Maria, it's so incredibly exciting to read of your journey as you write your novel. And I love your answer, "I'm writing my first novel," which means this is just the beginning!! Cheering you on!
I'm fascinated by different writing processes. Thanks for sharing yours! I'm also a first-time novelist and I did outline mine before writing a single word of the first draft. (I used the "Inside Outline" approach developed by Jennie Nash of Author Accelerator under the guidance of a certified book coach.) It certainly helped me get the first draft written. I also started with (what I thought was) a clear idea of "what the story is about." But that too is shifting, coming into focus more clearly as I work on the second draft. I'm so glad I'm not alone!!!
Thanks for reading, Cathy. You are not alone! I, too, love hearing about others' creative processes. It feels like such a lesson in trust, and we cannot rush it.
it doesn't matter what other writers do. You do Maria. You don't have to tell us BUPKES until YOU are ready! It reminds me of what my dad always said 'that's for me to know and you to find out' lol. Names are always some of my fave part of books bc I know how deliberate authors are with them. Excited for all of it Miss M! xoxox
Congrats on your first novel!! I am so happy I stumbled across this article today. It really validated for me that there is NOT one way to create, even things like novels. I don't know how many other methods you have tried, but what has worked for me so far is "word vomiting" the first 50k words as fast as possible, like just getting the "story" out of my body on on paper. And then procrastinating for the next 5 years while I figure out what, if anything, to do with them.
I may try your method of reading back through and seeing if the words themselves are giving me clues as to where the story is going...and using index cards to "map it" - I personally prefer post it notes on a poster sized piece of paper I stealthily commandeered from my children's roll of paper on their painting easle, because then I can see the big picture all at once if I want, too. But, I can't really throw that into my purse and ponder it over coffee, either.
Anyway, thank you for giving me permission to do it my way. Even though it may be the "wrong way"
Thank you so much for reading, Sashya. I’m so happy you’re here and this post offered some validation.
I’m like you in that I like to see the big picture. My index cards come on and off a giant bulletin board, which I treated myself to after using all the tri-folds left over from my boys’ science projects over the years.😂
Thanks so much for your comment. The right way is the one that works for you!❤️
Maria, I always enjoy reading about your writing process! The index cards give your novel a physical reality that virtual cards will never have. Also, in drafting first and outlining later, you're in good company. My sister teaches writing to ESL students, and she teaches a process called "reverse outlining," which is just about the only way some of us can do it. I can't imagine outlining before I write a whole lot to see what I have to say.
Thanks, as always, for reading, Jody. Reverse outlining! Who knew? Thank you for the link. I have always scribbled out a rough outline before I write an essay, but a novel has proved an entirely different beast. Unraveling these story knots is so hard, and also the best.❤️
Really interesting! I’m in the process of writing my first novel too. I got big pieces of foam core and covered them with post it papers to map it all out after the first draft. I was just feeling my way through like you.
Thanks for reading, Maggie. There's something about seeing all the pieces on a board or wall rather than scrolling on a screen that gives us a new lens on our story. Trust the process, right?
Can’t wait for the unfolding!!
Me too! Thank you, James.❤️
The index cards are a great idea. I think that I may need to borrow that!
Yes, let me know what you think! I found it so helpful in seeing which parts of my plot needed attention. Thanks for reading, Sarah.😊
Maria, it's so incredibly exciting to read of your journey as you write your novel. And I love your answer, "I'm writing my first novel," which means this is just the beginning!! Cheering you on!
That’s how I think of it.✨ Thanks for being here, Wendy!
I'm fascinated by different writing processes. Thanks for sharing yours! I'm also a first-time novelist and I did outline mine before writing a single word of the first draft. (I used the "Inside Outline" approach developed by Jennie Nash of Author Accelerator under the guidance of a certified book coach.) It certainly helped me get the first draft written. I also started with (what I thought was) a clear idea of "what the story is about." But that too is shifting, coming into focus more clearly as I work on the second draft. I'm so glad I'm not alone!!!
Thanks for reading, Cathy. You are not alone! I, too, love hearing about others' creative processes. It feels like such a lesson in trust, and we cannot rush it.
Thanks for sharing this! I’m writing my first novel too, and also don’t really know what it’s about yet. Just writing my way there…
Thanks for reading, Megan. Hooray for writing your first novel! Trust the process, right?
it doesn't matter what other writers do. You do Maria. You don't have to tell us BUPKES until YOU are ready! It reminds me of what my dad always said 'that's for me to know and you to find out' lol. Names are always some of my fave part of books bc I know how deliberate authors are with them. Excited for all of it Miss M! xoxox
You get it.❤️ And yes, names are super fun.
Congrats on your first novel!! I am so happy I stumbled across this article today. It really validated for me that there is NOT one way to create, even things like novels. I don't know how many other methods you have tried, but what has worked for me so far is "word vomiting" the first 50k words as fast as possible, like just getting the "story" out of my body on on paper. And then procrastinating for the next 5 years while I figure out what, if anything, to do with them.
I may try your method of reading back through and seeing if the words themselves are giving me clues as to where the story is going...and using index cards to "map it" - I personally prefer post it notes on a poster sized piece of paper I stealthily commandeered from my children's roll of paper on their painting easle, because then I can see the big picture all at once if I want, too. But, I can't really throw that into my purse and ponder it over coffee, either.
Anyway, thank you for giving me permission to do it my way. Even though it may be the "wrong way"
Thank you so much for reading, Sashya. I’m so happy you’re here and this post offered some validation.
I’m like you in that I like to see the big picture. My index cards come on and off a giant bulletin board, which I treated myself to after using all the tri-folds left over from my boys’ science projects over the years.😂
Thanks so much for your comment. The right way is the one that works for you!❤️
Can't wait...
Maria, I always enjoy reading about your writing process! The index cards give your novel a physical reality that virtual cards will never have. Also, in drafting first and outlining later, you're in good company. My sister teaches writing to ESL students, and she teaches a process called "reverse outlining," which is just about the only way some of us can do it. I can't imagine outlining before I write a whole lot to see what I have to say.
https://gcwritingcenter.commons.gc.cuny.edu/reverse-outlining/
Thanks, as always, for reading, Jody. Reverse outlining! Who knew? Thank you for the link. I have always scribbled out a rough outline before I write an essay, but a novel has proved an entirely different beast. Unraveling these story knots is so hard, and also the best.❤️
In the back of my mind, I have been wondering when we will know 'what is your story about...'.
Great work and great way of describing your writing process. I always look forward to your next post. Good job!
Thanks for being here, Paulajo. I am definitely excited to share when it's time.❤️
I can't wait to read it Maria. So proud of you and the hard work you have put into this endeavor.
Gosh, Matthew. Your kind words and support will make the work that much easier today. Thank you, friend.
Really interesting! I’m in the process of writing my first novel too. I got big pieces of foam core and covered them with post it papers to map it all out after the first draft. I was just feeling my way through like you.
Thanks for reading, Maggie. There's something about seeing all the pieces on a board or wall rather than scrolling on a screen that gives us a new lens on our story. Trust the process, right?
I love all the process. My goal is to love every step. Sounds like you do too.