Stay Focused and Write Your First Draft

I hear from writers all the time that it takes years and years, and they still haven’t finished their manuscript. The first Delanie novel took me about five years to write and revise (and revise and revise). Then it took about another two years to get published. Here are some things that I’ve learned along the way that work for me.

• Plot your book. I write mysteries, and I need to know “who done it” and where to put the clues. I’ve “pantsed” a couple of manuscripts, and I found that without an outline or at least a summary for each chapter, I got stuck in the middle.

• When you get stuck, figure out what you need to do to get unstuck. The longer you leave a manuscript, the longer it’s going to take you to catch up and get back in the rhythm. Exercise, do something creative, read, or work on a totally different kind of project. Sometimes the activity is enough to spark your creativity and get you moving again.

• Sometimes, you’re stuck because you have a plot hole or you’ve written yourself into a corner. This is where the outline/chapter summary comes in handy. If you stick to the plan, you know what happens next.

• If you absolutely don’t feel like writing or don’t have the time one day, try to do edits, revisions, blog posts, or other book marketing tasks instead.

• Life does get in the way sometimes or you just need a break. When that happens, don’t beat yourself up. Figure out how to get on track. Sometimes, if I know I have an obligation or event, I’ll try to write more on other days, so I don’t lose momentum, and I still hit my word count for the week.

• When I start to write (after I have a high-level outline or chapter summaries), I keep track of my daily word count to show my progress. On days that I work at my other job, I try for 1,000 words, and on weekends/holidays, I aim for 3,000. If I can stick to this, I can usually finish a first draft in 2-3 months.

• Finish your first draft. Keep writing. Don’t keep going back to try to perfect one chapter or a paragraph. If you do, you will never finish. If there is something you want to remember, make a note and keep going.

• Try not to stop every time you need to research something. Make notes and do your research later. It’s too easy to get distracted when you hop on the internet to check something every ten minutes.

• When you’ve completed your first draft, print it out and do a full read through. Fix plot holes, inconsistencies, grammar problems, and typos. I probably do three or four full revisions like this before I’m ready for the manuscript to go to a critique group or beta readers.

I am definitely much faster when I plan out my story and write every day. If you’re having trouble finishing a manuscript, try some of these ideas and see if they work for you.

Pay it Forward - Tips for Writers (and Everyone)

I am so fortunate to be a part of the writing and mystery communities. They are filled with such wonderful writers who are so generous with their time and advice. My post today is on ways writers can pay it forward (and make a difference).

• Leave a review for a book that you enjoyed. Writers depend on reviews. It doesn’t have to be a book report. It can be as simple as, “I really liked this book.” Leave them on major book sites, Goodreads, Bookbub…

• There are so many organizations who are looking for volunteers. Find some time in your schedule and share your time, passion, and skills. Your writing groups and organizations are always in need of leaders and doers.

• If you like public speaking and have skills (as a writer, you do), many youth and senior programs are looking for volunteer trainers and mentors.

• Donate unused items and books. There are so many organizations that can use or sell what you no longer need.

• Be a book fairy and drop off surprise books to random locations or tiny free libraries.

• Partner with your favorite charity to donate books, gift baskets, or other items to their fundraisers.

• If you can, give blood. There is always a need.

• Just be kind. You never know who needs a smile.

Secure Your Mobile Devices - Tips for Writers

Mobile devices do get infected with malware and can be hacked. Applications, texts, websites, and email are ways that malware can infect your equipment.

Here are some ways to protect yourself.

1. Always keep your software current. Patches and fixes correct the latest vulnerabilities that can damage your device.

2. When you are away from home, use secure WiFi. Unsecure WiFi (ones that don’t require a password) make it easier for bad actors to infect your device.

3. DON’T CLICK ON QUESTIONABLE OR UNFAMILIAR LINKS. If it looks suspicious, don’t click.

4. Only download apps from reputable services (e.g. your device’s app store).

5. Turn your device off periodically. This clears the temporary memory and forces automatic updates.

6. Avoid accessing your sensitive or private data on public WiFi.

7. Avoid using public phone charging stations. Many of these have malicious malware that can infect your phone.

Once a Month Tasks for Writers

There are so many tasky things that we almost never get around to until they become big things later. I try to pick a day or two each month and go down my list of adminy tasks, so they don’t turn into a big, hairy beast later.

Here’s my check list to help keep me organized.

1. Make sure all your mileage, tolls, and expenses are recorded.

2. File all receipts for next year’s taxes.

3. Clean off the excess photos on my phone and laptop.

4. Check the analytics on my key social media sites to see what posts are working. Look for times that are good for my audience.

5. Look at your website. Does the content need refreshing? Check to make sure all the links (especially the contact me and your newsletter sign up) are working.

6. Update your author biography. Check your biography on your website and other sites to ensure it is current. Is your book list current? Don’t forget BookBub, Goodreads, Amazon,…

7. Look at your marketing plan and make sure you have all of the deadlines and due dates on your calendar.

8. Spend some time on your key social media sites adding followers.

9. Make sure your calendar has all deadlines, events, and important dates including due dates to your editor and publisher.

10. Think about creating files to help you get organized. I have one biography file with the book links and social media links. This gives me one place to go to get the most current information quickly.

The more time you can save on routine tasks, the more writing time you’ll have.

It's Not Ready Yet - Tips for Authors

The best feeling for a writer is typing, “The End,” but really, that’s probably the midpoint of your writing journey. The polishing and revising phase starts after you’ve completed your first draft. Many new writers want to skip that part and move right into querying an agent or publisher. Don’t rush it. No one gets it completely right on the first (or even fourth) draft. You need to make sure that your work is the best it can be. Often, you only get one shot with an agent or editor.

Here are some ideas that can help you along this next phase of the process:

• After you’ve typed, “The End,” spend a few days away from your WIP. Sometimes, stepping away gives you a clearer focus.

• Make sure that your word count is correct for your genre. If you don’t know, you can Google it to get a range. You’re not ready if your manuscript is too short or too long.

• After your work is in its final state, run spell check to catch any obvious typos. Then print out a copy and proofread. I do this after every major revision.

• Find a critique group, beta reader, or writing partner (preferably in your genre) to give you constructive feedback.

• Check the details. I read the manuscript again and make sure all the tiny little things like hair/eye color, the spelling of names, placenames, etc. are correct.

• With my first few books, I hired a professional editor to review the book before I sent it out to agents.

• Be ready to deal with feedback. You may have some “plot holes” that need correcting. It’s disappointing when there are major edits/revisions, but the time you put into making your manuscript the best it can be is well worth it.

The extra time and effort in this stage of your writing pays off when you start to look for an agent. Writing is a business. Agents and editors want books they can sell (and ones that don’t need a whole lot of work to get them ready for publication). Make sure not to skip this part of the process.

How a Character List Can Help Your Writing

A list of key character and places (Sometimes called a Character bible) can help you keep details consistent, especially if you are writing a series. It takes a bit of time to create one, but it is invaluable for your writing and revising. It will also save you time if your editor or publisher asked for a detailed character list.

I created a spreadsheet with a series of tables in it, so I can sort the data according to topic. The first has all the characters. I made separate columns for first and last names. Then I created a column for each book for descriptions and important details.

• Every named character gets a row in the chart.

• I fill the cell with a color to indicate that she/he doesn’t appear in a book. Some of my town folk pop in and out during the series.

• I also color code the victims and killers.

• I put a lot of detail in the spreadsheet about the characters. It helps me work through the backstory, and I have the information if I need it; however, all the details don’t always end up the books.

• The chart also helps me not to reuse names that I have previously used.

• Make sure to update your chart when you change character names.

• My list has been invaluable with helping me keep the spelling of names/nicknames consistent.

My second table in the spreadsheet lists key locations. (In a separate document, I usually make myself a small map of the town, so that when I talk about places or give directions, they’re consistent.)

I also have a third chart for my cozy series that shows what recipes I included in each book.

Then, when I get ready to start writing the next book in the series, I make a copy of that spreadsheet, add a new column for the next title and add the new and repeat characters.

Read Your Genre - Tips for Authors

I am always surprised at new writers who don’t read other works in their genre. You need to know the techniques and the business of what you want to write. Things are often changing, and it’s a good idea to keep up with the trends. Here are some areas to think about as you read and do your research.

• You need to know what’s popular and selling in your genre. Most of the new books from traditional publishers were purchased 1-2 years ago. Look at the topics and trends.

• Look at the book’s style. Is it written in first person or third?

• Review the language and the dialog the authors use. Are there more descriptive paragraphs? More dialog? A mix of both?

• How long is the book? Your manuscript needs to fit the page expectations and not vary too much. A one-hundred-thousand-word manuscript is too much for a romance novel or a cozy mystery.

• Make note of the conventions in the story. Readers of specific genres expect standard elements. If yours varies too much, it might not be a good fit for that genre.

• Review the acknowledgments page to see who the author’s agent and editor are. This is a good way for you to build a list for your future queries.

• Look at the collection of books by different publishers. Make sure yours is a good fit (and not something they already have). You may want to subscribe to the publisher’s newsletter to see regular updates of their new offerings.

• When you query agents, see who they represent. You want to make sure that you’re a good fit and that your work is what the agent is seeking.

Small Steps Add Up - Tips for Authors

it took me about five years to write my first novel. Then it took almost another two years to get it published. I dabbled with my writing, and I had no deadlines. Here are something that helped me build my writing routine.

• Block time every day for writing, editing, researching, or book marketing. Life is hectic, and everyone has a lot of demands, but it you can book time for your writing life, you’ll see results. Figure out what works best with your schedule and try to be consistent. I am an early bird. I get up before the sun and write while the world is quiet.

• I track my word count each day. It’s interesting to see how 2,000 words quickly becomes 23,000 words. Plus, it’s a good way for me to see my progress.

• If you miss a day, don’t beat yourself up. Get back on track as soon as you can.

• Do not spend weeks revising and editing what you’ve written. Make notes if you need to go back and change something. For the initial pass, just create your first draft. Editing and revising comes later. I know a writer friend who has spent years on the first three chapters.

• Somedays you’re just not motivated to write. Use that time to update your blog, create a newsletter, or update your social media sites.

• I try not to use my writing time for research. When I’m writing and I find something I have questions about, I mark it and go back later to fill in the details. Often a check on the internet leads to hours of cute puppy and kitten videos.

• Your website, blog, and social media sites need care and feeding. Content needs to be updated, and you need to interact with your followers. I often use my lunch hour or TV time at night to make sure I’m caught up on all the posts and communications.

• Make sure that you don’t forget your adminy tasks. Gathering tax information, balancing your business account, booking events, making sure all of your bios and books are current on all your sites are good tasks that always need to be done.

I did an experiment during lockdown and the plague. I committed my daily commute time and my lunch hour to writing. I was amazed at my productivity.