Even though I always have a variety of plot ideas milling around in my head at any given moment, starting a new story is never easy. Most writers go through a series of steps before they can actually sit down and begin writing, and I’m no exception.
First of all, I had to narrow down my book ideas to one that my editor thought would be publishable. “High concept,” she said. Huh. I had to Google that term. It means a book that tells a story in a new and unique way. So, like Winnie the Pooh, I sat down and thought. And thought. And thought some more. I came up with a few ideas, pitched them to my editor, and she chose one. Then she told me she needed a synopsis and sample chapters.
Understand, I hate writing a synopsis, and especially when I’ve just come up with the plot! I’m what they call a “pantser” writer; I write a story with very little outline beforehand. I like to see where the characters take me. But, I have such an awesome editor, so I began the task of outlining my whole proposed book.
It took me almost two weeks. I had to visualize the characters, the setting, and the events. I had to put them in a logical order. And I had to tell the ending. Say, what? Yes, I have to know how it will all turn out.
I find this especially hard in writing romantic suspense, which is the genre I’ve decided to write in. I have to be able to drop hints for the suspense, grow the love story, add the danger, and then incorporate it all in the romance story arc. It’s a complex process for someone who “likes to see where the story takes me.” Not anymore, honey. Not if I want a writing contract.
First of all, I had to narrow down my book ideas to one that my editor thought would be publishable. “High concept,” she said. Huh. I had to Google that term. It means a book that tells a story in a new and unique way. So, like Winnie the Pooh, I sat down and thought. And thought. And thought some more. I came up with a few ideas, pitched them to my editor, and she chose one. Then she told me she needed a synopsis and sample chapters.
Understand, I hate writing a synopsis, and especially when I’ve just come up with the plot! I’m what they call a “pantser” writer; I write a story with very little outline beforehand. I like to see where the characters take me. But, I have such an awesome editor, so I began the task of outlining my whole proposed book.
It took me almost two weeks. I had to visualize the characters, the setting, and the events. I had to put them in a logical order. And I had to tell the ending. Say, what? Yes, I have to know how it will all turn out.
I find this especially hard in writing romantic suspense, which is the genre I’ve decided to write in. I have to be able to drop hints for the suspense, grow the love story, add the danger, and then incorporate it all in the romance story arc. It’s a complex process for someone who “likes to see where the story takes me.” Not anymore, honey. Not if I want a writing contract.
I finished my synopsis the other day, my editor liked it, and now it has gone to the Acquisitions editor. Do I know how long the process will be? No. I’m sure there are many proposals waiting in the queue in that department. I’m not a patient person, but I’m learning to be in this career.
I’ve worked on research while I’m waiting. I can tell you it’s a military romantic suspense, and I’m so excited to be writing about the military. I’m doing lots of research on the Army, and I hope readers will find it exciting and realistic. I think my characters are unusual, which should add to your enjoyment.
I hope I can knock this book out in six months. It usually takes me nine months, like a baby, but that was when I didn’t have a completed synopsis. I know where I’m going in this book, and I’m really stoked about the plot and characters. I’ll share my writing journey here, and I’ll divulge tidbits as the story progresses. Hopefully it will serve to make you excited, too.
Do you want to know more about my next book? Ask away; I’ll try and answer!
I’ve worked on research while I’m waiting. I can tell you it’s a military romantic suspense, and I’m so excited to be writing about the military. I’m doing lots of research on the Army, and I hope readers will find it exciting and realistic. I think my characters are unusual, which should add to your enjoyment.
I hope I can knock this book out in six months. It usually takes me nine months, like a baby, but that was when I didn’t have a completed synopsis. I know where I’m going in this book, and I’m really stoked about the plot and characters. I’ll share my writing journey here, and I’ll divulge tidbits as the story progresses. Hopefully it will serve to make you excited, too.
Do you want to know more about my next book? Ask away; I’ll try and answer!
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