Omigosh, I almost forgot it was my turn to post here. Let’s blame it
on my new book that will be released tomorrow. Better than blaming old age.
Lately, we’ve been sharing our writing processes. I find it
fascinating to read how other writers develop their stories. The process is as
varied as the writers themselves. Some of us (plotters) plot first: detailed
outline, character analyses, setting details, pictures. Some of us (pantsers)
write “on the fly” or by the seat of our pants We have an idea (first line,
maybe), sit down at the computer, and start writing. Let things fall where they
may.
My process is some of each. I start out like the pantser
with the idea. But it’s not long before I have to know where the story is going. Plot is not a 4-letter word. I also need to keep track of things.
Important things like the characters’ names (changing the name and/or spelling
of same) can really disconcert readers; details about the characters like hair
and eye color, career, etc. If I need to research a concept, I do it when I
need to. I don’t always print out the info, but I will write down the link to
the article(s). Setting or world building? As I write (the story), I’ll make
notes on the town/house/indoors/outdoors/time of year/weather. Where do all these notes go? Not on little
slips of paper. I’d lose them in the mess that I call my desk. I keep a
separate digital file labeled “notes” or “details.” (I’m not real creative with file
labels.)
For my newest book, a science fiction romance novella MISSION TO NEW EARTH to be released
tomorrow, I did more research than normal. The Mars One Mission has fascinated
me since I first heard about it. By chance, I noticed the Science Channel was
running a series called “Mars Rising.” I recorded those programs to watch more than once and replay facts I missed. The movie Avatar gave me the idea of my characters traveling to their new
planet in cryosleep. And, of course, I needed info on cryosleep. Again, I
jotted down notes (in my computer file) along with the link to the articles.
Meanwhile, I needed to actually write the story. But wait. Who
were these people? Why would they leave everything behind to go to a new
planet? Many times, I had to stop writing the story and figure out things. Is
it any wonder that my actual story writing was slower than normal?
A plotter would have worked out all of this first. The
writing would have gone much smoother if I had. But that’s the way I work best.
And that’s what I tell new writers: try different ways and see what works best
for you. Don’t be afraid to change.
MISSION TO NEW EARTH
will be released tomorrow, August 31st. Currently it’s on pre-order
for 99 cents at Amazon.
Blurb:
Would you go on a one-way trip to explore a new planet? Would
you do it to save humankind?
Earth’s overpopulation and dwindling resources force the
United Earth Space Agency to expedite exploration of new planets for a possible
new home. When new crises ensue—a giant tsunami and the threat of nuclear
winter—the timeline changes. Eight years of training crammed into four. Sara
Grenard and her team prepare for launch, but are they ready for the one-way
trip? Will the Goldilocks planet prove just right for Earth’s inhabitants?
Before time runs out.
Excerpt:
I strolled up to the man I loved
and put my arms around his waist. When I rested my head on his chest, I heard
the thud of his heart. Normally, a reassuring sound that always made me go weak
in the knees, it beat more rapidly than usual. He was still agitated.
“Hey, guy. Everything will be all
right. We’re ready. More than ready.”
“I know. It’s just—”
Leaning back in his arms, I reached
up and patted his cheek. “Settle down, big boy. I think Bill and Ana have the
right idea. From Gloria’s blush, she and Tom do, too.” I gave him a long kiss.
At first, he didn’t respond—still worked up over the latest simulation. Then he
gave in, as I knew he would. Not to be smug, but Marsh did like my kisses.
His kiss turned hard, demanding, as
he strained to maintain control. I wanted him that much, too. But not on the
tile floor in the lav. The shower had possibilities. When he eyed the
enclosure, I knew he was thinking the same thing. Too bad I had other
obligations. That was me, duty first. I could be such a stick-in-the-mud.
Diane Burton writes science fiction romance, romantic
suspense, and mysteries. She blogs here on the 30th, on Paranormal Romantics on the
13th, and on her own blog
on Mondays.
