You might already know that my writing process is a little different from other authorsābut itās effective, efficient, and works wonders for me. Hereās some advice on how to write a damn good novel from scratch, my way, without having a breakdown (hopefully).
First, a bit about the structure of this post: Iāll start with a background on how I write a novel from start to finish, and then offer some suggestions on how you can implement what I do, or find your own path.
Outlining & Synopses
So, first things first: I am not a plotter. I do not write book outlines or synopses before drafting. I have a general idea in my head of the story, the characters, and the ~vibes, of course, and thatās usually enough for me to start writing the very first scene.
But hereās the thing: I am also not a pantser. Even though I donāt do book or chapter outlines, I do write chapter or scene summaries (in 2 to 3 lines) a few chapters in advance. So if Iām writing chapter 2, Iāll likely have ābriefly plottedā chapters 3 to 5 on some level. I also write pitch letters/book blurbs before I start drafting because this helps me set up the Goal, Motivation, Conflict for my main characters.
Figure out what works for you. If plotting everything makes you anxious and frustrated, like it does for me, try pantsing a scene or two. Feeling stuck and confused? Experience the best of both worlds by plantsing, like me. This can also help you with writerās block.
The ~Vibes
I usually create a moodboard or aesthetic for my novel on Canva before I start writing, or at the very least, in the first few days of starting the first draft. I make sure to include pictures that show off the vibes of the plot or premise, my main characters, and the setting. Here is the moodboard for my desi matchmaker romcom:
The reason I recommend creating moodboards is because as a life coach and NLP practitioner, I know that a lot of your subconscious processing happens visually. If you can see it in your mindās eye, you can write it better. The catch is, a lot of authors struggle with writing descriptions and settingāI know Iām guilty of that! So creating a visual depiction of your story can help you unblock that part of your brain.
The Actual Drafting
Okay, I might scare you off now, becauseā¦ *gulp* I donāt write sequentially. Yep. Iām a chaotic drafter! I start my first drafts with whichever scene is the most fun and exciting to write but also fleshed out in my head. Often, thatās the ending, epilogue, or the scene where my main character and love interest finally confess their love for each other. If Iām on chapter 5, Iāve likely already written chapter 15 or chapter 22, but I might have skipped one scene in chapter 4. Having a query letter or blurb really helps me draft out of sequence, because I already know what the stakes, conflict, and character arcs are without needing a full outline.
This might not work for you. I know not everyone can jump around scenes and chapters like this, but give it a try. This is another trick to eliminate writerās block, because youāre essentially writing from the gut: doing what feels natural, easy, and fun first without forcing the words out!
Finally, Revisions & Editing
After Iām done with the first draft, I reread the full manuscript. I make notes in the margins using Wordās comments feature, then I revise and edit until I have a second draft Iām proud of. Then, off it goes to my critique partners and beta readers, or sometimes directly to my agent!
Once I get their notes back, I let it simmer and stew for a day or two, because of course Iām going to be in denial that my wonderful book is anything but perfect (lol)! After I calm down and realize their suggestions will actually help me make the book better, I create my own version of an edit letter, combining all the feedback Iāve received and highlighting similar comments and suggestions.
I first do a big picture edit, focusing on plot, subplots, and character arcs. Since Iām an under-writer, this often involves my adding anywhere between 5,000 to 20,000 words into the third draft. Finally, I finish off with a line and copy edit, making sure there are no plot holes, inconsistencies, or repetitive sentences.
For you, I will always recommend following this same revision process (as long as it feels good to you). Getting feedback from critique partners, beta readers, or editors (like me) is an absolute must. Your mother and best friend canāt be the only people reading your manuscript. Make sure your CPs are fellow authors or publishing professionals in your genre. Starting with big picture edits is important because things will change on the sentence and page level, which means redoing all your micro-edits if you start with them first.
The Next Step
Now, if you have an agent or an editor, this would be when youād send off your polished draft to them. If you donāt, youād get ready for the query trenches or on to self-publishing. Whether youāre still on your first draft or already on this next step, know that Iām SO proud of you. Writing is not easy and not always fun. But youāre doing it, and that means youāre successful already.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to share your writing process with me. Did any part of my writing process surprise you? Hit āreplyā or comment below, and be sure to share this newsletter with your writer pals.
Until next time!
Love hard & dream big,
Swati š