My second novel came out on August 29, and let me tell you – getting that baby up and out felt like a massive weight off my shoulders. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, which is great. Even better than the sales and reviews are the lessons I’ve learned during the process.
1. Skinny Draft
While writing this novel, I discovered that I am a far better editor than a drafter. I was introduced to the “skinny draft” idea about halfway through my first draft. The purpose is to write a draft of your story without worrying about small details that often stall the writing process. Focusing on getting the story right first helped me see more progress faster than trying to get everything in the first time around.
2. Progress Report.
I have to see progress. If I don’t feel like I’m getting anywhere, I get discouraged and want to quit. A lot of writers use their word count to track progress. This doesn’t work for me. It tells me nothing about where I am in the story or how far I have left to go. Switching from word counts to “signposts” for my progress shows me where I am and makes me want to keep going.
3. Change Up.
Changing a deadline is okay. Yes, there are going to be some that are set in stone. Your editor must have your manuscript by a specific date to complete their work. That’s fine. But as an indie author, I am the one who decides when to start contacting them. The self-imposed deadlines I make to keep me on track are flexible. Life happens, and sometimes you have to slow down. I nearly burned myself out trying to meet some deadlines I set on this one. It’s better to move everything back than burn the candle at both ends and in the middle to meet a self-imposed deadline.
4. Process Evolution.
The way you write evolves. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. There is a reason it is called a writing process. As you learn more and develop your skills, how you approach a project changes. And that’s okay. My first novel went chapter by chapter, trying to make each one perfect before moving on to the next. It made everything longer and harder for me. Starting small and expanding is freeing for me. I’m sure my current process will change again. And that’s okay, too. We all develop and change, so our writing should, too.
What I’ve learned through bringing Coming Home into the world is invaluable. I could spend days discussing them, but we only have so much time. For my writers out there, how has your process changed? Leave me a comment below to keep the conversation going.
Erin McKnight 