So, I may have mentioned a few times that I'm working on a new series called Born To Be Wilde. This has been a fun project, chronicling the adventures of the Wilde brothers in the first three books. I finished the third book not long ago, then breezed through edits on the first one. Afterward, I sat down to start the fourth and final book. This one belongs to the little sister of the clan, Eden Wilde. Maybe my readers would rather have another brother, but I wanted to change it up. I'm determined to make my heroine just as tough and adventurous as her brothers while keeping her vulnerable. Should be challenging and fun.
I love the first stages of writing a book, the joy of an empty page and endless possibilities. Granted, I already have established characters who will be featured in this story. But there are new ones to weave into the mix, and a whole new plot to work out. I had a rough idea of the overall suspense conflict, so I jumped in with both feet and started writing. No outline. No list of new characters. I was just winging it! After the first chapter, I hit a few bumps. Hmm...might be nice to know who my red herrings would be in this mystery. I needed to start feeding them in. So, I stopped writing and started thinking. I bounced ideas off my CP. (Thanks, Margo!) I actually made a list of new characters and figured out how to introduce my villain. But that's as far as the planning stage went. I like the idea of keeping the mystery alive for me as well as my readers. As I get to know my characters better, they may surprise me and take the story in new directions.
Then there's the fact that this is the final book of the series. I get to bring back all my old heroes and heroines. I get to show their happiness and tie up their lives with a big shiny bow. I love that part about writing a series. So, even though it'll be sad to see the series end when I finish this book, there's a feeling of satisfaction that goes with it. I'm looking forward to the whole process.
So, for all you authors, share your favorite part of a book to write. The beginning shining with possibilities or the fulfillment of racing toward the finish line? Or maybe it's the plot twists thrown in along the way. Do you plan the whole story ahead of time or wing it like me? Please share.
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15 comments:
Can't wait to read the Wilde series, Jannine! Fantastic name for the lone female sibling, BTW. When will the first book release?
I find the beginning of the book the scariest. The blank page terrorizes me that I won't be able to fill it. I have to force myself to start typing away. When I become immersed in the story--when I've nearly forgotten that I'm actually sitting at my desk instead of wherever my story has taken me--that's when I start enjoying myself.
One author friend once said her favorite book is the next one, so fresh with possibilities, certainly not the current wip. Since I write anything but linear, my favorite parts are the beginning and the end. I usually know where I'm going, just not necessarily how to get there. Oh, and you're welcome. I have to say, I've enjoyed the first three Wilde boys immensely! Can't wait for little sister.
I love the beginning. As you say, so many possibilities. Ending a series is a mix of relief, sadness, and a sense of accomplishment. Good luck on the last book in this series.
Leah, Wilde One is out in Sept. and Wilde Side is out in Oct. The pub wanted back to back releases, so we'll see how that goes. Getting immersed in the middle is great, but I always worry about keeping the level of tension high through that section.
Margo, I'm trying not to think about the next book. As I told you, I don't want to get distracted! With your crazy process, the middle just might turn into the beginning...and vice-versa! LOL
Diane, I agree completely with your feeling upon ending a series. Mixed best describes them!
My favorite part to write is the part where I know what I'm doing. LOL With each book in my current series, I've risen to new heights of complication. Which for me means, if I didn't totally think out how I got from A to Z, around J I started pulling my hair out. With this current one, I'm there. Now I have to go back to A and do some ripping, tearing and rewriting. It's time I learned how to do detailed plotting and not just general outlining. Good luck with the new series!
My favorite part of writing is when my fingers fly on the keypad because the scene is developing in my head faster than I can get the ideas down. The dialogue literally writes itself and fresh comparisons magically appear on the monitor. I say 'Wow!" and hope the word feast continues!
I used to do that, Brenda. Plot out each chapter from beginning to end before I started writing. After writing several novella length books without an outline (only one major plot line instead of all the subplots) I got cocky and thought I could write a full length novel and keep everything on track. I'll admit it was tougher with the first couple, but I'm getting the hang of keeping all those lose ends woven in. I hope you can work out the kinks in yours without too much ripping and tearing!
Isn't it great when that happens, Rolynn!
I love the beginning. I'm weak on endings. I make them too abrupt. I know I do and I try to improve, but the whole dragging it out seems a little hokey to me. Guess I'm still stuck in the fairy tale ending, "and they lived happily ever after." Somehow, my version of that is never enough.
We must be soul sisters, Vonnie. I've had people complain that my endings are too fast and don't wrap up the story in a big, pink bow. Readers expect a proposal at the end of the book. I'm sorry, but my characters aren't always ready to tie the knot after a month! Solving the suspense plot and acknowledging they love each other and want to make a future together work seems like it should be enough. That's what the rest of the series is for...to show them in their HEA!
Does it make any sense to say I love the late beginning? The beginning beginning scares me. I don't know the characters that well yet, and it's so important to get everything just right. I usually get rolling a few chapters in. I love it when the scene is playing out in my head so fast all I can do is type the dialogue as fast as I can. Then I have to go back and add in everything else. But flying dialogue is my favorite part of writing. It's as close as I get to being in the characters' heads.
Alison, I'm such a control freak, I have to keep all the external details going along with the dialogue. Maybe I should try writing it without then adding in sensory details. Might be more fun!
I could have sworn I commented, but I see that I didn't. Hmm....anyway, love the idea for this series. It's so cool that you'll wrap it up with the little sister. I wish I could write without a plot, but I definitely need a road map. I do not do detailed outlines of several pages, but I do turning points and make a scene list of anything that might possibly happen. I don't always use it all, and I always add things that aren't on the list, but if I can use a 'to do list' for my writing, it seems to keep me on track. I still enjoy the journey and I still am surprised by the twists and turns the story makes. I'd have to say my favorite part is from the middle to the end. I feel like, if I can see a finish line, I'm in good position. HA, I am so with you and Vonnie on the endings. I have been accused of wrapping things up too quickly too, but, like you, when the mystery is solved and they admit they love each other, the rest is just boring and unnecessary.
What a great idea, Ally. A 'to do list' for the story. I think about these things but never write them down. I wonder how many I forget? Maybe that would work better for me than an outline. Thanks!
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