Guest blogger, Carole Gift Page, shares her Ten Steps in Writing a Novel, a technique she has taught as well as used in her own writing for over 30 years.
When I wrote my first novel, Rachel’s Hope, many years ago, I had little idea how to begin, so I simply rolled paper into my typewriter and typed, “Chapter One.” After five years of rewriting, polishing, and collecting a dozen rejection slips, I finally saw my novel published. Fortunately, since then, I’ve honed my skills and streamlined my approach to writing novels. Now, in the face of pressing deadlines, I may complete a teen novel in a matter of weeks or an adult-level novel in a few months.
Before I share with you the ten steps that take me from idea to finished manuscript, let me say a word about preparing to write. I purchase an accordion file for all my materials, including synopsis and character sketches, rough drafts, notes, research materials, correspondence, audio and video tapes, and anything else pertinent to the project. At times I’ve had up to six files in my office with works in progress. The files keep all my materials at my fingertips, travel well, and help me to “compartmentalize” each project and avoid confusion, so I don’t go slightly daft trying to keep everything straight. Occasionally, when I discover I have too much material to contain in an accordion file, I buy a plastic stackable crate for the “overflow.”