What is your Writing Plan?

I was recently asked if I have a story mapped out all the way when I begin to write a new book, by one of my readers.  I believe that I do have books mapped out in my mind, knowing where I want the book to go, who my main characters are and the place I want to stop the book and begin the next installment in the story.  I write Books in a Series because you are pretty limited with printing on Createspace.

Createspace charges you to print by the page, so the cost for a book of 100, 200 or 300 pages plus can be drastically higher from the 100 page price point to the 300 plus price point.  I believe if I have to charge 9 to 13 dollars for a book, the least I can do is make it long enough for readers to get their money's worth.  The royalties differ, which helps many writers decide on what their price point will be. I adjust my price point based on page length.  I don't believe in charging the same for a 100 page book as you do for a 300 plus page book.

My writing plan is very simple, so I don't get overwhelmed.  I write out the first 5 chapters of my book, beginning it with a Preface.  This helps the reader to know where the book is headed and helps me tie my series together.  Writing 5 chapters gives me a firm idea of where I am going with the story I am writing, and makes it feel solid.  It convicts me to keep going.

Here is a sample Story Map layout that I use to get started.  You don't have to go by it exactly, its just my starting point.  I keep it handy, printing out, then laying a few copies with an ink pen on my bed table.  I get a lot of my stories from dreams, so I just write things out as best I can remember, and leave it.  I might not come back to it for years, but the underlying ideas are there.

I also have an Epilogue at the end of every book, which is a preview of the book to come, then becomes the Preface of the next book in the series.  This helps create synergy and a natural tie-in from the previous book, to the next book.  I listen to music as I read, so it helps me stay focused and keep my musings fresh.  When you start your next writing endeavor, it would be a great idea to install Grammarly on your desktop, so many of the errors you would make while writing will be fixed.  This ensures easier editing later.

Next, I sketch out a beginning, middle and ending document, then I quickly write a paragraph for each part.  Under a new header, I list all my characters by name, their physical characteristics, emotional health, behavioral tendencies or quirks.  I also map out a relationship map, with spaces for new characters I may invent as I continue to write.  I also sketch out what characters may do for a surprise or twist element here.  These aren't hard and fast lists, they are a beginning.  It's very important to sketch out your characters, so your readers gradually come to know not just the story, but the people in them at a glance.

Under a header titled 'Reflections', I make notes about what I felt with characters and where the story is going, to refer back to for later plot twists.  I also list any ideas my ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) Readers may come up with.  These are people I may send a chapter to read, here or there to get their reaction, good or bad, to make sure I am on the right track.  My die-hard fans are my ARC readers.  The ones who reach out to me on Facebook, get my attention, and I tap them for feedback.

Under a header titled 'Dedication', I put shoutouts to people who have helped me along in the process.  This is important, as I might forget someone by the end, that played a pivotal role.  As I write, I also note what it is that they did to help me.  I won't remember later, and I don't like leaving people out.

I then have the information on book purchasing and contacting me on different Social Media Platforms.  Make sure you check all of your links to be sure they are still operational.

Lastly, I list my Spotify Playlist of music I listened to while writing that particular book.  I listen to a wide assortment of artists, across many different genres and decades (even centuries) of time.  Putting a Spotify Playlist on Shuffle helps jog my brain out of neutral, making my writing flow and I believe making it richer also.  Make sure you put your Spotify Playlist on shuffle.  If you begin to expect what is coming next, you won't get the same pop in your brain that newness of information brings.  It's like adding a soft return, instead of just endlessly writing in one paragraph.  You want to flow, not a lot of stops and starts.

Make sure you have your ARC readers set up, and send each of them different, small portions of your book.  Don't put enough out there, that they have your book.  I only have 1 or 2 trusted friends I let read my advance copy.  I know it won't end up where it should not be, and they have been with me so long, I know they know how I write, and what needs tweaking.  I use my ARC readers for pivotal scenes, character issues, and radical ideas.

These are just a few of the things I do to plan where my story is going, from book to book.  I also make sure I read both positive and negative reviews, and if necessary, make changes to books.  This does not just include typos, grammar or formatting issues, which readers will catch.  It also can include but is not limited to plot twists, character deficiencies, and gratuitous sex or violence.  Authors are not infallible, so pay attention to what readers are saying.  If it's of note, nothing wrong with making a few changes.  If it is just them being picky, fussy or thinking they have a Harvard grade education on how to write a book, blow them off.

The hard work of uploading your book, choosing your cover art, Social Media and other Marketing ideas will be featured soon.  You really have to know what to do to get your book off Mount Everest and on the way to being the next overnight sensation!  God bless you, be encouraged!