Writing Process (to date)

by

Scott D. Parker

On Thursday, our humble leader, Steve, posted a little meme about writing processes. Like an old automobile, the process of writing is something about which I enjoy studying and improving. Let’s be honest: when you get right down to it, you sit and put words in a string on some sort of format. Beyond that, however, I want to learn how other writers get to that point.

I’m working on streamlining my own process and analyzing writing data and trends I’ve collected since last year and in the fallow period before that. I’m still tinkering, but it seems like I’m centering in on a best practice.

But, on to the meme.

What Am I Working On?

One never likes to talk too much about works in progress because they might change along the way. Additionally, in my case, some of the things I’m working on might come out under pen names and the point of pen names would prove pointless if we all knew the real authors.

Be that as it may, I’m cursed (blessed?) with varied interests in my reading material and that translates quite naturally into my writing. I love SF, but, to date, have only one idea floating in my head: a good old fashioned space opera yarn. My main character is like a big game hunter in space or, rather, who has traveled the galaxy. I have a PI character I’m working on. I’ve got one tale finished and another one soon to be done. He’s got a few co-stars and I think I’d be able to spin a few tales featuring them as well. There’s a modern PI/thriller/mystery series I’m working on (those would be the books I wrote last year). There’s always my Calvin Carter railroad detective stories, but the next project will likely be a western inspired by a visit to the Hill Country last year. It’s an idea my wife thought up and I like it.

How does My Work Differ From Others of Its Genre?

Funny thing, that question. To be honest, I’m not sure. They are still mysteries or space opera, but I’m hoping that my characters will be the differentiators. I hope readers will enjoy them as much as I do.

Why Do You Write What You Do?

For fun. I’m the first reader, I have to entertain myself. For the challenge. The act of writing is pretty easy. The art of writing is anything but. For the money. That’s a crucial factor, right? That’s why we do this stuff, to a large extent. I want to create characters and stories that readers will latch onto and want more of and buy.

How Does Your Writing Process Work?

I wish I knew the true answer at this stage. I have a really good idea, however: I must have the map (outline) in order to find my way (the story itself). The times I have a good map are the times I can produce good stories at a timely pace. The times I don’t, I struggle. It’s pretty clear to me that knowing where I’m going will allow me to get there faster.

What I’m working on now is codifying and streamlining my imagination process. That’s my overall 2014 goal.

I’d love to know y’all’s processes. Leave a comment or post them on your blog.