Apr 13, 2012
Thought I’d share my process of writing. I made a quick video and posted it. I’ve also written out the steps I outlined in the video. (In the video, I managed to reference two draft 3s but I mean drafts 3 and 4.)
Writing or editing a novel can be overwhelming. However, breaking down the process into steps or drafts not only cuts down on stress, but also produces a better product.
The First Draft/The Sloppy Copy: Armed with a synopsis, set a daily page goal and start writing. At this stage, no editing allowed. If a scene comes to you out of order, write it. The First Draft is all about getting the story down.
The Second Draft/A Sound Structure: Start smoothing the story’s structure. Make sure the scenes flow and are in order. Don’t bother with real word crafting at this stage. Start a running list of characters, time stamp each scene and record number of pages per chapter.
Third Draft/Fine-Tuning: Focus not only what is said, but also how it is said. Identify and clearly define story themes and character motivations. Does each scene and chapter end with a page-turner?
Fourth Draft/Polishing: Really perfect sentences. Weed out weak words, eliminate passive voice, use literary devices, and search for clichés. See back for detailed tips.
Fifth Draft/THE BIG READ: Print the book out, put it in a binder and read it. You’ll be amazed what you notice on the printed page versus the computer scene.
Sixth Draft/Proof Read: Read the book out loud, have your computer read the book back to you, or reprint the book and give it to another reader.
Perfecting Your Sentences Checklist
1. Weed out weak words such as:
That
Just
Very
Nearly/Almost
Seem/Appear
Begin
Felt
Few
Quite
Thing
Stuff
So
Then
Even
Only
Down
Got
‘ly’ words
2. Rework passive verbs such as:
Is
Am
Are
Was/Were
Has/Had
Have
Been
To Be
3. Dust off those literary devices and see if add a few alliterations or simile
4. Search for clichés
5. Make sure not only the first word of a sentence is strong but also the last word.
Apr 4, 2012
I’m a firm believer in dedicated office space, my number one booster of creative thinking.
I started off writing on a card table in an empty living room. The table wasn’t fancy and the computer was really not fancy–a 286 that took five and a quarter inch discs. (I know dating myself.) But it was my dedicated space where I could go when I had a spare moment either during my kids’ naptimes or very early in the morning.
Somewhere along the way I bought some used furniture and a better computer. I can still remember the day I graduated from the card table to the real desk. It was a good day.
These days, those napping babies have gone to college. I’m still working in the same living room space with the same used furniture, but I’ve also cleaned out my tool shed and set up shelving to hold all my books. There’s even a spare desk out there so I have place to work when the kids return and the house gets delightfully loud and crazy again.
In my office with my dog Bella. Note it's only this clean during the few days following a deadline.
Apr 2, 2012
Any chance I get to push away from the computer and do research I take it. Even though the topic might not apply to the current work in progress I trust that the information will be of help one day.
Sisters in Crime/Chessie Chapter invited a forensic anthroplogist to speak about bone identifcation.
I head to the firing range as often as I can and I try to shoot as many different guns as possible.
I took this at the 'Written in Bone' exhibit at the Natural History Musuem in Washington, D.C. This is an exhibit well worth seeing.
Mar 27, 2012
I rode down the road to Charlottesville, VA this weekend for the Virginia Festival of the Book. Had a great time! I love being around people who love books!
I'm pictured here with fellow Kensington author Mollie Cox Bryan. She writes cozies.
Saturday lunch was delicious and featured writer Jeffery Deaver as the keynote.
Couldn't resist snapping a picture of this cupcake at lunch.
I sat on the Saturday afternoon panel "High Body Count."
I'm pictured here with fellow panelists Del Staecker and Sandra Parshall.
We had standing room only in our session and lots of great audience questions.
Mar 7, 2012
Recently I joined the board of directors for The READ Center, a Richmond based non-profit organization that offers free literacy education programs to adults who wish to learn to read or improve their reading skills. Already I’ve jumped in with both feet and now serve as the chair of the Marketing and Development Committee. Our first big event is a Spelling Bee scheduled for May 23. I’m the first to admit my spelling is not the best but that won’t stop me from sponsoring a team of spellers to compete in the Bee. Today UPS Freight invited READ’s Executive Director and I to a kick-off meeting for their employees and to announce that UPS Freight will be the title sponsor of the event.
(L-R) April Rehmann of UPS Freight, READ's Executive Director Harriet Scruggs and me.
