I almost always open with the magic system or something
related to the magic system.
I like to write a sample scene with two random characters
using the magic system to fight each other. This generally gives me a hint of
who my characters will turn out to be, but at this point, they still have no
faces.
From there I define the magic system, give it rules and
costs. I work on redefining the magic system and turning it.
I do another sample fight scene with the magic system, using
the faceless characters and have them have a dialogue during the fight.
This gives me an idea of who the characters are and what
they want as well as how the magic system affects their lives.
I then write out the characters' basic information, kind of
like a character sheet. Try and write a few paragraphs of dialogue between the
main characters.
Then, I rework the magic system.
I name each chapter after a major event, so my next step is
basically to name all the chapters
in what I think needs to happen. Basically, just start by going chapter 1 jerked into trouble, chapter 2
unable to confess, and so forth. When I get to the point I think should be the
end of the book, I review the chapters and go over them one more time.
After that, I use the
One Page Synopsis
to write a synopsis of the story and get a good idea of what is happening with
the story and all the major points.
Then, I rework the chapter outline and write about a
paragraph for each scene to take place within that chapter. This also makes me
rework the synopsis, character sheets and magic system one more time.
After that, I just start, adding notes about scenes or
things I need to research or things I need to add in previous chapters or
things I need to foreshadow as I go.
Between the first and second draft, I make sure to fill in
all the details within the earlier chapters and make sure I do some research
and what not. I rework the magic system to make sure it fits and the synopsis,
as well. I try to add a bit more history to the world before jumping into the
second draft.
The second draft is to mostly make sure everything matches
and the voices come together in my head.
Before starting the third draft, I post the first 3 or 4
chapters on CC or give them to other readers as well as the synopsis and
whatever chapter I think is a major turning point.
Based off of the reviews and corrections, I go through the third draft. During this draft,
I take notes about character voice and make a list of the words that the
character will use as well as the words they won't use. I make a list for
dialogue, description and body language. I also try to make a list of verbs
that that character uses based on his previous life before the story began.
I work on something else after that draft is finished. Maybe
two projects. I put at least a month or two between that draft and the fourth
one.
For the fourth draft, I review all my notes and go through
the synopsis and what not. Then I post it all for some readers to review,
changing things that need to be changed as they go.
Once the readers have finished, I'll go over my notes and do
one final draft. (I'd probably have to do more drafts if I ever get an agent
lol)
Mind that one draft is from start, to finish plus the first 5ish chapters again.
I hope this helps, though, everyone writes differently.
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