How the Writing Magic Happens

A lot of writers are asked how they write their novels; are they plotters, where they outline the entire story first, or are they pansters, where they sit down and just write, letting the characters and action dictate the story? Do they have a schedule or write all day? Do they complete all their research first, or only the basics before they write? Do they know the ending before they begin?

The easy answers: I always know the beginning and the end, but not all the middle stuff. I write in between yoga/swimming in the morning, and afternoon around housework. I rarely write at night because by then, I'm done mentally.

Now the hard part: All writers have their own unique routine (or lack thereof). Here's how I wrote Sirenz 3: A New Trend:

First, there were several things that had to be addressed:

1- I resolved to write the third book, even though it was going to be a solo effort.
2- Certain things had to change; since I was writing solo, I did not feel comfortable writing the character Meg that my former co-author created. So Meg had to be cut out.
3- Of course Hades had to figure prominently in the story, but there had to be a twist on the too-suave, all-powerful, intensely-smug Greek god.
4- I wanted to keep the alternating viewpoints.
5- It had to flow from the first two books, but be able to (mostly) stand alone.
6- I might have to self-pub because the first two didn't make the NYT bestseller list.

Second, I had to determine what were the basic plot points:

1- There has to be trouble brewing among the Greek pantheon and Sharisse has to be caught up in the middle.
2- Persephone is the prominent antagonist.
3- Hades is going to need a favor from Sharisse- the tables are turned on who works for whom...
4- Let's humble Hades- take away everything that makes him who he is...
5- Sharisse and Hades come to a romantic understanding.

After listing these plot points, I was really excited to start writing. In order to produce a fast draft, I did a rough outline, one or two sentences per chapter. When I hit a snag, not knowing which direction to go in, I did a little more research into the Greek pantheon, NYC landmarks, Persephone's background- and I'd always find a little fact gem to spark ideas on how to proceed. Sometimes, it mean backtracking to add additional chapters between the beginning and where I was.

After the rough draft, I had some people look at it and offer basic criticisms on plot, pacing, and characterization. Several more revision run throughs and off it went to my agent. Now I hold my breath to see if an editor will love the chemistry between Hades and Sharisse. I don't know how anyone could resist him... Right, Sharisse?

Char