Priceless911's Method for writing · 1:02am Jul 16th, 2019
Hey Guys and Gals, since my day is going a little slow, I figured I would post my system of writing so it can show everyone the work I put into each chapter and maybe a hint to help anyone who is writing themselves. I figure if it helps me, then I’m sure it can help others who are either new to writing or hope to do it themselves, so here we go.
*NOTE: everything that follows is MY method of writing, It may not be for everyone but it’s how I write so be sure to take it with a grain of salt.*
Step 1: Story Planning
Story planning is the bases for all writers. It helps create a plotline, the main characters, the villains (if any) and key elements that help construct the story as a whole (Where, when, why, and who). For me, this step is being done during the previous story. For example, when I was writing Under Crimson Sails, I was constructing plotlines for each book of Love’s Lost Decade. Its best to never start a story until this step is completely finished. Otherwise you end up with major flops. (Such as The Difference, a story that was so bad, I actually removed it.)
Step 2: Chapter Planning
Chapter planning is similar to Story planning just on a smaller scale (As expected). This point allows me to decide how a chapter should begin, how to introduce new characters developments or plotlines (if any) and progress the story in a steady pace that allows minimum confusion and well descripted settings for time passed since the previous chapter (if any). Usually I start this step during the previous chapter. Whether it be the final chapter of a previous story or the same, it help decide how the chapter begins and where is the best place to end it. As you all know I like to use cliff hangers to keep interest in the story, however if a chapter runs too long (8,000-9,000 words) I will try to split the difference and turn one chapter into two. However this can also be a problem as a chapter that is too short (Below 3000 words {my minimum}) may leave too little time to explain major plot changes and cause a story to take forever to finish. A story that has too many chapters can cause readers to lose interest. All in all a safe area for chapter length is between 4,000 to 7,000 words. It should go without saying to never start a chapter until this step is finished.
Step 3: Writing (usually the shortest step for me)
There are many methods for writing, my way is I use a Microsoft word template and write following everything I have had planned on the previous step. Although it is common for plots to twist and shift while writing, you should always either stick to the main stories plotline and direction, or if you decide to make a small change (character additions, shifts in tactics, or major plot decision) you should always decide how the next chapter will play with the change. Your goal is to always bring the story on the direction that it was planned otherwise you may write yourself into a wall. (a point at which any change you make will counteract the plot, characters goal, attitude, or abilities.) Either way it’s always a good idea to keep note of your character profile (planned in Step 1) so that you always know your characters personalities, abilities, hopes, dreams, and goals. Good character development is a major part of a good story. Always remember what was planned in Step 2. A good ending to a chapter can keep interest in a story, but a poor one may lead readers away. My method of writing is to place the words as the story progresses, meaning, I will write the entire story with absolutely no corrections (not a method everyone should follow). My reason for this is as I’m writing the story, I’m seeing the actions each character is making in my mind as it progresses, so there are some instances where I don’t put everything I intend on putting simply because the characters in my mind are moving faster than I can write. For example, every major battle scene in Tears of a Fallen Star was difficult for this reason.
Step 4: First Proof Read
Once a chapter is finished, it’s time for every writers headache, the Proofread. At this point, I re-read the entirety of what I wrote as if I had never read it before. Here is where I make major corrections as in punctuation, spelling, capitalization, grammar, and in some cases, rephrasing so that it is better to understand or so that the character making the statement is still following his/her personalities (accents or way of speech). For me, this step usually takes the longest since during this point it is common for me to rewrite sentences or even complete paragraphs so that the character or his/her actions are better explained to the readers for placement. Though it’s uncommon, it is possible to make small changes to the story in this point, example being, adding or removing conversations that helped or didn’t hold any connections with the story. Or even throwing a connection with other chapters or stories to keep interest. At this point it’s also a good idea to begin step 2 for the next chapter since the ending of the current chapter, better sets the way the next chapter will begin.
Step 5: Pre-post and Final Proofread
Once the word document confirms no grammar or spelling mistakes it’s time for posting right? Well not for me. Usually this would be the part where I would send the story to my proofreader for him to fix what I didn’t see, but since I am now proofreading my own work, I use a different method. I copy and paste the chapter on the template in FimFiction.net and save (*but not post*). Here I can go to the story and re-re-read it as it would appear to the readers. This way I can better spot template mistakes (paragraph indentions, spacing, quotation, ect.) and believe it or not, some mistakes such as spelling and grammar poke out more when reading it on a different format then what it was originally written on. It sounds strange but this is also a time where I can make any other corrections I need that weren’t spotted during the previous proofread. This is also where I would finish the planning phase for the next chapter and would already have a way to start it so that it was interesting to the readers.
Step 6: Post!
And now the finale, the chapter is finished, it looks good and it makes since. Time to post it. Usually since I do all corrections during Step 4 and 5 on the original Word Document, I just redo spell check one last time, then Copy and Paste it to both FimFiction.net and DeviantArt.com. Once this is done… just for kicks (if I’m bored) I may read it one last time only this time, I’m reading it as a reader not a writer. (I enjoy my writing too). Back in the day, (when I was writing the original Star Bolt stories) I would take the rest of the day to goof around, or simply watch the comment section like an hawk hunting for prey… (Bad metaphor lol). But now-a-days, I usually open a new word document and start on the next chapter. I do drop in on the comment section from time to time since I love seeing how the readers react, especially to a chapter that I take great pride in. but now I don’t wait continuously like I used to. Most times I reply to comments but if I don’t know what to say without giving away more to the story (spoilers) I usually keep quiet. Spoilers are never a good idea to post. Let’s face it, it just ruins the story for everyone.
And there you have it… Priceless911’s steps taken when writing every chapter. You can take these tips if you want or ignore them entirely, your call. I just thought I would post them since I have often been asked by inspired writers for helpful tips or secrets to writing in which I usually reply, the best secret to writing, is that you are the only critic that matters. Everyone has their own opinion, some like drama, some are good for a scare, some enjoy a good romance, while others like to get their hearts racing or even broken. There are millions of people out there, and no matter how good a writer you are, you will never please them all. (Trust me, I have a few hate comments too) but as long as your story looks good in your eyes, then it’s a good story. I love seeing comments from readers, it actually inspires me all the more, but if one day they should stop. Then I won’t be disappointed. I enjoy my writing, my characters may be fictional, but they are the best companions I could ask for (yes even the villains). When I’m depressed, or have had a bad day, or even just plain bored and have only my phone to occupy my time. I'll open up one of my old stories and dive back in. after all the best adventures are the ones we create. So to all who do so… Keep doing it. Let your creativity shine! And always stay awesome.
Heh, once I read through all this, this'll really help. I'm entertaining the idea of writing a fic, but...well, let's just say things don't work out with the way I think. Can't wait for more from Love's lost decade!
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Everyone starts somewhere, trust me, my first writings were short stories that were basically parts of The Wondering Star but since I made a mistake with posting them and they turned out to be pretty bad, I basically dropped them entirely and then picked up on Tears of a Fallen Star which is my first official story. if you are interested in writing one then the best way to start is with a character profile or origin story. it helps develop a good OC and it also can help create a reoccurring character that would fit well in future writing.
As for Love's Lost Decade its about half way through the writing portion but like I said the writing isn't what takes forever its the proofreading. either way the next chapter will be the last of the current book then ill start on the next book, but we'll get to that when we need to.
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Thanks for the advice. Means a lot to me.