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These are awesome, Lisa! And as for your last answer--THANK YOU! I get really tired of blanket advice, because so often, especially when I was first writing, I would find myself thinking, "that's not how I do it ... am I doing it wrong?" I've come to realize I'm just doing things in the way that works for me, but I wouldn't want other writers to feel that way, either. So--your answer was perfect (and I edit as I go as well, and that is the way I turn in really clean drafts to my agent). Excellent post, as always.

'K, so these just made me laugh! This was great. I believe I can relate to each. And that last one is a heart-breaker for me. I know if I stopped editing so much as I write, I'd get done at least a month ahead of my schedule. Grr... Editing some is good, but sometimes it stifles me and prevents me from forging ahead. Guess you could say I'm stuck in the middle. lol

I agree if you function better editing a bit as you go, then do it. I think it's when someone compulsively rewrites the opening 20 times without moving forward that it's best not to!

Glad to know I'm not the only one with the alien question. *runs off to fire alien co-writer* :D

Oh, and that picture is totally me when writing a scary scene and I hear a noise but I'm the only one home.

I get that itch to revise too, and it's so hard not to. Doing multiple drafts takes discipline (for me at least)- I was much better at letting it be imperfect before!

What a fun post to get my writing gears grinding this morning, Lisa. I never thought about working with an alien co-writer, but maybe that's what I need! Had an idea for a space opera yesterday.... :-)

Chocolate is a perfect coffee flotation device. Thanks for doing this series Lisa! I've really appreciated all your advice, especially your answer to the last question. Good to know I'm not the only one who breaks that "rule".

LOL, those darn alien writing partners! I'm with Lisa on the edit vs. drafting. I generally don't go back to edit, but I'll leave myself notes so I don't forget what I really really really want to change. And sometimes, I just have to make that earlier change before I go forward. Do what works for you!

I agree with Sarah, that last one rules! You've got to find your own way, and often the rules get in the way of accomplishing that.

Oh, thank GOD someone says it's alright to edit as you go. I had to polish the first 6 chapters of my book to perfection (at least get it into good enough shape for submission to agents) before I could sit down and begin drafting the next part. I can't just sit down and write a quick draft of the entire novel before I go back and rewrite. I realize now that I write much better a section at a time, although I always know where I want the story to end.

That picture cracked me up! Love these bits of advice, Lisa. Um, aliens? I must be writing the wrong types of books! And I love your point about the process...we each have our own way that works for us. Thanks!

Lol for the picture.
All these are questions that I sometimes find myself thinking about. Oh and your answer for writing with an alien? right on :)

Love the advice, Lisa!! We just took a trip to the Crytsal Coast and I had waaaaay too many voices in my head the entire time! Historical towns do that to me. The best part? My husband didn't think I was THAT crazy. :) So glad he GETS me like the rest of you :)

When did you take that picture of me? You really shouldn't post those candid shots of this author on caffeine AND without makeup!

I'm off to see if I can find my PROCESS before it sneaks out the door. Thanks for the hints.

Now this was a great post to read mid-day! An unexpected pick-me-up for sure. :)

I always read your "how" posts, Lisa. Even if it's not a question I have (yet), I know it might come up in the future. It's good to tuck away those answers in advance.

Keep the "how" posts coming. (And thank you!)

It's been fun reading your "How?" posts. :) I like your last answer. I've learned that some writing rules are meant to be broken if it means you'll be more productive in the long run.

Ahhh, but we are compatible, my alien co-author and I...Well okay, he's the only one who agreed to work with me. He's wearing a bib, I've got goggles and we're working in an anti-gravity chamber so his drool floats around, instead of sinking to the keyboard.

Stina: give me call...if you've really fired your alien. I need a copy editor who knows glitzenbach text.

Ah, flotation devices! I knew I was missing a critical writing tool. Good to know I'm not the only one with an alien problem, too. Goodness, you started my day out with a smile. Thank YOU!

Yay for giggles and good advice. I went over my first chapter so many times last night it turned finessing into a beating.

I've been writing MG and trying to avoid the absent or stupid or under-involved parent. I'm checking out your post on that.

Hahahahahah!
I'm still using the 12-step program you recommended, I think it's starting to take!

Great questions and answers! Especially Ebony's question about how to come across as normal with all the voices, and your answer. Also, hurray for rule breaking.

I love the question and answer to the voices in our heads. One time I told my dad that I wrote some dialogue for my main character, and she 'told me' she would not say that. True story, and she was right. But my dad? He just gave me that raised-eyebrow, 'oh Lord, my daughter is crazy' look.

Also the editing. I have to edit as I go, lest I forget what I wanted to change and go mad. It's happened before. Now I just don't fight it. I have my daily/weekly word count goals, and they successfully help me move forward, even with my editing habit

Hehehe I can't edit as I go at all, but always end up doing it, so I started drafting by hand in pen. Can't edit if you can't erase. ;-)

I don't consider myself a panster, but I think it pays to not be too constrained by the outline, either. I always write a loose outline and am always surprised by how things change, so now I just go with it. And I've noticed the same thing about the major turning points--those usually remain intact, even when the path the characters take to reach those points gets more twisty than I expected. Off to check out your guest post!

Great post!I really need to read Save the Cat. My recent project has some pacing issues, and I'd prefer to fix them on the front end next time :)

If we read enough, I think we instinctively know when to slow or speed things up or when to increase pacing or when a disaster needs to strike. Even though I plot I still experience this.

The most valuable point, for me, you've made here is about letting the characters fully develop. As we pace those scenes and plot points, remembering to allow the characters to develop on a scale is vital. Love this post!

Great advice! Personally I tend to plot things ahead of time, but that doesn't always mean for perfect pacing the first draft through. Revision is still necessary.

I outline after I use STC to create the beats (love that book!!!!), but my outline is very flexible. Much more so now than what it used to be.

Characters do know best when you allow them to develop.

Great post, Lisa!

I am such a pantser. But I haven't had to work under a deadline yet, so that may change. Usually, I have ideas about big scenes first, then I can figure out where to place them based on the character and the journey they're taking. I can go back and fill in along the way. It's pretty haphazard and disorganized, but that's how I roll!

Excellent answer! Like Matt, I plot ahead of time, but that doesn't mean the pacing is right. Gah! Thanks, Lisa.

Now I'm off to Elizabeth's blog!

Yeah, in my pantsing, I often get the pacing too fast. But I fix it in revisions. I like the idea of having the character do the opposite of what I expected. What a fun twist... how will we get out of this? :D <3

Great advice. Thanks! :)


♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥

Lisa, your process sounds a lot like mine. I also like what Laura said in comments. So much of writing is based on instinct, which comes from having read a lot or otherwise listened to stories. But then we need other readers to make sure we're not fooling ourselves. :-)

Great answer! I'm a pantser too. I can never manage to stick to an outline. I like to write fast paced stories, so I'm very consistent with my pacing. Yet if there's a bump somewhere, it gets taken care of in the revisions anyway!

Here, here to Laura on the instinct aspect. I think the movie running in my head as I write helps me feel the pace. If part of the story prompts a popcorn break - out it goes.

A lot of storytelling is intuitive, even for hyper-plotters (like me). Making sure something "feels right" or following your intuition can craft some pretty awesome stuff. Great post! ;)

Great post! I usually have a rough outline, but I like how you mention having the major turning points somewhat figured out. This would help make sure you have a solid plot. I'll have to check out this STC Beat Sheet. Thanks!

One of my MC's did just as you mentioned: something unexpected and now is in a place of learning, but out of the story line for a bit...right where she belongs.

I'm a Pantser. Wouldn't you like to be a pantser, too?

Great post! I do struggle with pacing - but I'm definitely getting better at the ebbs and flows :)

Pacing is tricky. I always fuss with the pace of a novel in revisions even though I outline before the first draft. I know how I want the pace of the story to be, but it takes the revision process to get it right (or, what I think is right).

I guess the point is that it falls into place one way or another. And when it doesn't? You can make it work.
These are words I really, really needed to read right now. Thanks. :)