I was lucky to grow up as the daughter of a writer. In high school, I attended writing conferences with Mom, and she helped me sell my first article to a national magazine at the age of sixteen. I studied journalism in college and read all kinds of how-to books. Because of Mom’s influence, I knew about writer’s guidelines, the way to send a query letter, and that selling a book is hard but not impossible.
Then just yesterday I spoke to CC Warrens, an author who has never read a single book on craft. She simply had an idea and wrote it down. Her first book was twice as long as a book should be, so she hired an editor who helped her cut it down to size. And it’s good. I was totally impressed because I don’t know if I could have done it that way.
Neither way is wrong. Everybody’s journey is unique. The only way not to write a novel is to NOT write it. Here are a few different writing styles I’ve used that may or may not work for others.
1.) Get to know your characters. Sometimes I fill out information sheets about them. I figure out where they came from, what they’re most afraid of, and what’s going to help them overcome their fear. Then I pick the event that pushes them out of their comfort zone and start my story there.
2.) Plot out the whole thing. Once I started with a great twist ending then work backwards to the beginning. Just this weekend, my writing group helped me divide my next book up into thirty chapters and fit them together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle so that I know exactly what I’m going to write about every time I open my manuscript document.
3.) Explore a theme or message burning in your heart. I journal because I often have questions I don’t know the answer to. Or I have a belief I’m wrestling with and not sure where I stand. So I write it down! Maybe it will get published one day, or maybe it’s personal. It’s okay to write just for me. There is much healing in writing.
4.) Immerse yourself in the setting. When struck with writer’s block in the middle of Finding Love in Big Sky, I had to visit a ranch. It was like literally walking in my character’s footsteps. I didn’t have to imagine what they were seeing because it was right before my eyes. The story came to life in front of me, and all I had to do was write it down.
5.) Cheat. I did this last year when I found a list from a 1950’s magazine on how to get a husband. The list became my outline for Husband Auditions. Every chapter started with one of the items from the list. I’m going to do that again this year with an actual game schedule for my manuscript Football is My Boyfriend. “What happens next? Let me check the calendar…” I recommended this to a friend who is thinking about writing a historical romance based on her mother’s love letters. She didn’t know where to begin, so I suggested picking a line from each of the letters to use at the beginning of her chapter then make that line come to life.
Some authors have a process they use every time, some authors like to explore and try new things. The only thing they can’t do is not finish the book. I asked writer friends to give you a glimpse into their processes.
Erica Vetsch: Think, dream, imagine, plot, talk it out loud, write, doubt, write, doubt, write, polish.
Pepper Basham: Lots of daydreaming and usually a solid first chapter and ending- but pretty gray everywhere else 😉. I write out of sequence usually and do much better when I’m working on two books at once.
Kara Isaac: Chaotic bordering on anarchy.
Natalie Walters: My process usually begins with a plot concept or a very specific character idea. I build around that developing the plot and characters until I have a firm idea of where the story is going and then I outline a general synopsis. This helps me see where I need to go as well as helps me avoid the dreaded middle where I inevitably question everything while eating through copious amounts of candy. No shame.
Toni Shiloh: Loudest character gets to writing stage first.
Karin Beery: In recent years I’ve discovered that I’m an editor who likes to write…I like EDITING, so I’m embracing basic outlines and terrible first drafts, and my new goal is to write them as quickly as possible because I dread the writing process but LOVE editing.
As you can see, we all get here different ways. It’s not always pretty and rarely easy, but we do it because we can’t NOT do it.
This month I’m giving away an autographed copy of the latest book by Lisa Phillips, plotter extraordinaire. She’s always eager to help me brainstorm story ideas, and she seriously writes faster than I read.
To enter, simply answer the following question: Have you ever been interested in writing, or do you prefer reading over all the work mentioned above?
Angela Ruth Strong survived breast cancer, works as a flight attendant, and uses her own crazy life experiences as inspiration for the stories she writes. Her books have earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been nominated for a Christy, won the Cascade Award, and become Amazon bestsellers. She and her husband also got to play extras when her novel Finding Love in Big Sky was adapted for film. To help aspiring authors, Angela started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho.
Hi Angela, thanks for sharing:) I am a reader through and through- I do not have a desire to write a novel, very happy to leave that to others:) I teach Literature and enjoy looking at ways authors create stories- but that just helps me appreciate the stories I read rather than inspire me to write my own.
Blessings:)
Hi Angela! Thanks for sharing. While I have not written a novel, I have written stories for my grandchildren. As a high teacher, I helped students craft their college essays and scholarship essays. Writing an outstanding persuasive essay is a craft, which involves some of the steps listed in your blog. Authors use the technique to sell their books, students to be admitted to the college of their choice or to receive a scholarship, or writing a cover letter for a job. As a teacher I convinced panels in Switzerland and Japan that I was their canidate for a study trip abroad. Both countries were on my bucket list, but I did not have the funds to travel to these countries. For about a month I followed your five steps – get to know the country (culture, geography, history), plot out my thoughts on the country, explore a theme, immerse myself, and cheat. I love the cheat part -using what is out there. Thanks again for the delightful blog. Will be pondering on it all day. May get my mother’s story written yet. Best wishes.
I really enjoyed your system. It feels like when I’m trying to teach my Master/PhD students how to write:
1) get to really know your data
2) write an outline for your chapter, use subheadings whenever possible
3)pick the main results as guiding theme
4) actually just write anything and then we’ll edit, revise, rewrite
5) cheat: pick another paper that tells a similar story and see how they do it, use it as a guide
Really just the same… but different nonetheless. For me, I really hate the start and the end (introduction and conclusion), but I really enjoy the middle portion (method and results), the actual stuff that really happened.
I prefer reading over writing, as I like having time to craft.
I love to write. I’ve written and published a devotional and I’ve written several novels. I’m busy with edits and re-writes and quite happy about it.
I study craft books almost daily and go to two conferences a year.
I belong to My Book Therapy with Susie May Warren, Northwest Christian Writer’s Association and ACFW.
This was a fun post to read. Being mostly isolated from any nearby groups, I’m mostly writing alone from my ranch and getting support online.
Thanks for this fun blog. I’ve enjoyed it for about 2 years now.
Kara Isaac: Chaotic bordering on anarchy.
So true! :)
Hi, Angela!
In addition to being an avid reader I am an indie published author of two novellas, and two short stories. I’ve always been a total pantser. I love it when I just get an idea, start writing, and see what happens and where the story goes. Writing always fills my heart with joy, but sadly, I have to say it has been way too long since I’ve written anything. Thank you so much for this post, you have inspired me to get started on an idea that has been brewing for a while! ((Hugs))❤️
Angela, thanks for sharing those ways to create a book. I’ve always been a pantser. That was a problem when I wrote for a traditional publisher because I had to produce a synopsis. That was the hardest part of writing. Now I’m publishing my own books, and I don’t require a synopsis. Freedom! Once I learned it was okay to be a pantser and not have to follow someone else’s idea of how someone should write a book, I felt so much better. Since then I’ve been an advocate that authors should try different processes and find the one that works for them.
I think I prefer reading to writing, though there have been times I’ve thought about trying my hand at writing. Then I usually talk myself out of the idea when I think of all the work involved and the fact that English was one of my weakest subjects in school :) . Thanks for sharing Angela, love your posts. I hope you’re continuing to stay strong in all you go through.
I actually wrote a book years ago, and since have destroyed it. It was easy and hard at the same time. I wouldn’t want to re-create it, for sure! I much prefer to read!!
Definitely reading. I am not a natural writer and don’t enjoy the process of trying to write anything.
I always love learning the story behind the story. Keep enjoying all the literature!
I love the thought that I might have inspired you to write your mother’s story. And how wonderful to get to travel the world, doing what you love. Keep educating those young minds. <3
What a great analogy. Writing the middle can be hard for me, so that’s wonderful that you enjoy it!!!
Do you knit? Quilt? Scrapbook? I’ve tried all those, but my time is usually reserved for writing. <3 Do you listen to audio books as you craft?
That’s so great, Dalyn! Writing can be very isolating, but I love connecting here online. What conferences will you be at this year?
It’s nice knowing I’m not the only crazy one. ;-)
Ooh, I’m excited to hear more about your idea!!! Pantsing is an art. Keep it up!
I completely agree on finding your own process! I remember Robin Lee Hatcher saying she has this same problem. Way to blaze your own trail.
Thank you, Megan. My creative energy feels muted at the moment, but I am pondering life in a way I never have before, and I believe that will help me write with more depth once I get through this brain fog. Like you, my worst subject in school was spelling. (The English language makes no sense!) I still struggle with it. Keep enjoying those books and play with the idea of writing if it’s fun for you. <3
How daring that you took that risk! It is a risk, isn’t it? And how wonderful that you did it just for you. You’re worth it.
Finishing a book is one of the hardest things to do, and you did it. Well done. Now we’ll do the work for you. ;-)
That makes you a normal person. ;-) Us weirdos will keep writing the books for you, and you can just enjoy the stories!
I love reading, and working as a librarian. Always thought I would write a book…someday. Maybe someday will come.
Sounds like you’ve done some great research. Let me know if you ever write one!!!
I have no desire to ever write a book!!
Hey Angela, I’m an avid reader only and am amazed by the talent of writers like you.
I am a reader through and through. I don’t think I’m creative enough to come up with different ideas and characters. Sometimes, I think I would enjoy writing, and then I remember how much work is involved with outlines and such. And…I remember why I stick to reading. At one time, I did write poetry but just for me. Only once did I write a poem for a friend and give it to her. She was really struggling and thinking about suicide. She made it past that, thank goodness! Years later she moved out of state in high school, and we lost touch. So, yep, I’ll stick to reading UNLESS I really feel compelled to write. I did enjoy this article as to how there are many different ways to write! Thanks for sharing! 😊
I’ve been writing since I was ten years old I love to write but I find it much easier to read. It’s a different t kind of satisfaction.
I love reading, but I also have a dream of writing short stories, and a non-fiction book about the power of Christian habits! And I want to write down memories of both sets of grandparents & how they influenced my life/left me w/ wonderful memories!
Hi Angela!! I’m touched by your love story! Truly! You’re a beautiful example of healing and trusting God!
I would love to write, but I don’t think I have what it requires to do it in a professional way (ample vocabulary, lots of research and knowledge)… but I’m content with reading so many things from so many talented and inspiring authors!
Praying for you and thank you!
Blessings!
Hi Angela, Thank you so much for sharing this post, I enjoyed reading it and I learned from it. Thank you. I love to read books and yes , I would love to someday write a novel that has been in my head for a while, I wrote a little book for my grandchildren which I have read to them. Thank you so much. Your are Very Loved Angela. Have a Great week. God Bless you.
We all have our dreams. Glad you know what you want!!! And I’m glad to have you here as a reader. <3
We all have our gifts. I’m amazed by musicians and mathematicians and even just organized people. :-) Glad to have you here as a reader. <3
Writing poetry for yourself is a beautiful thing. And what a blessing you could be there for a friend. Glad to give you a peek behind the scenes even if just to enhance your reading!
Definitely! Though, either way, a good story can can carry you away.
Memoirs are such a beautiful gift. <3 I hope you pursue those dreams.
Thank you. There are tons of amazing stories out there! I don’t think writing requires an ample vocabulary (though you DID just use the word ample), but it would take away from reading time. We are glad to share our books with you. <3
Oh thank you, Alicia. I hope that novel does keep percolating inside you, and I think it’s wonderful that you wrote for your grandchildren. I’m sure they loved it. So special.
I love your CHEAT idea!!! Can’t wait to read your book from that one. :-)
I would much rather read a fiction book than write one.
I’ll keep writing them for you, Anne. And I’m so excited for you all to read Husband Auditions. Hopefully soon… ;-)
I considered myself a writer since I was a kid in grade school. I write a yearly Christmas letter and purple tell me they love reading it. I try to explain life a little more humorously. But… So far as an adult, i’ve written only one story published in a book with other stories. I get ideas to write, then i get scared. I think i enjoy researching. Which keeps me wondering what i should do with that. I should begin to write.
That’s a start, Janet. I was terrified to write my first screenplay. I felt like Nemo swimming out into open water to touch the “butt.” I cried about to my writing group, but they supported me, and I did it anyway. Nothing has happened with my first screenplay yet, but I’ve since started writing a second without as much fear. I’m reading more books about it, reading more scripts, and attending a conference this summer. It’s okay to be scared. Just be MORE scared of not taking the risk to pursue a dream. <3 I'm with you.
Also, the world needs more good humor.
I have always wanted to be a writer, and what I have written is pretty good, if a bit obvious. However, I was in college for 5 years and during that time I rarely had time for reading or anything, so I mentally developed a book–some in-depth characters, and an over-arching plot. Now I have time to write and I just can bring a pen to paper. I wrote down a character’s name, intent upon writing all about her, and I just couldn’t to it. I’m not sure why. It’s really becoming almost uncomfortable, this desire to write, but it’s like I’m literally constipated! HAHAHA! Sorry, I couldn’t think of any other way to describe it that was as accurate. Anyway, thanks for the tips. I think I’m good with a beginning and an end, it’s just the middle part. Also, I think I prefer the editing part, too. So I’m going to try to do a rough outline, then rush through. Then I’ll take a week off and then dive in to make it better. Thanks!!
I’m excited for you. And I get the constipated part. Sometimes just getting those first words on paper are painful and messy, but then you’re unclogged. I pray this is just the beginning!!!
What a great post! I’m working on a first novel right now that is drawn somewhat from personal experience. I’m finding that it is so satisfying to face a new section, not totally sure what to put on the page, then jump off that ledge and wind up with something workable. I’ve always been a slow reader and focused on the details of the story. It makes me plot-challenged. I see the forest, not the 10,000-foot view. My current story has a natural flow with time, though, so that helps. I don’t know, yet, if this will lead to more writing of this length or not. If it does, it will likely be built around characters as opposed to setting or plot.
I really love the fact that you have chosen to teach as well as write. No knowledge is fully gained until it is shared with others. (Says the kid who grew up in a family of teachers :) )
I have written short stories I shared with my family. I have started a clean paranormal story but haven’t finished it.
Thank you for a very enlightening post.
I love to read and am just beginning to find my way to the author side of the equation.