I have had way too many ideas that I forgot for lack of writing them down. So I have learned how to keep them. Even if I have plenty to work on right now, later on when I just can’t focus, I go to one of my folders and jumpstart my muse with them. When there’s a new concept I start on it right away, even if I’m busy with another project. At the very least I put the pertinent details down so they can be remembered. Now this is only true with pretty detailed ideas, anything very basic or vague gets stuck in a folder I call the Idea File. Here’s a list of how I stay focused and organized with a new project. First off I keep something called a Generic Book Folder on my computer. Inside of this book folder are five documents called Book, Outline, Research, S.E.W. (see my blog on story elements worksheets), & thoughts. Whenever I start a new project I just fill in these blank pages for that particular story. Here’s how it works for me:
Start a new book folder: Give the idea a working title that will help identify it. Change all the names in the Generic Book Folder to the new title.
Start a “Thoughts on…” page: fill in as much info as possible. Don’t forget anything important! Come up with easy details, such as character names, etc. In mine I always include a plot summary, list of characters & their descriptions, a tagline, and a place for random stuff I’m pretty sure I want in the book.
Do any preliminary research possible & store it: this will prevent the easy excuse of wandering “research” on the internet later. Not that you can’t do more research, but try to work out the basics before you start.
Start an outline: get as far as possible without getting stuck. Work out as many plot points, specific scenes, & important details as is feasible. Figure out a resolution. Make sure everything adds up.
Fill out a Story Elements Worksheet (S.E.W.): use it to correct lags, fix story contradictions, maintain pace, add realism, increase conflict, and maximize readability. Figure out a tagline and a summary. If it’s too complicated for either of these things then it’s too complicated to read. Simplify.
Start Writing: the fun part! Add color, details, characterization, dialogue, etc. Flesh it out. Don’t get overzealous though, adding too much now just means more editing later. At this point I try to write 3000 words a day, only taking breaks every 1000 words. But this is me. Set yourself a realistic goal & stick with it.
Go back and get their attention: Make the first chapter grab them and not let go. Make sure there’s a killer first line. Draw them in and hold them hostage. Unless these two things are perfect, the book isn’t finished. Double check the point of view and if necessary, change it. No matter how much work it is; if it’s not right, it won’t sell. Try to be objective about the characters; they have to work so make them fit the story.
Use the editing worksheet: Time to kill your darlings. Edit, edit, & then edit some more. My first goal is always to cut 10% off of first draft. Next goal is to get it within 80,000 - 120,000 word range. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but that is typical range for a mystery or thriller novel. Make it slick & glossy by removing all the fat and unnecessary prose. Look at how the pages read, is there enough white space? Make sure names and details work with the story.
Correct the damn thing: Lastly, but most important of all, correct absolutely every typo, misspelling, punctuation, grammar, and style error. No exceptions!!!
Hand the finished copy out to your Beta Readers: I like to have the 10 or so beta readers correct & assess the reader copy, then fill out a reader worksheet. This is so they know what kind of feedback to give. People are surprisingly reluctant to critique your work if they know you, so I give them a form to fill out. This seems to make them more comfortable, which means I get more meaningful feedback. Make absolutely sure they understand not to pull any punches. Criticism teaches more than praise.
Print out final draft: after all corrections, editing, and reader opinions have been completed, I print out the final draft on good quality paper, double spaced & in 12 point Times New Roman font.
Send it off into the world & forget about it: write a good query letter and send out as many copies as necessary via first class mail in a sturdy box. Now I forget about it. Worrying accomplishes nothing, and stifles creativity.
Finally, start a new project: keeping busy means no worrying about the last one, and having more chances to succeed, so begin immediately!
That’s it! I know it seems like an oversimplification, but it really does work. You don't have to do exactly as I do, and everyone’s process is different, but you must have a process. Without dedication & hard work, writing is just a hobby. So keep organized, keep practicing, and don’t give up.
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