Ready, Set….Write by Jennifer Faye

Umm…not so fast. At least not for me.

In two weeks, SNOWBOUND WITH THE SOLDIER is going to be available online and on store shelves. I'm busy getting ready to for a blog tour to celebrate my second release. And today I received my AA’s (author alliterations) for SAFE IN THE TYCOON’S ARMS. It will be available March 2014. :-) 

But aside from all of that, I’m starting to write my fourth book. And with this book, I’m really starting to take comfort in my writing process.

I think everyone has a process and they’re all different. For some it might just be sitting down at their pc and letting the words flow. I’m not one of those people. I tried in the beginning. And I ended up rewriting and rewriting and rewriting. Well, you get the picture.

I knew there had to be a more efficient way of completing a book. So I took a bunch of online classes. I listened and learned what worked for my mind. Some by trial and error. And at last, I have found my process. It is a hybrid between pantser and plotter.

Step #1 write the complete synopsis

I know, I used the “s” word. :-) But a synopsis can be your friend. It helps me to know where I’m going. And it gives me ideas about the pacing I’ll need so I’m not too short and not too longwinded. And when my characters stray from the synopsis, which they always do, it leads me back home.

And did I mention, if you publish the traditional route, your editor will probably want to see it up front.

Step #2 wait for editor feedback

I don’t know about you but revisions can make my stomach lurch and quiver. I try to avoid them at all costs. So far I haven’t succeeded. But I’ve always believed in reaching for lofty goals. ;-) 

So my theory is this: It’s easier to fix a 5-page synopsis than a 200-page book. So I wait and welcome my editor’s feedback.

Step #3 implement editor’s comments

I don’t know about other people’s experience but so far I’ve been very fortunate with my editors as they are great with feedback and brainstorming. My books are always stronger thanks to them.

Step #4 set up an Excel spreadsheet

This is what keeps me in line and tells me just how hard I have to work to reach my deadline on time. Did I happen to mention that I love #’s and spreadsheets???

Step #5 start writing/research

This is where I am now with my current book. Some research I do ahead of time and most I do as I write because it isn’t until then that I realize what details I will need.

Step #6 keep writing…it’ll sound so much better after you type “The End”. ;-)

Jennifer Faye’s second release, SNOWBOUND WITH THE SOLDIER, is available for Pre-Order now! at Amazon & B&N. She’d love to hear from you via Twitter, her website, or Facebook.