Behind the Scenes: Writing My Latest Novel
- Liisa Walimaa
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Writing a novel is often portrayed as a solitary endeavor, filled with moments of inspiration and bursts of creativity. However, the reality is much more complex. It involves meticulous planning, countless revisions, and a deep dive into the characters and worlds we create. In this blog post, I will take you behind the scenes of my latest novel, sharing the processes, challenges, and triumphs that shaped its development.
The Conceptualization Phase
Every novel begins with an idea, but the journey from concept to manuscript is anything but straightforward. For my latest project, the initial spark came from a simple question: What if? This question led me to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the impact of choices on our lives.
Brainstorming Ideas
During the brainstorming phase, I utilized various techniques to flesh out my ideas:
Mind Mapping: I created a visual representation of my thoughts, connecting themes, characters, and plot points. This helped me see the bigger picture and identify potential story arcs.
Free Writing: I set a timer for 10 minutes and wrote without stopping. This exercise often led to unexpected ideas and character developments.
Research: I delved into topics related to my story, from historical events to psychological theories, which added depth and authenticity to my narrative.
Developing Characters
Characters are the heart of any story. I spent considerable time developing my main characters, ensuring they were multi-dimensional and relatable. Here’s how I approached character development:
Character Profiles: I created detailed profiles for each character, including their backgrounds, motivations, and conflicts. This helped me understand their actions and decisions throughout the story.
Backstory Exploration: I wrote short stories about each character’s past, which informed their present behavior and relationships.
Dialogue Practice: I wrote dialogues between characters to capture their unique voices and dynamics. This exercise often revealed new facets of their personalities.
Outlining the Plot
With characters in place, I turned my attention to the plot. A solid outline serves as a roadmap, guiding the narrative while allowing for flexibility. Here’s how I structured my outline:
Three-Act Structure
I employed the classic three-act structure, which divides the story into setup, confrontation, and resolution. This framework helped me maintain pacing and tension throughout the novel.
Act One: Introduced the main characters and established the setting. I also presented the central conflict that would drive the story forward.
Act Two: Focused on the characters’ struggles as they faced obstacles and challenges. This act is crucial for character development and plot progression.
Act Three: Brought the story to a climax and resolved the central conflict, providing closure for the characters and readers.
Scene Breakdown
I broke down each act into individual scenes, detailing the purpose and emotional beats of each one. This approach ensured that every scene contributed to character development or plot advancement.
Writing the First Draft
With a solid outline in hand, I began the daunting task of writing the first draft. This phase is often filled with self-doubt and frustration, but it’s also where the magic happens.
Setting a Writing Schedule
To maintain momentum, I established a writing schedule. I aimed for a daily word count, which kept me accountable and focused. Here are some tips that helped me stay on track:
Designated Writing Time: I set aside specific hours each day dedicated solely to writing, minimizing distractions.
Word Count Goals: I aimed for a daily word count that felt achievable yet challenging, allowing me to make consistent progress.
Writing Environment: I created a comfortable and inspiring writing space, filled with items that sparked creativity.
Embracing Imperfection
One of the most important lessons I learned during this phase was to embrace imperfection. The first draft is meant to be rough, and it’s essential to let go of the need for perfection. I focused on getting the words down, knowing that revisions would come later.
Revising and Editing
Once the first draft was complete, I entered the revision phase. This is where the real work begins, as I refined the narrative and polished the prose.
Self-Editing Techniques
I employed several self-editing techniques to enhance the quality of my manuscript:
Read Aloud: Reading the text aloud helped me catch awkward phrasing and identify areas that needed improvement.
Feedback from Beta Readers: I shared my manuscript with a select group of beta readers who provided valuable feedback on plot holes, character development, and pacing.
Multiple Drafts: I went through several drafts, focusing on different aspects each time, such as character arcs, dialogue, and overall flow.
Professional Editing
After completing my self-edits, I sought the help of a professional editor. Their fresh perspective and expertise were invaluable in refining the manuscript further. Here’s what I learned from working with an editor:
Objective Feedback: An editor can provide unbiased feedback, highlighting areas that may need more clarity or depth.
Structural Changes: They often suggest structural changes that can significantly improve the narrative’s flow and coherence.
Grammar and Style: A professional editor ensures that the manuscript adheres to grammatical rules and stylistic consistency.
The Publishing Journey
With a polished manuscript in hand, I turned my attention to the publishing process. This stage can be overwhelming, but understanding the options available made it more manageable.
Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing
I weighed the pros and cons of traditional publishing versus self-publishing:
Traditional Publishing: This route often involves submitting query letters to agents and publishers. While it can provide wider distribution and marketing support, it also comes with longer timelines and less creative control.
Self-Publishing: This option allows for greater creative freedom and faster publication. However, it requires authors to take on marketing and distribution responsibilities.
Ultimately, I chose to pursue self-publishing for my latest novel, as it aligned with my goals and timeline.
Building an Author Platform
As I prepared for publication, I focused on building my author platform. This included:
Creating a Website: I developed a website to showcase my work, share updates, and connect with readers.
Engaging on Social Media: I utilized social media platforms to engage with potential readers and fellow writers, sharing insights into my writing process and promoting my upcoming release.
Email Newsletter: I started an email newsletter to keep interested readers informed about my writing journey and upcoming projects.
Launching the Novel
The day of the launch is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Here’s how I prepared for the big day:
Pre-Launch Activities
In the weeks leading up to the launch, I focused on generating buzz around my novel:
Cover Reveal: I organized a cover reveal event on social media, creating excitement and anticipation among my audience.
Book Reviews: I reached out to book bloggers and reviewers, offering advance copies in exchange for honest reviews.
Launch Day Events: I planned virtual launch events, including readings and Q&A sessions, to connect with readers and celebrate the release.
Post-Launch Strategies
After the launch, I continued to promote my novel through various strategies:
Book Signings: I organized local book signings to connect with readers in person and promote my book.
Online Promotions: I ran promotional campaigns on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads to reach a wider audience.
Continued Engagement: I maintained engagement with my readers through social media and my newsletter, sharing updates and insights into my writing process.
Reflecting on the Journey
As I look back on the entire process of writing my latest novel, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons learned and the experiences gained. Writing a novel is not just about the finished product; it’s about the journey of growth, creativity, and connection.
Key Takeaways
Stay Committed: Writing a novel requires dedication and perseverance. Setting a routine and sticking to it can make a significant difference.
Embrace Feedback: Constructive criticism is essential for growth. Be open to feedback from beta readers and editors.
Celebrate Milestones: Every step of the journey is worth celebrating, from completing the first draft to launching the book.
As I continue my writing journey, I encourage fellow writers to embrace their unique processes and find joy in the act of creation. Whether you are just starting or are a seasoned author, remember that every story has its own path, and the journey is just as important as the destination.
Now, it’s your turn. What’s your writing process like? Share your experiences in the comments below!