I’m currently in the process of developing character arcs for my main character and supporting cast in my manuscript. This is something I should have done at the beginning of creating my manuscript when I was outlining. At that time, I wasn’t very proficient at outlining a story or a novel, and I didn’t fully understand the significance of creating a character arc. Writing my current manuscript has been a valuable learning experience, teaching me how to create a comprehensive outline and develop character arcs. There have been many ‘firsts’ with this manuscript.
The knowledge I’ve gained from this experience will be invaluable for my next project, and it has clarified for me what I need to do and why it’s crucial. Writing is not only about storytelling but also about discovering the tools and techniques that work best for me. Over the past 10 years, every manuscript I’ve written has been a learning experience. As a writer, I’ve come to realize that growth often comes from learning from our mistakes.
I would love to hear about your writing journey in the comments. If you have any questions please leave your questions in the comments too, and I will answer them.
My objective is to write a manuscript and get it published. I’m still working on my goal.
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How do you plan your goals?
My objective is to write a manuscript and get it published. I’m still working on my goal.
The first crucial step is to write the rough draft, which is done.
Now, I’m in the editing stage and halfway through draft 5, planning to do three more revision drafts. I’m focusing on my plot and creating engaging characters by learning new techniques and skills to make my novel gripping and a rememberable reading experience. That is my goal.
There are times I’m ecstatic about the process I’m making. Other times, I want to cry myself to sleep because I’m so overwhelmed by the process.
How do I find my inspiration as an author? Click the link to read more.
How do I find my inspiration as an author?
That is the question I get asked by friends and acquaintances the majority of the time. When I get asked this question, I just get so tongue-tied because it’s not an easy question for me to answer on the spot. Today, I’m going to answer that question in this blog.
Let’s talk about inspiration.
There are so many misconceptions to me about inspiration. I’ll discuss about my experiences when inspiration arrives. Normally, when I’m looking for a new story idea, inspiration will hit out of the blue. It could be something I see on the news, reading an article, or even watching a TV show. That’s one-way inspiration will come.
It is for me, sitting at my computer and looking at a blank screen. Writing is a process and it can be a long daunting process. People don’t realize it is a habit of sitting in my chair, at my desk, and working on a project.
When I start a new project, I find that process very daunting because I’m looking at a blank screen. I am not waiting for inspiration to hit; what I want is a spark to light up my imagination to catch it on fire. That requires work. I don’t think people understand that.
How do I create the Spark of imagination?
Currently, I’m editing book one. Now, I feel it’s time for me to start outlining book two in the series. My mind is ready to start cultivating my imagination into thinking in different ways. A gardener prepares the soil by cultivating it for the plants. That’s what I’m doing for my mind. The plot and the storylines I’ve created in book one will continue into book two.
Staring at a blank screen can be very intimidating, and it’s difficult to start from scratch again. My outlining process is making a list of subplots that took place in book one that will carry over into book two.
I’m not sitting in my chair, hoping, and praying the gods of inspiration will shoot down a lightning bolt to strike my head. The key. Cultivating my imagination by asking myself questions about the story that I want to write.
What if questions?
What if questions are the seeds for the garden. These questions allow me to grow my story and determine what is essential and why. It will fill in the blanks when outlining my manuscript.
These questions help to spark my imagination to think about the story when I am away from my computer. My creative juices will start boiling slowly. This process is preparing my mind to start outlining in a few weeks by making the pieces and placing them in certain places in my outline.
Burst of Inspiration
This is where I think people get confused about inspiration. When suddenly, I receive a burst of inspiration for a story I’ve been working on. What they don’t realize is I’ve been putting in the work to get my creative juices flowing.
Today, I received a burst of inspiration for book 3 when I was on my way to the store. I wasn’t expecting it. Just happened. Why? I’m cultivating my mind, forming the pieces for book 2, and my creative juices are activated. That produced the idea for book 3.
The Sparks for my Imagination.
So why am I laying out all the groundwork before I even outline or begin to write my first draft? The sparks of my imagination. I want them throughout the writing process. When I outline, write, and edit, I need those ideas to make my novel unique.
How do you find your inspiration? Do you outline? Or do you just jump right in? Let me know in the comments. Thank you for reading.
I want to welcome Ginger Banks to my blog. She will be helping me out while I am dealing with my health issues. Her first article will be released on Wednesday, Jan 18, 2023.
I want to welcome Ginger Banks to my blog. She will be helping me out while I am dealing with my health issues. Her first article will be released on Wednesday, Jan 18, 2023.
Here is her bio below:
Ginger Banks is a Christian-based inspirational and endeavoring writer cum author. Living in Iowa, U.S.A. she attained her CPHT through a local community college.
Her work has primarily focused on theme papers, short stories, essays, and poems of varying genres. She is working on two fictional Christian novels.
A staunch advocate for requiring all medical and dental professionals to accept all forms of health and dental insurance from patients. She writes letters and uses phone calls to urge our elected leaders to improve health care. Requiring insurance companies to cover all prevention-based services 100% so a patient doesn’t have to be sick to receive the coverage that they need.
Her greatest accomplishments in Christ were two short-term mission trips. Leading others to salvation through Jesus Christ.
Ginger’s highest hopes for her life and writing have been to draw others to the same saving knowledge in Christ. To inspire and encourage fellow believers to draw closer to God daily.
Alexandra Mars 