Book Writing: Beginning to End

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, outlining is an important step in writing a book. However, even when you outline, things don’t always go according to plan. If you want to read my post on outlining, check it out here! Not everyone outlines before they begin writing, and that’s fine. Usually, though, you should at least have some idea of where you want your book to lead. I am here to talk with you about how straying from your outline or path is not always a bad thing. Book writing is not always clean, and the beginning does not always lead to the end you thought you wanted.

Starting Point

You start every book with some vague, or maybe specific, idea of how you want it all to go down. Maybe you have all of your characters picked out and you know exactly where you want them to wind up in the end. Or, maybe you have just a main character and you have no idea yet where you think this story will lead them.

Either way, you will be pulled through your story by the characters and their actions. If you want to learn more about writing secondary characters, check out my post here. Or, if you need help writing your villain/s, check out this post here! The plot is for sure important, but your plot will mean nothing if you don’t have the characters to interact with. It is the characters that your readers will be identifying with and connecting with. Make sure that you at least have a good grasp of your main characters and their traits.

Keep Moving Forward

Once you find momentum in your writing, keep pushing onward! Don’t stop and backtrack, that is what editing is for. If you realize something you want to add in or change, write it down in a notebook, and keep going.

This is one of those things that I personally am not that good at. I am constantly going back and rereading because I forget what point I am at or certain plot points. Now, if you are like me, maybe it’s best to keep all of your important plot points and characters written in a notebook to look back at. Trust me, it will be much easier than going searching in your book. (Though, the “find” option in Microsoft Office is my best friend.)

If you hit a wall, then I think it is okay to go back and reread some of your writing to re-inspire yourself. Remind yourself why you love what you are writing, and find that spark again to keep writing.

Twists, Turns, and Bumps

When book writing, beginning to end, whether you outlined or not, you should expect some twists, turns, and maybe even bumps. It is okay if your story turns in a whole different direction than where you thought it was going. If it makes sense for the plot and the characters, go with it. Sometimes you will find that your original plan doesn’t actually work with your villain or protagonist’s story. That is okay! Anticipate these twists and turns, and enjoy them!

The one thing that you want to avoid, though, is going off on tangents. Sometimes it is better that things are left to the imagination. Or if you have a character that really isn’t necessary for your story, it may be a good idea to cut them loose. I would consider these the “bumps.” You don’t want to be reading a story and come upon a bump that makes you stop in your tracks. This is something that you question why it is included and what it has to do with the actual plot/story. You may not see these bumps yourself which is why it is always good to have a few people read your work for you. A new set of eyes can make all the difference.

Ending

The ending may come easily, or you may have to really think about how it’s going to work out. For my current series that is in the works of being self-published, it took quite some time before I realized how I wanted it to end. When I first started writing Broken Angel, I had an entirely different ending just for the first book in my trilogy. It was my characters who made me decide differently.

If your idea for your ending changes by the time you get there, don’t worry! In fact, I’m sure it will change! (If it doesn’t — that’s awesome too!) One scene could change the whole trajectory of your book. Don’t stunt your own writing to try to force your ending. The ending should come naturally and make sense for your characters. Otherwise, it can end up feeling forced. You can have a happy ending, a sad ending, a surprise ending, whatever you want. Just make sure that you plan it out well enough that the events leading up to it flow nicely and deliver you to that ending without a bumpy ride.

In All…

Book writing, beginning to end, is going to be a journey! You are going to experience highs and lows, but it will all be worth it. Let your characters take you along for the ride, and watch as they grow and take on their own life.

If you are an outliner, great! Write those outlines, but don’t become bogged down too much if things don’t go according to plan. If you don’t outline, just make sure that you have enough awareness of what you want to happen in your story that you don’t go too far off course in your story. Here is a great book to read if you want to write a book!

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