It is a complex process. I like to have a general concept of the story (who the protagonist is, what their goals are, etc) and what the story is basically about, with an idea of where it's going (what the ending will be). All of that can be simple and quick or can take a lot of time. Then I like to build out a very loose outline with any of the bits I know going into it, but recognizing that it's going to change. Basically I've learned that if I don't have a little scaffolding the whole thing will collapse around me and be terrible, but a little structure from the beginning and it might just turn out okay.
Thanks for sharing the first chapter!
You're welcome! If you liked it, be sure to check out By Moonrise!
Hi Jackie,
You sure have been busy! Thanks for letting us in on your latest project—your writing has a very special quality/voice that I enjoy so much...
Thanks so much! It’s definitely been a labor of love. Tough love, perhaps… 🤣
That’s a lot of pots boiling but would we be writer if we didn’t? 🙃
Glad to see you back.
What is planning a novel like?
It is a complex process. I like to have a general concept of the story (who the protagonist is, what their goals are, etc) and what the story is basically about, with an idea of where it's going (what the ending will be). All of that can be simple and quick or can take a lot of time. Then I like to build out a very loose outline with any of the bits I know going into it, but recognizing that it's going to change. Basically I've learned that if I don't have a little scaffolding the whole thing will collapse around me and be terrible, but a little structure from the beginning and it might just turn out okay.