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Content Corner: How do you start a new project?
I worked out the other day that I’ve written six and a half books, but only published one. If that statistic carries on, then that means I’ll need to start a LOT of new projects if I want to keep getting books published.
So, how do you go about starting something new? Does it mean saying goodbye to your previous novel before you sit and think about the next one? Do you start by researching, or do you jump straight into writing and see where you end up? Share your experiences below.
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5 Replies
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As a new author, overwhelmed by so many different approaches to writing, I’ve developed my own process…
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Wow, that looks very involved and super-prepared!
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During and since my schooldays I have been obsessed with spies, novels about spies, their modus operandi, their psychology and life style. Due in the main to being introduced to a person who I got to know when I was 12 years of age, who was a Cambridge undergraduate at he time of the infamous Spy Ring.
THOUGHTS:
A major hobby of mine is gardening/landscaping which has a dual purpose: the love of the outdoors and growing things, and, my thinking time in splendid isolation. So a new project begins. It initially starts with thoughts, lots of them. Thoughts when daydreaming, reading, driving, pre-sleeping and on waking. Hundreds, thousands of thoughts about my new project traverse my conscious state, when they do so when I’m asleep (and they do) then the time is right to write them down.
PRE-PLANNING:
I like my novels character driven. This stage is incredibly important to me. Copious notes of characters are a necessity. I find writing character profiles at the start almost guides the story and ideas are generated. All main characters must have written profiles which give authenticity throughout the project. Greater attention/detail is given to the main character(s).
PLANNING & RESEARCH:
So begins the initial planning. Research too is important, portrayal of dates, times, and people must be accurate and have their place to make the story realistic. Project notes are fun and I divide all into written phases this helps in planning chapters and acts as a reference later.
A GOOD MARRIAGE:
My next step is marrying the proposed project notes to the character(s). What’s it all about, where are we going, what are the outcomes? Copious notes again. Let the story flow, I’m never surprised if a situation arises I hadn’t thought of and there has to be a partial re-write as long as it makes the story “swing”.
THE SYNOPSIS:
Condensing the story into a synopsis, for me, is the hardest task. (I don’t much like it either). SO, get on and do it! I STRUGGLE WITH IT. Condensing a long story into a few paragraphs is anathema and the worst part of writing. (I didn’t much like precis as a schoolboy).
EDIT:
The first edit begins, get rid of any dross or that that grates or hinders the flow. Sometimes this may be a whole chapter, particularly if there has been a change of plan or if it makes things sharper.
LIST OF PLAYERS:
I find this particularly useful. If some characters are slipping in and out of the story but nevertheless are essential to it, it is important to remember who they are. If they belong to a particular group, say the police, detail is important: rank department etc. I quite like the idea of a list of players at the beginning of a book. It gives the browser/potential buyer/reader an early indication of what the story is all about.
Apologies for the length of this Sarah, I just can’t write a synopsis!
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Hi Kevin,wish I was so methodical and disciplined. I start with plot then work on the plot then add to the plot then plot the plot. Oh yes, then I need some characters to drive it along. The wrong way round, I know, but it works for me.
But I do sense a kindred spirit, as my first attempt at a novel was sparked by coming across the statement that ‘every man wishes he could be a spy.’ So there was the start of my plot about a poor innocent who gets caught up things.
And to add to your Cambridge story, I have come across two spies in my career. The first guy was totally inept, badly dressed, and with a terrible American accent. It was before the fall of the Iron Curtain and he approached me in Vienna at a cocktail party.
The second time, was in the Middle East and I am not kidding this guy worked for the US Embassy and had a false arm. You couldn’t make it up.
Needless to say I spurned treason on both counts. I’m not convinced my secrets would have been of much interest to either of them.Anyway, write about what you know. Ha!
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Hi Iain,
Thank you so much for your reply, it would be grand to continue hearing from you. Disciplined? Afraid not. I’m probably the most ill-disciplined. I loved your attitude to plot, and if it works for you…I don’t think there is a right or wrong way to write. Most definitely, it’s what’s right for you.
I was intrigued with your experiences with the two spies. There’s got to be a very good story attached to those particular episodes in your life. I’m sure you’ve read Graham Greene’s Our man in Havana? The Cambridge Spy Ring reference is a little too lengthy and elaborate to write about here, may be one day. All I will say there was quite a lot of reference to Anthony Blunt, at the time, I couldn’t believe it when Margaret Thatcher revealed all so many years later!
As a kindred spirit, have you read any of the American author Daniel Silva, Portrait of a Spy is a recommendation. I love his books.
I’ll look out for your publication. Thanks again.
