How I write a novel

[naomikritzer]

Jumping on the bandwagon...

1. Have idea.
2. Sketch out idea in notebook. Possibly include actual sketches. Brainstorm.
3. Outline.
4. Write proposal. (This may have little or nothing to do with the finished novel, but everyone understands that, so it's okay.)
5. Brainstorm.
6. Write.
7. Revise.
8. This book is AWESOME. It's the best thing I've ever written. I rule!
9. Brainstorm.
10. Write.
11. Revise
12. This book is probably not going to totally suck. I think I'm going to be able to finish it.
13. Brainstorm.
14. Write.
15. Revise.
16. THIS BOOK SUCKS. I AM A LOSER.
17. Brainstorm.
18. Write.
19. Revise.
20. I HATE THIS THING. HATE HATE HATE HATE HAAAAAAAAAAATE.
21. Brainstorm.
22. Write.
23. THE END.
24. Revise.
25. Send out to beta readers.
26. Re-read entire thing.
27. Okay, it doesn't completely suck.
28. Revise based on beta reader feedback.
29. Submit.

(This makes my process look more organized than it really is. I don't always brainstorm after a partial revision pass, and the attacks of THIS BOOKS SUCKS can really hit at any time, though they get more and more intense the closer I get to done. Fortunately, I recognize the pattern now, and mostly just disregard the impulses to quit mid-project and go start an entirely new book.)

Comments

[porphyrin.livejournal.com]

Did you know my mother picked up Freedom's Sisters simply on the strength of the cover?

(I told her I had all three, and she said, somewhat indignantly, "Well, where ARE they then?")

Heh.

[naomikritzer]

Cool!

I like that cover. :-)

[sylvia-rachel.livejournal.com]

The first time I read this, I laughed a lot.

Then I realized that I was at #8 2 weeks ago and am now hovering around #16, and was depressed.

Now I've decided to be relieved that even real, actually published writers have bouts of #16 and #20, and just try to keep at it.