Planning a Story: Part 2

And we're back with more pre-writing advice!

After making a web, I start outlining. Here's what an outline might look like:

Chapter title

1. Event number one

2. Event number two

3. Event number three

Chapter title

1. Event number one

2. Event number two

I continue doing this for every chapter until I've outlined the entire book. And that's it. Voila! An outline!

What's your outlining method?

Planning a Story: Part 1

Today we are going to talk about the first step of writing: planning. For some people, this doesn't mean very much. Some writers do very little planning for their novels. They just jump straight in. I, however, do not. Everyone has their own writing process but here is mine.

I start off by making a web of sorts, like the one in the picture above. I write down everything I know about the story, connecting the ideas with arrows. I've found that as I write these things down, I think of more details to add to it. 

And that's it as far as the web goes. For more planning info, check back here tomorrow.

How do you plan your stories?

Editing Process: Waiting for Readers

So, you're down with your draft. You've got a few friends looking at the manuscript even. Now what?

Well, there's not a whole lot to do but wait. However, I TOTALLY understand that sometimes you just can't seem to stop thinking about writing. Here are some things you can do while you wait for your readers to send you their comments:

1. Read the manuscript...just make sure you don't add or change anything until you here back from your readers.

2. Record the manuscript. This not only keeps you busy, but it can help you figure out what sounds good and sounds awkward.

3. Find a good book to read...distract yourself with other authors' writing.

4. Find a hobby to keep yourself busy with.

Lots of love, all! And please feel free to share and comment.