Despite what the title says, I don’t have a writing routine. *le gasp* At least not a consistent one. I’ve had the luxury of time—which means if inspiration doesn’t strike, I don’t have to write. But my new publishing deal—and deadline—is about to change all that!
The Writing Phase: When that brilliant idea strikes, I start by casting the characters—their appearances, backgrounds, and names (baby names sites, here I come!). Then I burrow down into the research rabbit hole.
Once I’m ready to start, I put pen to paper—literally. I pick out a crisp new notebook and fill it with (mostly legible) words. Yeah, it’s slower than typing it all, but the feel of smooth ink on blank paper brings me so much joy!
The Editing Phase: So, it has come to this. The chopping block. After I transfer the words from notebook to screen (and celebrate the first draft), the editing begins—everything from word count to word choice.
Usually, you’ll find me typing away at a local coffee shop for some ambience and background noise. But if I’m at home, I’ll make some hot chocolate, grab a blanket, settle down at my desk, pop on some music, and get started.
Despite what the title says, I don’t have a writing routine. *le gasp* At least not a consistent one. I’ve had the luxury of time—which means if inspiration doesn’t strike, I don’t have to write. But my new publishing deal—and deadline—is about to change all that!
The Writing Phase: When that brilliant idea strikes, I start by casting the characters—their appearances, backgrounds, and names (baby names sites, here I come!). Then I burrow down into the research rabbit hole.
Once I’m ready to start, I put pen to paper—literally. I pick out a crisp new notebook and fill it with (mostly legible) words. Yeah, it’s slower than typing it all, but the feel of smooth ink on blank paper brings me so much joy!
The Editing Phase: So, it has come to this. The chopping block. After I transfer the words from notebook to screen (and celebrate the first draft), the editing begins—everything from word count to word choice.
Usually, you’ll find me typing away at a local coffee shop for some ambience and background noise. But if I’m at home, I’ll make some hot chocolate, grab a blanket, settle down at my desk, pop on some music, and get started.
MUST-HAVES
• Good ol’ Microsoft Word (I don’t have the courage to try Scrivener yet . . . help!)
• A black-ink pen and a college-ruled and (usually) 3-subject notebook
• Great music—whether through Spotify, YouTube, or my trusty classic iPod
• Comfy clothes like sweatpants and a hoodie
• Ambient lighting
• A large mug and warm drink, most often hot chocolate or a mocha mix
MUSIC FAVES
Soundtracks are my jam, but I’ll throw in the occasional rock album.
• Hidalgo
• Final Fantasy XV
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Lord of the Rings
• Ori and the Blind Forest
• Wonder Woman
• Transformers
• Titanic
• Requiem for the Living
• Anything Disney
• Skillet, Red, Nightwish, Celtic Woman
MUST-HAVES
• Good ol’ Microsoft Word (I don’t have the courage to try Scrivener yet . . . help!)
• A black-ink pen and a college-ruled and (usually) 3-subject notebook
• Great music—whether through Spotify, YouTube, or my trusty classic iPod
• Comfy clothes like sweatpants and a hoodie
• Ambient lighting
• A large mug and warm drink, most often hot chocolate or a mocha mix
MUSIC FAVES
Soundtracks are my jam, but I’ll throw in the occasional rock album.
• Hidalgo
• Final Fantasy XV
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Lord of the Rings
• Ori and the Blind Forest
• Wonder Woman
• Transformers
• Titanic
• Requiem for the Living
• Anything Disney
• Skillet, Red, Nightwish, Celtic Woman
Want to know more?
If you’re interested in behind-the-scenes stuff like I am (movies with special features are a must), consider subscribing to my newsletter! I’ll be sharing what goes into the process of publishing a book and more about how I arrange all those words into a coherent story.