The Writing Process

I personally find the writing process fascinating. I love learning how all my favorite authors craft their books. Not everyone does it the same way. And after all these years, I finally figured out my best method.

1. The Rough Draft: I find that handwriting has been immensely helpful for my writing process. There's less pressure when you're just writing ideas and scenes in a notebook. Plus, it lets me use up the literally hundreds of notebooks sitting around my house. 

2. The First Draft: Then comes the only downside to handwriting a novel...typing up about 100,000 words. It may seem like a huge amount of time rewriting what you just spent months writing, but I like it. First, it lets me do a quick edit while I'm writing. I can see which sentences need work, which scenes need to be expanded or cut. The time between first writing a scene and then typing it also allows you a little perspective to see if it's awesome as you first thought. So while a lengthy part of the process, it's well worth the time. 

3. The Second Draft/Edit: This is just a quick read though of what I've just typed up once the book is completed. This hopefully catches any of the big plot issues, typos, or earlier scenes that need changes for continuity. (I'm actually at this stage right now, which is where I found I have the same painting in three different places. Which could be a fun plot, but not for this book)

Usually, somewhere between Steps 2 and 3 is when I have another person take a look at the book. My main reason for this is because by this point I'm the process I'm stuck in the mental loop of thinking my writing is both brilliant and garbage. Having another person's input really helps me here. My Critique Partner is an absolute genius and always knows exactly what will push me and my writing in the right direction. Since I'm still in the beginning of edits and revisions, I can ask her questions about what is and isn't working, along with what to possibly add or cut to make the book better.

4. The Third Edit: Now, I print out the book and scribble all over it in red pens. Here is where I'm completely brutal. Scenes get cut, others get entirely rewritten. Not a single page is left unscathed.

5. The Fourth Edit/Draft: I'm not sure if I'd call this a full edit, since it's just typing up all the changes from the print out. But changing mediums again still lets me catch things I missed before. Typos hiding in the shadows, characters changing names, those sort of things. Sometimes I find that things I cut while being brutal can still work. It's all about perspective here. This is also the stage where I might ask for another reading from outside eyes. Usually this request is focusing on specific issues or scenes that I still have doubts with. But for the most part, this is the stage where I feel best about my writing.

6. The Final: Final is actually a retaliative term here. I give the book another complete read on my computer. Really, its doing that "final" read several times until I think the book is in the best state I can get it. Some books only need one more detailed reading for edits, while others need a lot more.

Then comes the really hard part. Querying...

A Slow and Steady March

Writing is a curious endeavor. On one hand, it looks as if I've accomplished absolutely nothing. My writing career hasn't changed status in the slightest. But that's not what I should focus on. In reality, I've done a great deal recently.

I've written, edited, revised, and queried "The Lost Letters of Benjamina Baneridge". It was my first ever attempt at writing an entire book in first person, and finally let me write the "Gothic Governess" story that every Victorian author wants to add to their collection. That novel was a little over 100,000 words when I first finished, but it's been trimmed to a neater 98,000. It's a book I'm immensely proud of, and I'm going to do my best to get it published. I've been querying it all year, and it's gotten some good feedback.

I also started and finished writing "The Ruin of Dunrose Castle" this year. It's at 105,000 words so far, but I expect it to grow as I edit and add in footnotes. I've always wanted to write something with footnotes, so I just went for it. And why not! It's both tricky and fun.

Now, I'm 20,000 words into a new book for NaNoWriMo. It's turning into something interesting, but I haven't quite worked all the details out yet. But that's for after November.

So not including all the "started and quickly abandoned" projects, that's a minimum of  225,000 words in less than two years. Doing all that during the insanity of "Real Life" is impressive, for me at least. I think it's important to focus on what successes I do have. One of these days, one of these books is going to get out there.

Another Retrospective

Life never seems to go according to plan, does it? But we're still here and we're still pressing on. Plenty of new projects to keep focusing on. Although my goal for this year was to work on one manuscript at a time, in reality I've kept it down to two at a time. I suppose that's progress?

A friend teasingly pointed out my fondness for writing about thieves, rogues, killers, and the detectives pursuing them. I won't deny some similarities in my writing. Keeping this in mind, I do work to make sure each story has its unique differences. But, a question popped into my mind.

What is a Marissa Priest Story?

They are about young ladies, fighting against a world set against them living as their true selves. I think that's why 19th century appeals to this theme so well. Everyone already has these preconceived notions about repressed Victorians. History shows a much more interesting story. And I want to take that and tailor it for my lovely ladies.

I cannot think of a single lady I've written who is entirely happy with her life in the beginning of the story. They all have to work for their "happily ever after", and often literally fight for it. I'd have to say that not all of them have the same anger in that fight as the others. A few rely more on their wit, while others use weaponry.

As every writer I know can agree, nothing comes easy. You have to work every day, no matter the obstacles. Of course my characters are going to be in the same place. They are part of me after all.

Tea And Tomes: An Introduction

Who doesn't love curling up with a good book and hot tea? Obviously, everyone does. My favorite times are when I can lose myself in a novel, come up for air, and then be inspired for my own work. I know I've found an excellent book when I finish it with a sense of awe and a new drive for my own writing. I tell myself, keep working and you can join your heroes one day!

Today, I want to share a little bit about one such hero. As I'm sure the entire world knows by now, I love Middle Earth. So, when I say that I have read Gail Carriger's work almost as many times as Lord of the Rings, you should get an idea of how much I adore her.

In all honesty, I wouldn't be the same writer without her. In college, I was stuck in a bit of a hole with my writing. I wanted it to be a fantastical mystery, but the words weren't complying. It didn't help that I was receiving critiques that said it was "too much genre". I decided to put my random ramblings aside and focus on the core mystery that would eventually turn into Our Fathers. Through my research, I stumbled upon steampunk. This genre had everything I ever wanted. I was in heaven.

A blog was running a promotion for a new book, Soulless. I was captivated by the description, and the interview with its illustrious author. As fate would have it, I actually won a copy of Soulless in that blog's raffle. I waited with bated breath for it to arrive. I read it in less than a week and proceeded to lend it to my friends.

Since then, she's written three incredible and successful series, and is now self-publishing novellas. Miss Gail is, as one of my favorite Hamilton songs says, NON STOP. Each novel is incredibly fun, and deeply touching. While I have been praising her here and on every other form of social media, I want to take the next few entries to delve deeper into these incredible stories.

 For today, I am settling in with a big cup of English Breakfast and her first novella, Poison or Protect. This will be my fourth (maybe fifth) re-read of it. I'll be back with my thoughts once the cup is empty.

So Much To Be Written!

For the past month, the Muse has been pumping out new ideas at top speed. She works faster than I can write. I need to keep up with her, and I'm trying my best!

We have new additions to Fae & Fog, Esther's prequel, which may or may not be a serial. A standalone novella in 1870s Russia featuring characters seen in Unbound Specter. Three or more connected novelettes that might become a serial featuring new characters. Inklings of ideas for novels set in Asia. And of course dozens of short stories with familiar and new characters. That's just what is new in the Gaslight world!

I've also started a few other epic fantasy novels. The standalone I mentioned in earlier posts has become a trilogy. I also am dabbling with two standalone fantasy novellas. Who knows how that will expand.

I have so many works in progress due to the overactive Muse. It's getting harder for me to just settle down with one new book and write. I want to write all of them all at the same time. Maybe I should just draw titles from a hat and go from there...

Rejections and Revisions

Despite the constant onslaught of migraines, I've been chugging away. While writing new chapters, I've also been spending some time editing older short stories. I want to keep sending out submissions, hoping to get more interest and publications. Editing is faster than writing something new, so I can focus most of my time writing the novels.

But editing some of the first short stories I wrote has been eye opening. Naturally, when I wrote them I felt each one was brilliant. Now, the flaws in the stories seem so obvious to me. I won't lie that I still think the plots and characters are amazing. But the writing itself needs improvement.

I never would have been able to pick out these issues without all the rejections I've gotten over the years. I've since learned that I need to work on rising tension, along with compelling and emotional beginnings. As I edit these shorts, I can clearly see how every beginning needs to be rewritten, but the endings are satisfying.

 I'm working on the first story I wrote about Bryan, and the novella is a bit of a mess. The beginning is slow and clunky. I used the trope of a character waking up! It needs a great deal of work, but I'm happy to do it. Writing is the most important thing to me. I want to keep learning and bettering my work. If that takes a few more rejections, then so be it.

I know we'll get there soon.

How about, No?

I'm deep into writing my new fantasy, currently titled The Ladies of Bryne Park. Edits for Resurrected Thief are still going on between submissions, but I wanted to write something entirely new. And I'm so incredibly excited about this book.

The ideas were originally a jumble of little snippets and characters I couldn't quite place yet. But it all came together with the unifying thought of "No". Simply put, I was tired of being told what should be in a good fantasy. Tired of all the same examples over and over again. I started saying no to all those ideas, and this book came out of it.

It follows two young women escaping horrifying lives and trying to find freedom. Along the way, they encounter all sorts of magic and mayhem. Any dashing romance? NO! That was the first thing I said no to when I began writing this.

Another fine example came after a little conversation I had while trying to outline one character's motivations and their story arc. It was for the main dragon, and I couldn't quite get their reasons for helping our main characters down. I knew they were supposed to be defensive, but that was it. The person I was talking to immediately said I should have the dragon be a mother defending her eggs.

NO!

Why should that be the only thing a female dragon would defend? Why is that the first thing everyone comes up with when talking about women? Defending their lovers and children? Women can want plenty more than that. So no mother dragons in this book.

In the end, I decided that the dragon would have no gender. It is an inter-dimensional creature after all. This is leading to some interesting scenes and plots. Who knows where else saying no will lead me?

Life gets in the way

Someone recently reminded me that life is never easy. It's insane,  stressful,  and does what it can to toss you around.  Lately, it's been getting in the way of my writing. 

Not that I've stopped.  It's just hard to juggle deadlines with emergencies popping up at every corner and stress wracking your body. Writing time interrupted by trips to doctors or when you physically can't stand to reach your notebook. A peaceful day interrupted when you start bleeding all over the place.

But I'm trying to keep going.  My daily word counts are smaller but at least I've written something.  Right now, the struggle is keeping my mind from staying in one place. My thoughts and ideas are frazzled and all over the place. Which I then stress about and feel worse.

Stress is the enemy.  I need to figure a way to combat it.

Pressing On

Thankfully, the Muse has not abandoned me. She's just decided to plague me with more ideas. While I wanted to dedicate all my time to submitting The Resurrected Thief and writing Fae & Fog, she feels I should be doing a bit more than that.

Both are still happening. But I've also started on the beginnings of two new fantasy books. I have little more than openings and outlines for each one. Working on multiple projects at once isn't too bad when there are no solid deadlines in sight. It just causes issues when the deadlines do appear on the horizon. And who knows when publishers will want to open the doors.

I am trying to avoid stressing myself too much with those thoughts. For now, I just want to keep writing. If I stay on schedule, I can have two new novels finished by the end of the year. The goal was to finish Fae & Fog by June, but that's flexible now. It's looking like I'll have the first half of two books completed by then instead. Which isn't really a bad thing, now is it?

WIP Wednesday!

It's always exciting to see how a project comes along. I've been working hard at Fae & Fog while submitting The Resurrected Thief. It was supposed to be a serial of about ten parts detailing Esther's time in Eastern Europe. Here's a little snippet of the scene I'm working on now:

“Why did you come to the graveyard? What did you see?” she questioned him. Keeping her voice level proved difficult. 

 “I have an interest in the more unique aspects of the fae. Earlier, I detected a strange magic and pursed it without delay. It brought me to the church, where I saw you,” Arthur replied in a crisp voice.

Into the second part, I started getting some new ideas. In a lot of my work, characters spend a good deal of their time researching. They have to read and investigate clues and records. Sometimes, this can slow down the action. This was getting more than problematic in Fae & Fog. But! The Muse and I came up with a little fix. 

The plot and mystery has not changed at all. Only the structure. It won't be a serial anymore, but a full length novel. I don't want to give too much of the twists away at this point. But I'm a lot more excited about it now. 

Since I love the serial format, I am a little let down it won't be published that way anymore. I do intend on writing more serials in the future. Ebooks are really expanding this new format, and I love it. Though, just in case, Fae & Fog can always be reverted into a serial. Just in case the publishers aren't as excited about my new ideas as I am. Or maybe they prefer serials! 

Coming to the End

I both love and hate coming to the end of a project. Doesn't matter if it's finishing editing, writing, plotting, whatever. I get all twitchy at the end.

It's a combination of excitement and nerves. I'm happy to be done, and happy to start something new. Then the nerves about what will happen with the finished project. We're working on the nerves, slowly but surely.

The Muse is currently flittering between three different ideas. Since my first solid deadline is in two months, I'm indulging her a bit. All three are for shorter fiction with rather large gaps in the outline. In the next few weeks, I'll try to control her a bit more. She's just struggling to settle into one plot line. Poor Esther is going through three different tribulations at the same time as a result.

Most of the time, I work better with solid deadlines. I have one set for myself at the end of February. But 10,000 words by then should be easy. Once the Muse settles down. Outlining is helping quite a lot. I used to never outline more than a few half formed ideas scribbled in margins. Now I have outlines for most everything. It helps me when the Muse decides to bounce ahead in the story. I can outline it now and then finishing writing the rest when she returns.

But I'm happy with how my projects are coming along. Lots of high hopes for 2016!

Something Slightly New

For the new year, I thought I might try and new way of organizing my schedule. I tried it a few years ago, and it sorta work. I'm sure it would have worked better if I stuck to it. Which I will this time!

As ever, I have my year long calendar hanging from the wall with deadlines highlighted. Some are real, some are self imposed. I then mark off each day with the color corresponding to each series. Green for the Gaslight Hunters, Red for Black and Redd, Blue for the unnamed fantasy, and purple for the shorter works. This is more for my own curiosity. I want to see how much time each project requires. I also want to keep track of when I write the most and when I edit the most.

Next, is a blank notebook with one purpose only. Outlining my time. It might sound rather simple, but it helps me tremendously. The first page is the list of all the projects I want to finish this year, which are then ranked by "importance". Not that any story isn't important, but some are better along than others. I told myself I'd finish a totally new novel by the end of the year. This will help me when I finally am ready to start that. Right now, I'm guessing it will be in the late spring or early summer.

As discussed before, submitting to agents is the top priority right now. I have list of top agents and am working through it. I'm also trying to fit in a few shorts for new markets. And all that time waiting for responses means time to keep writing.

The list helps me pick what to write next. Book 2 of both the Hunters and Redd and Black are fully outlined and have the first chapter written. I keep stalling on doing more because I simply don't know which one will get picked by agents first. Then of course, what if neither do? That's why I'm trying to outline the fantasy series in my down time.

As of right now, I think I have everything fairly well balanced. We all know that could change at any second. This time, I have contingency plans for both successes and failures. I'm so excited for 2016, despite the rather bumpy start.

Non-Stop

How do you write like you're running out of time? Write day and night like you're running out of time. How do you write like tomorrow won't arrive? How do you write like you need it to survive? How do you write every second you're alive?

Like the vast majority of the Internet, I have been drawn into the incredible musical HAMILTON. I'm not normally one for hip hop and rap, but I love it. The above passage comes from the song "Non-Stop", where the ensemble remarks on how Hamilton can't stop himself from writing and writing.

For obvious reasons, it really struck me. Especially "How do you write like you need it to survive". Because that's why I do this. I need my writing to stay alive. (Another fun Hamilton reference!) I've seen a lot of writers reference this line, most notably Kameron Hurley. I really admire how much she has done in her writing. Lately I find myself looking to her blog for some reassurance that anything is possible in publishing.

Because I once again am setting high goals of myself. I'm seizing every opportunity that comes my way. While I'm still working on the balance between wild submissions and my sanity, I don't want to miss out on anything again. I really feel both my books are at their best right now. I'm proud of them and proud of myself. So I'm spending the first half of 2016 on agent submissions while building up the supporting books, shorts, and novellas.

But I'm no stranger to rejection. If I can't get any further, I'm going to try and switch gears. Not abandon the novels. Never! Simply start a new one and then push that on agents. I'll still send out the Victoriana when I can after that, but it won't be as wild as it is right now.

I just need a way to get my foot in the door. I know where I want to be at the end of this year. It's a feasible goal, but requires non-stop work. I'm ready for it. Honestly, I can almost taste it.  

Writing Tips: Don't Get Sick!

Never ever ever get sick when you're writing. It's the worst thing in the world. Your brain is too muddled with all the aches and pains to focus on any words. You stare at the same page for two days straight, because you can't focus on getting to the next line.

I have two huge deadlines in January. This fever is trying its hardest to stop me. I refuse to let it. But at the same time, all I want to do is sleep. As a result, everyone in this scene is cranky. Maybe it could work. If only I could think straight.

The Wars in the Stars

Like most people this weekend, I spent my time with Star Wars. First, this will be a spoiler free post. This movie is incredible and everyone deserves that experience. So go see it right now! NOW!

I just have one little thing I want to share about it.

Rey is perfect. She's everything I wanted as a kid seeing Star Wars. When I was a wee child, my parents took me to see New Hope in one of those $1 afternoon screenings at the local theater. I was already a little nerd, and they wanted me to get the proper experience. I loved every second of it. Being a girl, I naturally loved Leia. She's strong and savvy. But I wanted to a Jedi more than anything. I wasn't any good at public speaking or leading, so I couldn't compare to her.

There were no female Jedis in the orignal trilogy. Then you catch little glimpses of them in the prequels, but they are always in the backgrounds. We were given Padme, who was similar to Leia. But she still didn't fill that hole in my young heart. So I had to pretend.

As I started to get into video games, I found the single greatest game. Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy. It was everything I ever wanted. It was the first game where I could make my own character and not play as the standard male hero. So I made my strong Twi'lek girl with her purple lightsaber. It was also the first game I played where your choices influenced the game and you had multiple endings. It was seriously everything I dreamed that Star Wars could be.

I just wanted the chance for a young girl, like me, to have adventures with the Force. Yesterday, I finally got to see it. I'm dying for the next one. I was so nervous it wouldn't be good, but it was what I had wanted. I have a few minor issues, yet they didn't stop me from loving every second of it. I was clapping and shouting in the theater with all the others. I want more of Rey and Finn and Poe. I want all the spin-offs.

Most of all, I'm finally happy that me, and all the other girls, finally get to see the adventure I always dreamed about having,

My Brain is Turning to Pudding

But in a good way! Because today was semi-momentous. I finally got a response from my top choice of an agent. While not a request for the full manuscript, she did suggest some revisions. After that, she'll gladly take another look at Our Fathers.

So yay! It's not a total rejection! Her comments have lined up with the other rejections I have gotten in the past two months. I knew the first chapter needed some major work. But this is progress! I have potential!

Every little bit of good news is enough for me to celebrate. Hope is always good. I know what I need to do, and now I have major encouragement.

My time will be primarily focused on the rewrites then, but keeping up with Resurrected Thief too. I might drive myself to the brink of madness, but I think I can do it. I want to send them both out in the beginning of 2016, and I really think I can do it. So we write and write and write.

Never stop!

"I found him to be unlikable"

Speaking from a shared experience, that is the one of the most annoying critiques an author can receive. First of all, what does it matter? There are plenty of unlikable people in the world. They still can be interesting and compelling.

Someone once said that about Bryan and I hesitated. I didn't want you to like him at first. He's rude, selfish, and immature. He's just starting to grow out of it as the first book progresses. Not everyone is a sweet and valiant hero from the first page. One of the major points of The Resurrected Thief is exploring his reluctance to do anything he doesn't want to. In the end, all his decisions but one are based on selfish motives. Honestly, Bryan doesn't quite loose his stubborn streak. by the end of the entire series. I'm not saying he's a bad person, but he has some major flaws.

We all do, and that's what makes the characters human. I don't think it would make for a good book anyway. I wanted both the reader and Bryan to share in the dilemma of not knowing what step to take next. Stay home or carry on? He's a fickle man, and it contrasts so much with Esther. She knows exactly what she wants to do and how to do it. In some ways, she's just as stubborn as Bryan. She's not without her dark secrets, of course. However, Thomas is an open book. Such three different personalities cause a lot of inner conflict. Their relationships with each other are just as important as catching a killer.

I want readers to care about what happens. Yes, liking the character helps but it isn't necessary. Their goals should be compelling, and I hope I've succeeded in that.

Why can't I stop editing!

For someone who complains about it, I take a lot of time to edit and edit and edit. Technically, the books are done. A lot of shorts are done. But my Muse fails to agree with me. She keeps nagging about little things here and there. I doubt she'll stop even after the books are on the shelves!

I've been submitting the agents, and then using the waiting period to edit some more. I just don't know how to stop myself. I really should. I guess the previous rejections have it stuck in my head that it's not good enough.

In the end, I'm happy with what I wrote. I'm in love with this book. That's what matters, right? Everyone knows agents and editors make their own tweaks once they get the book. I guess I'm just trying to get ahead of that? Tolkien was the same way.

One of these days, I'll find a way to cut myself off. Maybe just not today...

WIP Wednesday!

Still chugging away on edits. The end is (somewhat) in sight! At this rate, it'll be done by mid-December. Let's hope the muse keeps on agreeing with me.

Fun fact! This scene was actually the third one I outlined when I began this novel. I was still figuring out the quirks of Bryan's personality and he decided to have a lovely chat while sailing to Egypt. It was a bit long winded at first, but we've all come a long way since then.

Here's today's tidbit of new words:

“Perhaps we should speak with your cousin to confirm,” he retorted.

“He would agree that there is something much larger at play here,” Esther resumed speaking in a harsh tone of voice. Before he could continue arguing, she pressed one of the heavier books into his hand. 

The Gas Lit Future

Further thoughts on my plans for 2016. First, I need to find a better way to balance multiple projects at once. Maybe assign certain days of the week for each one? This is the schedule I just wrote for myself:

Submit Resurrected Thief to agents
Reformat the prequel serial for Esther
Finish The Ghost Circus
Write more of Bryan in Denmark
Start The Unbound Specter
Introduce Violet, the twins, and the Irish changeling to the short fiction
Cases with James and Esther
Does Thomas need a backstory?
--Spend some time on Our Fathers and Epic Fantasy

So what does all that mean?

The first should be obvious. Since most of the submission process involves waiting for an answer, that won't be too hard.

Esther's origin started as a jumble of short stories, but has worked its way into a great idea for serial fiction. The trick is finding someone who agrees and wants to publish it that way. I have a suspicion it might be easier with the rising popularity of the serial format. I just may end up self publishing them through something like Patreon or Kindle.

Since novellas are still popular, I want to seize on that trend and finish up The Ghost Circus. It's about halfway finished. But that schedule is also dependent on when the publisher I want opens its doors for novellas again.

At the same time, I want to start writing more than the prologue to the second book. If I manage to snag an agent or publisher, I want to provide them with a sequel soon instead of waiting until I finish a bunch of jumbled shorts. It's fully outlined, so may prove to be a fast write.

I also have plenty of ideas for other mysteries with the Hawke men, but don't know how much of a priority that should be in comparison to writing novels. Right now, the Muse says hold onto them to provide filler between the larger books. We have to keep producing a steady stream of fiction!

More books obviously mean more characters. Violet, the twins, and the Irish changeling are ones I've started to dabble with already. It could lead to a string of short stories or novellas. I have no idea yet.

Similarly, I don't know how much writing should be dedicated to Thomas. I had intended him to be a man without a complicated history. Esther and Bryan are supposed to lead him into all the adventures. But I don't want him to be a neglected character. Who knows what will happen on that front. The Muse is silent, despite Thomas being one of her favorite characters.

Finally, I should probably spend some time with my Non-Gaslight projects. Again, submissions for Our Fathers should be fairly simple. I want to return to epic fantasy so I'm not limiting myself to murder taking place in the 1880s. Unless the Muse comes up with something other than a vague two sentence idea, or lets me write everything else quickly, this is how 2016 will be playing out.