When you say you write the whole story at once, do you mean you go on retreat and write the entire draft? Or do you mean that you don’t work on any other story while working on one? I have run into some difficulty in my series because I set it aside for a few months to release the book in my other line. It’s hard to get my head around what I have written. I’m about to do an outline, which I’m sure will solve it. But how do you write it ‘all at once?’
I can only write one thing at a time, Sheri, and I’m always amazed by authors who can keep several projects going at once. I write serials as if they’re all one story. A gigantic outline, first draft, second draft, etc. I treat it as if it’s one book and don’t stop until it’s done. Like you, I have trouble keeping it all cohesive if I give it a break and I have to work chronologically. I lose details or forget if I already mentioned something, or if something happened before or after a certain spot. That’s why the books come out all at once. Did that answer your question? 😀
Yes, thanks! I write in a similar way, and this break is definitely going to some hard work to make up for. But it’s worth it, I think. My box of books arrived just a couple minutes ago. You’re the first one to know! Such an exciting moment…even on the 5th book!
Great interview and excerpt, Diana! I agree, an outline is a definite aid when it comes to plotting a course through the book. I’ve not heard of Dan Wells’ 7 steps before, but I’m checking into it. Sounds like it might work for me 🙂 Good luck!
I use Dan’s 7 Steps loosely, Julie, but I do find it helpful as I evaluate my outline, and I have made tweaks based on the recommendations – strengthened certain elements, for example. Thanks for checking out the interview. It was fun to get some targeted questions. Have a great Sunday!
Thanks, Bette. Sally puts a lot of time into these coming up with unique questions. They end up being a little different and lots of fun. Thanks for stopping by. Happy Spring!
Thanks for the visit and comment, Kathryn. I was not a happy camper as a tradionally published author, and am so relieved to be in charge of my destiny. I’m glad you can tell. It’s not easy, but it is a lot of fun to be fumbling through this with the support of so many friends. Hope you’re having a great Saturday. ❤
Thanks for reading, Stacey. My first book was pure pantser and I ended up having to cut 60,000 words over 2 years. Talk about a need to tighten! Ha ha. Never again. Ever since then, I’m an avid outliner. Happy Writing!
Thanks, Bridget. There were some questions in here that I had to think about a bit, which is always fun :-). Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, my friend. ❤
I enjoyed this look into the author D. Wallace Peach; I’ve admired her writing for a long time…it’s great to read more about her and her published works. Congratulations on your latest release Diane ❤
Thanks, Holly. It was fun to get a few unique questions that I had to think about. And Sally is a generous host and indie author supporter, so it’s always an honor to have a spot on her site. Have a great weekend and Happy Poeting 😀
I don’t know how Sally does it, frankly. She explained it once, but I still don’t thinks she sleeps, or she has elves who work for her at night. 🙂 Her support of other authors is amazing. Thanks, Jacqui. ❤
Diana – it’s always a treat to read about you and your journey as a writer. Sally did a great job in this interview.
You answered a question I had always wondered about … how a multi-book story like the Rose Shield evolves. Having an outline – or a roadmap – for the story makes sense to me, although I suspect that sometimes your story lines end up in places you hadn’t intended.
Do you wrestle it back onto the main road again or occasionally rethink the outline based on ‘new information’?
Hi Joanne! Thanks for visiting. I work closely with an outline – I have to or I’d be wandering all over the place. That said, characters are their own people and they often insist on changes. I make them sit down with me and revise the outline to incorporate the new information. Letting the story evolve and the openness to change is what keeps the writing process exciting. Have a great weekend, my friend. Happy travels!
When you say you write the whole story at once, do you mean you go on retreat and write the entire draft? Or do you mean that you don’t work on any other story while working on one? I have run into some difficulty in my series because I set it aside for a few months to release the book in my other line. It’s hard to get my head around what I have written. I’m about to do an outline, which I’m sure will solve it. But how do you write it ‘all at once?’
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I can only write one thing at a time, Sheri, and I’m always amazed by authors who can keep several projects going at once. I write serials as if they’re all one story. A gigantic outline, first draft, second draft, etc. I treat it as if it’s one book and don’t stop until it’s done. Like you, I have trouble keeping it all cohesive if I give it a break and I have to work chronologically. I lose details or forget if I already mentioned something, or if something happened before or after a certain spot. That’s why the books come out all at once. Did that answer your question? 😀
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Yes, thanks! I write in a similar way, and this break is definitely going to some hard work to make up for. But it’s worth it, I think. My box of books arrived just a couple minutes ago. You’re the first one to know! Such an exciting moment…even on the 5th book!
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It is so exciting. Congratulations!!
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Thanks! 😉
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I work the same way.
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Great interview and excerpt, Diana! I agree, an outline is a definite aid when it comes to plotting a course through the book. I’ve not heard of Dan Wells’ 7 steps before, but I’m checking into it. Sounds like it might work for me 🙂 Good luck!
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I use Dan’s 7 Steps loosely, Julie, but I do find it helpful as I evaluate my outline, and I have made tweaks based on the recommendations – strengthened certain elements, for example. Thanks for checking out the interview. It was fun to get some targeted questions. Have a great Sunday!
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Congratulations again, Diana. Truly well deserved. 🙂
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Thanks, Steven. Much appreciated, my friend. ❤
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Very welcome. 🙂
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Awesome! xo
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Thanks, Bette. Sally puts a lot of time into these coming up with unique questions. They end up being a little different and lots of fun. Thanks for stopping by. Happy Spring!
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Bringing my cup of (herbal) tea over to Sally’s. See you there, my friend. ❤
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Thanks! I’ll have the donuts ready. 😀
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Great interview, Diana. I left a question over on Sally’s blog.
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Thanks so much, Robbie. I’m popping back and forth and will head over. ❤
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Fabulous interview, Diana! I love that you went indie, and I can tell you are so happy with that decision!
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Thanks for the visit and comment, Kathryn. I was not a happy camper as a tradionally published author, and am so relieved to be in charge of my destiny. I’m glad you can tell. It’s not easy, but it is a lot of fun to be fumbling through this with the support of so many friends. Hope you’re having a great Saturday. ❤
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Great interview, Diana! I wish you much success with your books. (I’m an outliner too.)
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Thanks for reading, Stacey. My first book was pure pantser and I ended up having to cut 60,000 words over 2 years. Talk about a need to tighten! Ha ha. Never again. Ever since then, I’m an avid outliner. Happy Writing!
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Great interview Diana. I enjoyed learning more about you.
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Thanks, Bridget. There were some questions in here that I had to think about a bit, which is always fun :-). Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, my friend. ❤
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I’ll take my coffee cup over there and join you, Diana! See you at Sally’s cafe 🙂
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Please do. I’m on my second latte. 🙂
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I enjoyed this look into the author D. Wallace Peach; I’ve admired her writing for a long time…it’s great to read more about her and her published works. Congratulations on your latest release Diane ❤
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Thanks, Holly. It was fun to get a few unique questions that I had to think about. And Sally is a generous host and indie author supporter, so it’s always an honor to have a spot on her site. Have a great weekend and Happy Poeting 😀
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Sally is amazing…and so are you!
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What a wonderful interview–as well as Sally’s other articles. I’m thinking I need to subscribe.
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I don’t know how Sally does it, frankly. She explained it once, but I still don’t thinks she sleeps, or she has elves who work for her at night. 🙂 Her support of other authors is amazing. Thanks, Jacqui. ❤
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Diana, congrats on this lovely post at Sally’s. Well deserved. Mega hugs.
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Thanks for stopping by, Teagan. A day at Sally’s is always a day well spent. Lots for fun. Hugs back at you! ❤
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Diana – it’s always a treat to read about you and your journey as a writer. Sally did a great job in this interview.
You answered a question I had always wondered about … how a multi-book story like the Rose Shield evolves. Having an outline – or a roadmap – for the story makes sense to me, although I suspect that sometimes your story lines end up in places you hadn’t intended.
Do you wrestle it back onto the main road again or occasionally rethink the outline based on ‘new information’?
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Hi Joanne! Thanks for visiting. I work closely with an outline – I have to or I’d be wandering all over the place. That said, characters are their own people and they often insist on changes. I make them sit down with me and revise the outline to incorporate the new information. Letting the story evolve and the openness to change is what keeps the writing process exciting. Have a great weekend, my friend. Happy travels!
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Ahhh – those wandering characters can be such a pain! Kind of like trying to grocery shop with a couple of small children 😉
Hope you have a fun weekend! xxoo
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Ha ha ha. Great analogy! So true!
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