By B. J. Robinson
Different techniques may be used since what
works for one writer may not work for another. Some authors outline every book,
but I don’t because I enjoy letting my character-driven novels take me on a
surprise adventure as I hope my readers will.
Technique One: Historical Romance novels: More time is
necessary to develop these as they require research, notes, and much more
detail. I write a short blurb, complete my research, and use a whiteboard. You
can either outline or use a whiteboard and sticky notes to complete ideas for
each chapter. Since I have always literally hated outlining, I use a whiteboard
and write a longer blurb to help me get started. I also make notes and use the
board for them. You can plan out each chapter this way.
Technique Two: Fiction Novels not
Historical: Begin by planning characters’ names and descriptions, the setting,
conflict, inciting incident, climax, and resolution. Think beginning, middle,
and end. Capture reader interest with an inciting incident. This is an incident
that makes your hero, heroine, or both take action. It kicks off the story.
Write a blurb. I use this method to get started no matter the type of novel,
even with the historical ones, but I complete research and make notes with
those. I go from chapter to chapter and write by the seat of my pants with the
others. This makes writing more fun for me as I let my characters guide me
chapter by chapter. At times, things change. Endings might change, or other
characters may become involved within the novel, secondary characters. I don’t
plan those. They show up as needed. This method works well for me. If you need
to plan more and have chapter-by-chapter outlines, you can either use one
sentence per chapter for the topic of that chapter or use one paragraph for a
more detailed outline.
I enjoy writing by the seat of my pants and have
fun with each chapter I write. You may need to try several methods to see which
one works best for you. Below is an example of planning for my Christmas novel.
In my book, When the Snow Comes, the last thing Amber desires is to return to the
town she left, but she has no choice. Away at college, a broken engagement,
broken heart, and broken spirit, has left her hurting, scared, and scarred.
Yet, her dream home beckons her back to small-town life that won’t let her
forget the man who broke her heart.
Her favorite aunt left her the old Victorian on
Wears Valley Road in Tennessee. It’s the home she’s always coveted since
childhood and so many wonderful, cherished memories are entrenched in her heart
and mind.
Adam can’t deny the attraction, or pull between
them, but the last thing he needs is to get involved with Amber again. He
thought he knew what she wanted from life, but she left him and the home they
both loved for a career dream and college. He’s vowed he’ll never leave Wears
Valley. It’s his home and in his blood. No way will he follow the beautiful ash
blonde who broke his heart. If Tennessee and its small-town, traditional values
aren’t good enough for her, she’s the wrong woman for him.
Fall is ending and Christmas is coming. He was
hired by the estate administrators to put a fresh coat of paint on the old home
to spruce it up for the holidays and Amber’s return. Since his broken
engagement, Christmas is viewed as just another day to him.
Can their hearts and views be transformed by the
spirit of the season? Main Street will be adorned with festive lights,
Christmas songs, and holiday cheer. Their wedding was to be on Christmas Day.
When the snow comes, will the season melt their hearts?
B. J. Robinson writes inspirational fiction from Florida,
where she lives with her husband, a shelter cat named Frankie, a golden cocker
spaniel named Sunflower, and a golden retriever named Honi. Her children are
grown and have made her a grandmother twelve times. She promises to take her
readers on a continuous journey to another world. B. J. has been a member of
American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). She believes belonging to a good
critique group and reading books by other writers is the best way to hone your
skill and craft. Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BJRobinson6
Facebook Author Pages: https://www.facebook.com/Author-BJ-Robinson-600635176683799/
Inspirational Romantic Suspense Page:https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBJRobinson/
Historical Romance Page: https://www.facebook.com/BJRobinsonHistoricalRomance/
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