Intro

Every great story starts with a great idea. This idea may be inspired by one's passions, interests, or familiarity. You can always tell the difference between a writer that has done their research versus one who has not. If research is not your thing, stick to what you know before you feel comfortable expanding your horizons. Perhaps you're an archaeologist working on a prehistoric site where people long ago once worshiped a feathered snake. Writing about that feathered snake may take some research on it's history and influence, but writing a story about an archaeologist discovering a portal to another world in an ancient temple would be an idea to begin with, one that is both familiar and delves into one's interests. 

The following phases are part of my personal writing strategy. It may not work for everyone, but it has proven to be an easy way to prepare myself while creating my story before I begin the first chapter. Everyone's writing process is different, but from my years going to book festivals and listening to author panel discussions, they all have a process that falls on common ground. Below you will find a break down of that common practice used by successful authors.

The Inspiration

We've all heard of the fabled origins of Harry Potter. All it took was a countryside train ride for J. K. Rowling to be inspired about a young boy wizard who takes a train to a school for witches and wizards. Sometimes the small inspiration you had while standing in line at the supermarket may be the beginnings of something great. Never discredit an idea.

***Advice: Carry a small notepad with you for such occasions or incorporate a note app on your cell phone or tablet to catch those little inspirational moments. Write everything down as it comes to you.***

Many of my books developed from one simple idea. Some even developed as a personal challenge when I was told I could not do something. As such, an inspiration can come from anywhere. It may also come from a person, someone you hate or someone you love. 

The First Phase

Okay, so you have your inspiration; you have a fundamental thought for a book. What's the next step. 

Write a rough outline.

It doesn't need to be long or detailed. Just a few bullet points will do. You don't even need to have a title, name of a main character, or even a plot direction at this point. Just fill the outline with what ever first comes to your mind.

***Advice: If you are writing on a laptop or desktop, I recommend creating a save file for each phase and never delete anything you write. Every bit is important and may lead to plot developments later on.***

The Second Phase

So you've completed your rough outline. It doesn't look like much, just a scramble of thoughts with no consistency. What's the next step.

Let the story breathe for a day or two before you begin writing.

I know it's tempting to jump in and start that first draft, but it's best to step away and absorb the idea. Sometimes in that time away things may change or grow. Many times I stepped away I found myself going in a whole other direction than what my outline originally wanted. Doing it this way keeps you from wasting time writing 2,000 words on something you're going to redo after you get more sleep or mull over the idea.

***Advice: Go take a nice warm bath, or go watch a movie. Distract yourself from the story for at least a day and let the story happen naturally.***

The Third Phase

After releasing your idea and giving it time to breathe, the time has come to develop a basic plot with another outline. This one more detailed than before, but does not need to have all the answers you are looking for.  

Here is where you can start creating your main antagonist and protagonist. This is still not the time to begin writing a first draft.

The Fourth Phase

You've written and rewritten that outline and you are now confident enough to begin. You may not have an ending or a middle just yet, but you have a path now you can follow.

Start that rough draft. Ignore grammatical mistakes at this time and focus on getting the story out on paper. 

This is not the time to worry about plot holes or if that dialogue sounds just right. I call this phase the info dump phase. It is a time to expel all that story. Don't worry about finishing the book right now, just get as much down as you can. I recommend two to four chapters. 

Typically by doing this you are establishing the flow of your story and the personalities of your main character. They are being born. This does not mean they are perfect for during this phase you may notice your MC is not going the way you intended. This gives you a quick way to go back later and may changes to their personality before you've already put so much work in refining a story. 

The Fifth Phase

Alright, so you've dumped a bunch of information out there. Before you even go back to edit or refine your ideas focus now on your story's first impression. 

Ask the question: "If I'm a reader and I've picked up this book, does it hook me instantly to read further?"

This phase I like to call, the HOOK! Having worked in a bookstore for many years, you notice a thing or two when watching people. They often times read the first page before they decide if this book is right for them. A good hook does wonders.

The next two chapters will work on refining that hook and creating that perfect plot.