Not too long ago, I wrote a post called “It’s the Climb,” where I reflected on how the challenge of climbing a mountain sustains me more than reaching the summit. Lately, I’ve realized the same holds true for writing. I’ve really enjoyed meeting people and talking about my first book, but I’m starting to get antsy. It’s clear that writing a book sustains me more than finishing one, and I need to dive more deeply into my next project.
Begin Again
I’m a few chapters into this next book and I’m feeling the invigoration of a new challenge again. Sometimes it’s hard to start writing, but once you get going, moving toward the image you have in your mind, the engine gets fired up and the effort comes easier. In the last few days, my interest has been piqued, and the first thing I want to do now each day is get back to work on it. The only problem is my day job—it really likes to get in the way. It would be so nice if being an author could be my day job. Someday…
This next book is a work of fiction, and I’m learning “on the job,” so to speak. That’s the way it is with anything you tackle for the first time. In some ways, I’ve been surprised by how similar the writing process is to writing a memoir. I still use hikes to clear my mind, generate ideas, and record notes. Then I come back to the desk and let those thoughts rip.
Cover concept for the next book—title’s still under wraps!
Memoir vs. Fiction
Some parts of writing fiction are easier than writing a memoir, and some are harder. For instance, I found it easier to construct the story arc for this new piece. I had an idea of what the story could be about and immediately saw how conflict led to resolution. Because you’re not bound to reality, you don’t have to adhere to actual events, which can be restrictive—especially when you’re committed to the truth. Real life doesn’t always lead you where you thought you were going, and the story can change along the way.
With this next piece, I know where I want the story to go, so the challenge isn’t defining the arc—it’s filling in the color. In a memoir, the story comes to you; in fiction, you have to conjure it from flashes of thought. To help, I draw on real memories and events to shape my characters and circumstances. I’ve always felt that the best literature leans on real life, and that doesn’t have to change when writing fiction—even when you’re writing something fantastical. You can take something that isn’t wholly possible and still make it believable, as long as there’s truth in your characters.
What Comes First: The Characters or the Story?
One thing I wasn’t sure about before I started this book was character mapping. Should I define all my characters first, or just start writing? I jotted down a few names and had a rough idea of their personas, but within the first two chapters, one of my characters didn’t want to be constrained. So, I’m learning my approach as I go. For now, what’s working so far is writing out the story and letting the characters do what they’re going to do. Rather than letting the characters write the story, the story is creating the characters as I go.
My plan is that when I reach the end, I’ll go back and make sure the characters are consistent—even if they go through a metamorphosis. Once everything feels tight, I’ll fill in any details I may have missed about the setting. And that should be that. Right?
We’ll see.
Sharing Along the Way
A lot of books seem to emerge from some secret place, as if authors want to shroud their process in mystery. Maybe that helps enhance the allure of their books—probably does. I guess I don’t care about that. It might be unorthodox, but I figured I’d just share every step I can.
For more about the process, check out other posts at In Writing.