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Syrie James | The challenges of the writing process
January 6, 2013
I find every aspect of the writing process challenging—but I love a
challenge, so that's what makes this profession so exciting and endlessly
interesting and enjoyable. But I have to say that the hardest part of writing a
book is the planning and execution of the entire first draft. It all begins with
an idea, which sometimes is inspired by something I've read or seen, but often
comes after months of determined brainstorming in search of the right
idea. After a bit of initial research I scribble notes expounding on the
concept, jotting down possible characters and story directions. I put the idea
aside for a while, and if it still intrigues me weeks or months (or years)
later, I do further research and write a detailed story outline. At the outline stage it's a huge challenge to develop the elements that I feel
are essential to any good book: the theme of the novel and the main characters'
arcs. It's vital to me that the hero and heroine each begin with a problem, a
need, a goal, and an inner wound of some kind; that the story takes them on a
journey which forces them to confront and overcome their fears; that they are
obliged to make a crisis decision of some sort at the end; and that they learn
something along the way. All of which must be exemplified by the theme of the
novel. Weaving all that together in a meaningful way is tremendously challenging. When all of these elements are finally in place, I write a book proposal. If my
publisher bites (after I celebrate my new book deal—hurray!), I do more
research, which sometimes takes many long months. I write character treatments
until I know every person in my story intimately. I make a calendar for the
entire story to keep track of its timeline. Then, at last, I start with chapter
one and begin the writing the novel. Every day I pick up where I left off the
day before. I'll take one sentence or paragraph from my outline, such as (for my
novel THE MISSING MANUSCRIPT OF JANE
AUSTEN): Rebecca and her sister are shopping in Medford village one day. It's hot and
Sarah faints. Dr. Jack Watkins rushes to her aid. Rebecca is instantly smitten. I then have the pleasure of opening that up into an entire scene, and find out
what the characters will do and say to each other! All the while, I continue to
research. I press forward to the end. I don't allow myself to look back, unless
it's to add a moment or scene that I suddenly realize needed to be included
earlier. When I get to the end of the first draft I heave a sigh of relief. The
hardest part is done! But the book isn't done yet—far from it. I usually do at least three full revisions of every novel. I really enjoy the
revision process. By the time I get to the second draft, I have only the vaguest
memory of what I wrote in the early chapters. Sometimes, I'm happy with what I
wrote, and other times I cringe (Good God! Did I really write that?) and
have to perform major surgery. It's a treat to re-read and edit the manuscript
and hone it until (hopefully) it shines. Syrie James is
the bestselling author of eight critically acclaimed novels, including THE MISSING MANUSCRIPT OF JANE
AUSTEN, THE LOST MEMOIRS
OF JANE AUSTEN, THE
SECRET DIARIES OF CHARLOTTE BRONTË, DRACULA MY LOVE, NOCTURNE, FORBIDDEN, and THE HARRISON DUET: SONGBIRD
and PROPOSITIONS.
Her books have been translated into eighteen foreign languages. In addition to
her work as a novelist, she is a screenwriter, a member of the Writers Guild of
America, and a life member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. She
lives with her family in Los Angeles, California. Connect with her on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.
Comments
41 comments posted.
Re: Syrie James | The challenges of the writing process
Enjoyed your thought process in writing. Congratulations on talking about the importance of research.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 6:12am January 6, 2013)
Wow, you have a different process to mine! I would worry that if the layout was so regimented there would not be a chance for plot and characters to evolve naturally - because they do don't they. The research usually suggests connections and is very helpful for any type of background.
(Clare O'Beara 8:33am January 6, 2013)
I also love a challenge, it makes life much more interesting. Really enjoyed reading about the challenges of the writing process
(Shirley Younger 10:40am January 6, 2013)
That moment of inspiration is key, but it is the hard work and revision that
molds your work into something beautiful.
(unSeen Fiction 10:51am January 6, 2013)
It was nice hearing about your writing process. I cant wait to read this book it sounds great.
(Emily Bowes 11:08am January 6, 2013)
I like that aspect of revising,too! Just to relive what you
wrote before - sometimes, it's just magical.
(Margay Roberge 11:09am January 6, 2013)
I'm glad hear that writers struggle with parts of their job just like I struggle with parts of mine.
(Sue Farrell 11:14am January 6, 2013)
Interesting blog.
(Wilma Frana 11:40am January 6, 2013)
I didn't realize how many times you had to revise your work. This makes me appreciate your books even more.
(Anna Speed 12:32pm January 6, 2013)
love these historical pieces
(Debbi Shaw 12:42pm January 6, 2013)
A fascinating post which I enjoyed greatly. This interesting
historical would be captivating and wonderful. Best wishes for
2013. Your talent is special.
(Sharon Berger 1:02pm January 6, 2013)
Wouldn't be exciting if this were true!
(Diane Sallans 1:19pm January 6, 2013)
Congrats! :) I never knew it takes so much work for one book! Appreciated your work!
(May Pau 1:39pm January 6, 2013)
I'm glad there are diligent artists who go through all of the sweat and tears to provide us book lovers with prime books to read. Thank you!
(Tracie Travis 2:10pm January 6, 2013)
Writing is a lot of work. I wonder where you come up with new ideas that haven't been written about before.
(Kathleen Yohanna 2:15pm January 6, 2013)
Well, no wonder Syrie's book is so good. With all the time and research she pours into her work, a great read will emerge. I will take a deeper look at the characters and the story within a story, as I read. Thank you for your appreciation of a word well written.
(Rosemary Simm 2:53pm January 6, 2013)
I find that if I write down too specific of an outline, or
even tell anyone about my ideas..I'm done. It's like the
story has already been told, and I don't have the motivation
to expand on it. I've never been good with descriptive
outlines,even for essays - they end up being completely
different when I start writing and my mind takes me away. I
appreciate your description of your process, it's so great
to hear how differently everyone works.
(Celina K 2:56pm January 6, 2013)
You certainly have my respect - your writing process is very involved. It's much more work and not nearly as glamorous as I like to imagine :)
(LaRonda Atchison 2:58pm January 6, 2013)
Love reading about your writing process.
(Mary C 3:11pm January 6, 2013)
I also like challenges, canot wait to read your book.
(Pamela Fox 3:30pm January 6, 2013)
Writing sounds like it's so challenging and so much work. I love writing but after reading how complex and involved it is, my hat is off to authors that make it appear easy to us (the readers). I'm looking forward to reading your books.
(Linda Luinstra 3:39pm January 6, 2013)
It's interesting to hear of different authors style of
developing a book. I just love the finished products. Thanks
for the insight.
(Mary Hay 3:48pm January 6, 2013)
You've definitely got a winning routine down for writing a
book.
(Deidre Durance 4:17pm January 6, 2013)
I love reading so interesting to see the other side. I can
not even imagine trying to write a novel. I have so much
respect for writers!
(Vicki Hancock 5:15pm January 6, 2013)
Thanks for sharing this and the chance to win your new book. I look forward to reading it.
(Chelsea Knestrick 5:15pm January 6, 2013)
Book sounds very interesting. Lots of work on it. Thanks for giving me a chance to win.
(Linda Hall 5:19pm January 6, 2013)
Enjoyed this. I thought about writing but decided to just review and help out authors that way.
(Jane Squires 5:44pm January 6, 2013)
I can't wait to read "The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen". I admite you for all of the work you put into a book.
(Robin McKay 6:08pm January 6, 2013)
Due to the fact that you go over your manuscript so many times before you submit it, would lead me to believe that you would lean towards being a perfectionist. If I were ever to write the book that is in my head, I know that I would go over it again to make sure that my facts were down and that my English was perfect, along with proper punctuation, etc., but I don't know if I would be up to the task of writing endless drafts of the same book!! I don't know how you wouldn't find it to be a bit tedious and a bit of overkill!! I'm not knocking your books in any way, nor your methods, for you have many awards under your belt to prove your worth, but after about the 3rd time of editing your manuscript, don't you feel that it's about where it should be without having to go through the process again?? For someone who is considering going into this field, it is very disheartening to read about the process you use. For the record, I am a perfectionist myself, and have always loved the English language. I love your choice of subject for your books, and would love to read your latest book, as well as the others. Have a Happy and Healthy New Year!!
(Peggy Roberson 6:27pm January 6, 2013)
Syrie! I am so super excited to read The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen-- just the title gives me shivers! :-)
Three rounds of revisions sounds super intimidating-- but I imagine when it's all done, and you're happy, and holding the finished copy in your hands with it's shiny new cover, that it's the greatest feeling in the world :-)
Wishing you nothing but the best!
Chelsea.
(Chelsea Brooks 6:54pm January 6, 2013)
That kind of overlapping process sound like one that would be efficient for me, so thanks! And the premise of this sounds delectable. :)
(Mary Ann Dimand 7:07pm January 6, 2013)
Thanks for sharing your writing process. Anything Jane Austen, I will read.
(Kai Wong 7:40pm January 6, 2013)
This was fascinating thank you. A great deal of thought is
obviously put into your writing.
(Mary Preston 8:26pm January 6, 2013)
I love Jane Austen and I have always enjoyed your books. Thank you for
sharing your writing process.
(Ann Sheiring 8:39pm January 6, 2013)
Thanks for the insight. Your book sounds really good!
(Sharlene Wegner 8:51pm January 6, 2013)
This book sounds so good! I have a few of your books and really enjoy them. Can't wait to read it!
(MaryAnne Banks 9:07pm January 6, 2013)
Thanks for sharing your process - I look forward to reading your books.
(Kathy Martocci 10:52pm January 6, 2013)
I couldn't never write the way you do. FOr me it is basically just sitting down with the idea and then going for it. Yes, I know, your published, I'm not, and that could be why, but I still could never do what you do. I have to just have the blank paper/screen in front of me and let my fingers take me where they will.
(Amy Conley 10:53pm January 6, 2013)
Thank you so much for sharing your process with us - wow!
(Felicia Ciaudelli 7:28am January 7, 2013)
I remember in school I had a little notebook that I wrote ideas, scribbled all about - the scene, characters- I love your process and know editing is the insanity.
(Carla Carlson 8:03am January 7, 2013)
I find your writing process so intriguing! It amazes me some how a single
idea becomes a complete novel. Thank you for sharing your process. I
can't wait to read this book! Many blessings!
(Lisa Glidewell 11:52am January 8, 2013)
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