Into the Fire

To say that being inside my head when I'm writing a novel is like every other novelist's experience would not only be a lie but a ridiculous assumption. However, it wouldn't be too far from the truth to assume there could be similarities. 

Authors are as different as the pages in a book as far as the content of their characters, the habits used when writing, the subject matter and themes, the choice of genres, the styles, and the list goes on. But, as a reader, how often has one author's work reminded you of a different author's work for whatever reason? Perhaps stylistically the prose is similar or maybe it's the way they build the story to its climactic conclusion. 

Since I know my "process" of becoming "aware" of a new story idea leading to the construction of a new novel – and while it's not always the same – I can let you in on what goes on in my "head".

Sometimes I get a title first. Yes, before a plot, before or simultaneously with one character. Titles are of tantamount importance to me. Other times I'm smitten with a protagonist which can be a hero or heroine. They usually consume my thoughts as I prepare to allow him and/or her a life of their own. That can require research which, unlike many other authors, is not my favorite thing. However, having said that, I have met either in person or by email or both some amazing people who have helped me create and flesh out my protagonists or storylines. The research I'm not fond of is the kind that requires learning about an unfamiliar topic that might not particularly interest me and requires I must be mostly accurate when it's inserted into the story. 

I am frequently inside my characters' minds and actions, at almost any moment of any day. Hearing their words, watching what they do, thinking their responses. It's just what I do – to try to go deeper into who they are, how they feel, react, and talk. The desire is to present characters who inspire involvement, identification, and investment from readers. 

With peripheral characters, it seems they appear at will. Some are very strong – I think of "Grams" in Destination who was like a supporting actor who dominates every scene when present – and others enter for contrast, for support to the protagonist, or merely for variety. The truth is with me I never know until they make their presence known. 

There can be really fun parts that also just happen. I will picture scenes I need to write either immediately or further down the storyline. Some make me laugh (yes, at times out loud all by myself – and what does that say about me and my life!), others make me cry (again, yes, at my keyboard or in thought, alone again). Very occasionally I will write one of these scenes in advance to be sure I leave nothing out. If needed at the time it's inserted into the story, it will be amplified to accommodate whatever has happened. 

Some authors are disciplined as far as setting aside writing times and/or making essential word counts on a schedule, some are emphatically disciplined. Unfortunately or simply "it is what it is", I am not a disciplined writer. I have to "feel it" as they say. I definitely can't force it.

Some don't "self-edit" as they go but write with a fury and then go back to fix things once they're done or once they've gotten to a certain wordcount. I can't do that. I self-edit as I go before the main edit. 

Some use outlines, storyboards, pictures clipped from magazines or other sources, and some even observe writing rituals whatever those might be. I do not. My singular ritual, if you can call it that, is silence (other than normal household "noise") or if I play any music – and that's fairly rare – it will be one of Chris Botti's older CDs. I know authors who use specific types of music to accompany their writing moods or magnify the intensity of what they're trying to do with words. 

I see pictures and do my best to share them with others so that my characters and storylines appear as I want my readers to see and perhaps feel the emotion of them. I try to write "movies". 

Now, having revealed all of that, I think it's most important for anyone who happens to read this to know that I'm not that creative. I am – or can be – inspired by the only One who endows me with the ability to receive His ideas for characters, plots, stories, etc. Apart from Him, I can do nothing. 

Just a glimpse inside this author's head . . . 

Father, for every word, every story, thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.