Comments on: Writing Into the Dark: Works Surprisingly Well

By: Chris Stevenson

Chris Stevenson — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 16:19:54 +0000

Glad to hear that you want to diversify your blog topics. I wish I would have done that from the start. It’s still not too late to do that, though.

By: julimonroe

julimonroe — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 15:16:19 +0000

@Jacqueline, thanks for commenting! One of the reasons I wanted to try this method is that I find I get so bogged down on editing the first draft that it delays things for months. I’m hoping this method will give me a clean enough draft that will only need minor editing, so I don’t get bogged down. There was way too much time between my last two books, and I want to shorten that. We’ll see. Early days yet…

By: julimonroe

julimonroe — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 15:14:19 +0000

@Chris, I don’t write crap either. I used to allow myself that, but it was just too much of a pain to go back and fix it. I won’t beat myself up if something is rough the first time through, but I try to make it as good as possible and then polish when I cycle back.

Glad you’re feeling at home! This blog is still new, and I’ll probably vary somewhat in my topics: writing stuff, story stuff, book reviews and tech. My interests are varied, and the blog will reflect that. Thank you so much for stopping by!

By: jacqueline seewald

jacqueline seewald — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 13:16:43 +0000

Hi, Juli,

A very interesting post. My method is to start with characters who live in my head for quite a while. Then I move on to a rough plot outline. My first draft naturally has errors. But I put it away and work on something else for a while. Then I come back and begin editing.

By: Chris Stevenson

Chris Stevenson — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 16:51:38 +0000

If I’m blocked, I’ll go back three or four pages, read them and try and boost my momentum. I’ll go straight to the end of a book without stopping, except for a few notes that are pertinent to the plot. I’m sorry, but I don’t right crap (like they say you’re allowed to), I’ll try to get every sentence right the first time and move on. That way my second and third editing drafts are much easier and keeps the workload down. It keeps the depression down too, knowing that “Look, it’s not going to be that bad with these editing rounds.”

No outline–I’m a pantser–my characters write the story–I just obey their motives, actions and directions.

BTW–thanks the Gods that I’ve found another writing blog. I thought I was the only one. But some of the Intrigue authors also seem to hit on the writing and publishing topics, so I’m feeling more and more at home with all of your blogs.

By: julimonroe

julimonroe — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 16:33:46 +0000

Writing a book is one of the most rewarding things you can do. I highly encourage you to try it, even if you do it just for yourself and never publish it.

By: Michelle W

Michelle W — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 16:31:58 +0000

I think that is really cool that you didn’t quiet know how things were going to work out when you started writing. Reading this post makes me want to write a book. And I do like the method you described here.