Architect? Gardener? Hybrid!

There are two types of writers (thank you google for that information). There are the architects who outline and detail everything before they start the story or until they have a story. The other type is the gardener, who just start writing and let the story grow, like a seed. But chances are anyone reading this already knows that.

During my research I found the lectures of Brandon Sanderson on YouTube and found a third type: the Hybrid! I originally considered myself firmly an architect, but then Brandon was explaining how he architects everything, except his characters, those he lets grow with the story. I don't think he used the word "hybrid", so that's totally mine, I'm copyrighting that awesomeness.

Anyways, that combination of the two types is close to how I prefer two structure things. I outline the hell out of everything, I could probably outline myself right into a complete novel without meaning to. I also create a character sheet for the majority of my characters of basic details. The character sheet look is obviously influenced from my Shadowrun/AD&D RPG days. From there I just flesh them out as it goes.

I've mostly completed my outline and began a draft. Right now I'm just working on getting all the scenes down from the outline, no dialogue or in-depth descriptions except when I think of something noteworthy to toss in to work in later. Once I get it all down, I will go back and flesh everything out.

When I take a break from outlining or writing, I have been working on a logo for the blog and content. So I dug up a few OLD stories I wrote in a another life time. I will be working to transfer those to the computer and get them uploaded for viewing (by the 4-6 people who stop by and for which I am of course grateful).

Until the next update!!

No Power? No Problem!

For the last two days I have been working on my outline for the book. Big shout out to Jenna Moreci (@jennamoreci)  for the index card idea, found in her YouTube video (here). Though to be honest, I may or may not be using them the same way. Her book, Eve:The Awakening comes out August 12th, 2015, check out her site http://jennamoreci.com for details.

Using index cards to organize my ideas, I started with the main events I want to drive the story, tried to separate them into Acts/Sections/whatever I'm new to this, and filled in the blanks. When I got done last night, I believed everything was in a decent initial order. Today as I was making notes on the cards, things changed... Reading through my index cards, testing the flow of events, I ran into problems. It wasn't that the events didn't flow, leading to the next and driving the story, I just woke up and didn't like the story they were telling. Just like that, I tossed out one major event and about ten  minor events. I think the events work better now, but the change is still new, so I am working on filling the holes in. 

And suddenly my power goes. Usually a winter annoyance due to severe snow, this is the second time this summer. No power, no distractions! Then things got crazy... and now I have one helluva index card outline going, 

Power returned after about 2 hours, so updating the blog before transferring this monstrosity to a document.

Speed Bumps

I did some minor edits to my blog; changed some colors and layout so that all the text could be read. I will likely make more changed, images and such, that make it slightly more interesting.

With that completed, I sat down to knock out an initial outline.Geared with the notes from my novel writing research, index cards, pens, and a growing list for my outline, I ran into a speed bump: life. I found many in my research stating that responsibilities really limit the time available for writing. I truly underestimated that advice and will have to make sure to prioritize accordingly.

Life Happens, how true that is. I work full time and I have a family whom I love, so after spending all day at work I spend my time with them. Time is at a premium, and personal time doesn't begin until the kids hit the sack. And as any married person knows, that time between the kids bed time and your own is for your spouse, and maybe some time to catch up on personal emails and such.

I will definitely have to consciously evaluate my after work activities and allot at least an hour in every night to work on stuff related to my book.

Oh look, Blizzard announced the next Warcraft expansion! Guess that gives me a year to get this completed before that addiction hits. :)

So I'm writing a book...

I've decided to actively move forward with writing a book. Writing is something I've enjoyed for many, many years, but have not followed through with beyond a lackluster hobby.  I think this has stemmed from fear of not being good enough, not being confident in my ideas and abilities. This is absolutely ridiculous of course! Over the last few years I've read a few "bad" books and found myself thinking "I could totally have done that better!" and making little notes on how. The it donned on me, not every book is a best seller or Pulitzer prize winner and yet people are still buying these books, enjoying them, and encouraging the writers to release sequels or other novels.


So why not me? I have tons of ideas, many that have been working and growing for years in notes and thoughts. The problem now is how does all this work? How do I get started? Do I just start shoving words on paper (or typing in a doc)? How to I brand myself, get my name out there? Should I self-publish or find a publisher? How do I find out more information? Where to begin?


It's daunting and makes the head swim to consider all the questions and possible risks and obstacles. So I jumped right in and did the logical first step: I started Googling. If my head was swimming before, I think with that I shackled some concrete blocks to my ankles! There is so much information out, everyone is generous with how they did, how they craft their work, what they use, etc. And of course, no one has the same advice. So which advice would be right for me? Weeding through to find the ideas that work or resonate with my personality and work behavior has become the most time consuming task. Luckily, I found a handful of great authors that offer advice that works for me.


I love lists and make checklists of everything, so will likely include many in future blog posts, and I apologize for that beforehand. That said, I've taken the information I have garnered up to this point and made a sort-of to-do list of where to begin this insane journey.


More updates to follow! Along with a blog overhaul I think, eventually, soon? Maybe this month? I'll get to it.


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