The Process:
So often, I am asked, how long does it take to write one of your books. The generally giggle and say, “I have no idea.” It varies from book to book. The first book took, quite literally 18 years. But the second book took only 7 months from start to finish. I usually tell people… “Well, It’s a process…”
- It starts with massive brainstorming for about 2-3 weeks. For example, on this current book, I brainstormed for about 3 weeks, doing research and throwing ideas around. I settled on an idea, then promptly changed my mind and went in a completely different direction as a result of researching for the story line. (I didn’t say this process was carved in stone LOL)
- Once I settle on a direction and storyline, I research even more. Research is huge part of my writing. While my books are fiction, they always have historical and/or geographic facts. I also like to research mystical legends to add a splash of mystery and intrigue.
- Next comes the “tentative” outline. Ideas start to come together. It goes down on paper, then the ideas are written onto concept strips and scattered around my desk. Because, often when I’m writing, I will move an idea to a different place in the story or change my mind altogether and decide an idea doesn’t fit at all. I move those concept strips around in an imaginary timeline on my wall around my desk.
- This is often the point when the story TITLE finds its way through. I wait though. I wait patiently for just the right title to pop into my head, to match the concept I have put together.
- Then the writing begins. I follow my timeline and ideas closely as I write. Moving concepts and thoughts around as needed. This process can take anywhere for 3 to 9months depending on how much I work/fly. I not only write at my desk at home, but also on long haul redeye flights when my passengers are fast asleep. I like to be readily available for my passengers when they need me, but on occasion when they are sound asleep, so I take a little time to be creative. I also write on layovers when I have more than just 8 hours to catch a few winks before the next day’s flights.
- I print up my manuscript, read through it with a red pen making changes to grammar, wording, or ideas. Additionally, vigorously checking for any continuity issues.
- I go back to the computer and type in my “red pen changes” (as call them)
- Once the first draft is finished, I send it to my brilliant daughter for copy editing. She is an excellent editor and has no qualms in telling me… “no mom, this isn’t working…” She is also my social conscience. My age group isn’t always tuned into the changes in social norms, and she makes sure I am socially and politically correct. And I am grateful for her insight.
- I then get my manuscript back and it’s usually marked up more than Ms. Phipps, or any of my college professors would have ever done… Like I said, she’s good!
- I review her editing ideas and thoughts and make the corrections I feel work for what I am trying to accomplish. For the record, her advice is usually
- It goes back to my daughter for another look, she makes her last comments, I review those, make the adjustments, print it up one more time, and make my last-minute changes into the computer.
- Lastly, it goes to my dear friend, former colleague, and proofreader Susan. She reads over the manuscript to make sure my grammar is correct. She makes minor adjustments (ie: a missing comma, etc) then makes suggestions for the larger grammar issues. These corrections are made per her suggestions and …
Then we have a finished book.
Donna Fera
AuthorDonna Fera‘s writing invites readers to explore unknown worlds alongside courageous heroes as they face thrilling challenges and uncover hidden secrets. With a Bachelor of Arts in History and Anthropology from University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Donna is able to take her readers on amazing journeys that draw upon her background in research and learning practices. Combined with her experience in the airline industry and special projects, Donna creates stories that captivate readers with their combination of organizational detail and customer service resolution. Join Donna on this remarkable journey!
