Hey everyone! I hope you are all having a good day, and that you are staying safe and well.
As many of you might know, I’ve been trying to write a book for more than seven years. I wish I was exaggerating, but I’m not. I’ve always known that I wanted to write something, but had a hard time with getting my ideas down on paper. I’d also continue to get new ideas, which would cause confusion as to what I was going to write. It’s been a long journey, but I still want to write my stories for others to enjoy.
I’ve decided to share this journey with you, where it started and how I plan to complete it. I’m passionate about the ideas and characters I have, and want them to meet the rest of the world. I also hope to add some accountability by sharing the process here on the blog.
So for this first post, I wanted to share a brief summary of the book, how I came to that idea, and what I plan to do moving forward. I’m also working on a post of writing tools I’m using, as well as how I’m organizing and figuring out some of the details of the story. Please keep in mind that these are all my creations and be respectful of the artist if you choose to share. I’m still developing these concepts, however they are still my original designs and ideas, so please respect that if you decide to share. I feel very strongly about crediting the artists whose work I use, and I hope you do the same if you share the ideas below. Thank you for continuing to read my blog and supporting me as an artist!
THE CORE ENERGIES
There have been many versions of this story so far, and it’s taken a while to get to one I love. Just as how we go through several different phases in our life, we can also go through phases creatively or with a specific project. This is true for my book, because it has been through several different drafts, rewrites, character changes, plot changes, etc. before I got to the place it’s at now. It takes time, not only to write a story, but to develop a story. With all that said, here is a brief summary.
The main theme is that everyone has something they are hiding, and that there are two sides to every story. The story is written from Gwen’s point of view.
Gwen has grown up on a government protection agency’s base, training so that she can get an assignment. When they tell her that she doesn’t qualify for one, she sneaks into the agent database to see if she can find her file. When she does, she finds out how little they have told her. She has a family out there that she has never met. She has a strange, man-made energy flowing through her veins that gives her superpowers. And she learns of other worlds and societies she didn’t know existed. After learning all of this, she decides to leave and find out the truth for herself.
HOW I GOT TO THIS PREMISE
As I mentioned before, this wasn’t the original idea. I had several ideas before it, and it took a while to land on this one. Without giving too much away, I wanted to share how I got to the idea I just shared.
GWEN WILDER VS JAKE WILDER
Okay so here we go. The original concept was about Gwen. I knew I wanted to write from her perspective, but couldn’t develop an interesting plot for her. Part of it was a lack of interest in what I was doing, and the other part was a lack of skill.
I went through the story to see what was missing, and then it became clear that this wasn’t Gwen’s story I was telling.
It ended up being close to the story I had for her father, Jake Wilder. I started writing it, and got about six chapters in. But I didn’t have anything other than the beginning to write, so it ended up with me back at square one.
So I went back through it again, and thought about what was lacking. As I was looking through the notes I had I saw the ones about Gwen. And that’s when I got the ideas flowing again.I decided to write about Gwen, and started with outlining and research. I continued to write and develop ideas, and am now caught up to where the story is now.
WHAT I SHOULDN’T HAVE DONE
Looking back, I should’ve gone about this differently. Part of writing is that awkward stage of figuring things out however, and I’m glad I’m at the part where I can finally work on writing and not as much developing a concept. Here are a few of the things I could’ve done differently:
- Outlining. It’s a pain, but a necessary pain. Now, outlining can look different for everyone. It doesn’t have to be the traditional list like what you were taught in school. You just need some form of order to the ideas, that way you can structure the story and make sure all of the necessary parts are there. Including the ending. That would’ve been good to have.
- Organization. This goes along with outlining. Not only is it a good idea to have structure to your ideas, but you have to be able to find the ideas in the first place. I definitely learned this the hard way. I lost journals and notebooks with a lot of the research and ideas I’d kill for today, because it would still be useful.
- Oversharing. I still struggle with this, but it’s an important one. It’s okay to share your ideas with those who know writing and can offer feedback, or to tease ideas and share snippets of the story. But don’t OVERSHARE. If someone asks to read what you’ve written, you can say no. It isn’t mean. In fact, it’s actually a kind thing to do if you aren’t done with the draft. I know a lot of people aren’t happy that I’ve changed the plot back to Gwen, but it’s really on me for oversharing. It’s okay if you are excited and want to tell everyone about your ideas. Just be careful, because you will regret oversharing. But you learn from those mistakes, and learn to share enough to keep people interested.
- And lastly, not writing. I put off actually writing because I felt that I had to write a certain way. I had to follow the steps from A to Z, and I couldn’t start writing until I did. That is 100% not true. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t outline, research, plan, etc. But don’t put off writing just because every idea isn’t 100% fleshed out. One of my favorite quotes is that you can’t edit a blank page. So write. And this is still my biggest problem, but I’m working on it.
MY ACTION PLAN MOVING FORWARD
So now we come to the part where I make a plan that I intend to keep but don’t. As much as I’d like to say that won’t happen, I can’t, because I know myself too well. But I’m going to give it my 100% and see what happens. I want you guys to be involved, because I’ve seen the support I get on the blog, and want you guys to feel included. I’ll share some ways that you can help and stay in the know in a minute.
Here’s what I’m planning to do:
- Organize all of my files, notes, and research for my novel that I have already done
- Do further research on fighting techniques, basic chemistry, mind control, etc.
- Do a basic sketch of each character
- Assign MBTI types to each character
- Outline the basics of what I have so far
- Use World Anvil to develop the different societies and the A.T.L.A.S. organization
Once I’ve done these steps, I’ll set more goals. But I don’t want to overwhelm myself, because then it definitely won’t happen.
Now as for how you guys can be involved 🙂
I’ll be setting up an email list in the next week or two so that you can receive updates on what’s new. I can’t wait to send that out!
Another way you can help out is by not adding pressure. I know a lot of people are excited about the stories I have to share, but I already know that I’m going to write it. So please don’t overwhelm me with that. Instead, you can encourage me by sharing any tips you have, or your reaction to what I decide to share. I love the support, but I don’t need the overwhelm.
Also, make sure to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest to see what I’m working on, as well as my World Anvil account to see what I have so far.
And lastly, you can support me by purchasing any of the products I have in my shop. I have items on Society6, Ko-Fi, and right here on the website. I’m proud of the products, and would love it if you would check them out.
I can’t wait to continue sharing more about this part of my creative journey, as well as more writing content with you in the future!
Do you enjoy writing? And what are your favorite kinds of stories? Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time 🙂
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