5000 fairly easy if I know where the story is going. I’ve done 15,000 in a day. Shew. Marathon.

I don’t care much for any of my books until the last rewrite before submitting to my editor. Then, I am hooked on the protagonist. By the time I rewrite with my editors comments, I love the book and can’t wait to hold the print version in my hand.

So, there’s my process. I’ll summarize.

Nail down the story, protagonist and do research. One month. I am writing character bios and perhaps a first chapter in this time.

Write six to eight hours a day for two – three months to get the first draft. Lots of rewriting and little edits going on here. Cutting a lot of words and scenes. Like Susie mentioned, I may write a whole scene that gets cut, but reveals something to me about the protagonist. I usually keep a line or two, or concept from those scenes.

Rewrite, edit. One month before deadline.

I pray a lot. Daniel 1:17. Ask God for His heart concerning my characters and story. If the story is in me, and I’m found in Him, then my story is also found in Him.

I love fiction with the fragrance of God. I don’t have to preach or have the characters even pray, but at the end of the book, the reader feels hope. Feels good.
Ever read a really good book written by someone who doesn’t know the Lord and at the end, just feel sort of … blah? Nothing bad in or about the book, but you just don’t feel inspired.

I’ve noticed a big difference in my spirit after reading a book, depending on the origin of the words.
I don’t mean to sound religious. It’s not that. It’s breathing in His fragrance.

Keep writing! Find your path, your way, your method, but mostly be disciplined. You can’t change words that aren’t there. You can’t submit a story not finished.

Blessings.