My First Novel Had a Problem
My first novel was way too long, with not enough agency or action. I could see everything so clearly in my head, but the readers couldn't. And readers like protagonists who make their own decisions. Mine seemed to get dragged along for the ride.
Getting Serious About the Craft
That's when I had to get serious about learning how to write the right way, with an outline.
Why I Never Thought Outlining Would Work for Me
I'm a pantser. Things come to me as I write. I didn't think an outline could work for me. I mean, I love to read, and I wanted to be surprised too!
What I Actually Learned About Outlining
What I've learned is that I don't need every single detail mapped out. But the outline guides me, since I tend to be a little wordy. That guide turned my first novel idea into a four-book series. You read that right. Four. Books.
Three have been written. One has not.
Where I Am Right Now
That's the process I'm in right now, making sure the plot connects across all the books and actually makes sense.
It's a lot easier to write than to edit.
Editing slows me down.
I'm not great at grammar.
And my writing style is a little different.
But I'm determined to edit the rough edges out, all while keeping it fun.
So What Is the First Series About?
Stay tuned! The next post covers exactly that.
P.S. I hope you caught that phrase, "first series."
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