tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232639346497420305.post4703411963155899903..comments2023-05-13T05:36:04.086-06:00Comments on Jessica Day George's Blog: This is your Writing Process. . .Jessica Day Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09303083752712579803noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232639346497420305.post-69827222440380609462009-11-02T09:47:44.817-07:002009-11-02T09:47:44.817-07:00I've heard you speak at conferences and loved ...I've heard you speak at conferences and loved what you said, especially when you got into a discussion about underwear. So funny. I haven't published a book yet, though an editor's looking at one of mine and an agent (your agent I think) has expressed interest too! (Yeah). Anyway, I don't outline much. I've tried but I'm no good at it. It just confuses me. I can't think much about what I'm going to write. I have a general idea of the story, but until I start writing it, I really don't know exactly what's going to happen with it. My first drafts, I think, are really more like summaries, not much detail, character development, dialogue, or introspection, more action and telling. It's only after several rewrites that the real story is revealed. In fact, I'm not sure if I ever completely finished a book yet. I have friends who outline and do very few drafts and don't have to do much revising. I wish I could do that, but I'm mostly a reviser. I hate writing first drafts. It's painful. Like you, I have learned not to revise as I go on my first draft and that helps me get through it faster. This month for NANORAMO (sp?) I'm going to attempt to write a first draft in a month, which will be a miracle for me if I do it. I'm amazed that you do first drafts in a few months and then do a rewrite and its ready to send to your agent and that you can write a book in 6 months. Wow!Alicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09210398194494998143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232639346497420305.post-73714850495319569332009-10-27T01:20:35.862-06:002009-10-27T01:20:35.862-06:00I'm with you on step one. Where I have trouble...I'm with you on step one. Where I have trouble is finishing step 2. Which is probably why I've only published one book...<br />And I agree with Julie. Whenever I've heard you at a conference, you've been personable and fun.Crystal Liechtynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232639346497420305.post-63137110189836033432009-10-26T23:33:30.811-06:002009-10-26T23:33:30.811-06:00oh and mckenna is my daughter. I have no idea when...oh and mckenna is my daughter. I have no idea when she sneaked into the confines of my computer and logged in as herself but that last bit was from me (though mckenna loves you too)Julie Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15311231654035295596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232639346497420305.post-37210855169356424012009-10-26T23:31:37.338-06:002009-10-26T23:31:37.338-06:00You are amazing as a writer. everything you write ...You are amazing as a writer. everything you write is fun, interesting and funny. You have great wit--and stop kidding yourself--you are hilarious on a panel. People come specifically to listen to you.<br /><br />I write like you do. I think and contemplate and mentally outline. I take notes so I don't forget important things. And for the record--today I hate writing. Today I wish I never ever wrote down that first word that led me to the madness of this career choice. Tomorrow I will love it again--or not. we'll see, but I feel angsty and want to let everyone know it!Kenna Raehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17085558856123578886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232639346497420305.post-31796755779063919552009-10-26T23:11:40.093-06:002009-10-26T23:11:40.093-06:00Jessica,
Please don't think that you ever have...Jessica,<br />Please don't think that you ever have to justify yourself or your writing. There are so many of us that absolutely love your books and your writing style. <br /><br />No one should pick apart another writer like this lady did. Whoever she is should truly be embarrassed. You have won awards and been nominated for so many awards; that speaks volumes to me. I only hope, someday, to write even half as good as you and get published.<br /><br />You are fantastic my friend!! ~~SheilaWhy Not? Because I Said So!https://www.blogger.com/profile/12875366296917497497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232639346497420305.post-90616070842846831132009-10-26T22:18:21.030-06:002009-10-26T22:18:21.030-06:00Just did a google search for "Dragon Flight&q...Just did a google search for "Dragon Flight" and - as far as my ADD would allow - came up with only positive to glowing feelings about the book out there in good ol' cyberspace. So, if one bitter person wants to talk merde and poo about things they know nothing about - what can we do, but giggle? I admire - and have even known - many talented, lovely writers, such as yourself, and they only have one thing in common as far as the writing process THEY WRITE A LOT. So there, miss "I've been to writing conferences and I can categorize people into two writing categories". Sounds a lot like an early moment in "Dead Poets Society" when they start "charting" poetry. Bah, I say. Bah.c'est moihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04909766022459002307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232639346497420305.post-16986499030428366532009-10-26T21:43:21.986-06:002009-10-26T21:43:21.986-06:00And then I go back and fix my typos, which I shoul...And then I go back and fix my typos, which I should've done before I posted that last comment - haha :)<br /><br />Oh, and may I just say: I often get in on that part 3 of your process, Jessica, and your rough drafts are already KILLER!! So amazing :)Amy Finnegan {BookshopTalk.com}https://www.blogger.com/profile/10467356529486477863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232639346497420305.post-67116591429318762342009-10-26T21:40:47.857-06:002009-10-26T21:40:47.857-06:00I've decided I am not a "writer" but...I've decided I am not a "writer" but a "rewriter" :) Really, most of my good ideas come about through the process of rewriting. I write a chapter at a time, and then I go back a few chapters (sometimes even to the beginning of the book) and revise and I read. By the time I'm to the latest chapter I wrote, my vision for the rest of the book is SO much clearer, and I know just where I'm going next.<br /><br />I do outline a few chapters ahead, and I have a general arc of major scenes that need to happen over the course of the book, but I agree that keeping a continual file of "notes" are more beneficial. I am constantly changing things.<br /><br />If someone gave me a formula book to write, with a specific beginning they wanted, middle and end, it would be torture for me. My stories are too fluid - they ebb and flow and change course. I like it that way.<br /><br />:)Amy Finnegan {BookshopTalk.com}https://www.blogger.com/profile/10467356529486477863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232639346497420305.post-6318056023932347042009-10-26T19:44:23.649-06:002009-10-26T19:44:23.649-06:00I have a similar process. I don't outline, per...I have a similar process. I don't outline, per se, but I do have to know generally where I'm starting from, where I'm headed, and many landmarks along the way. I need to know my characters pretty solidly as well. But a strict outline? No. There's as quite a spectrum between the strict outliners and the write by the seat of your pants people. I fall pretty close to center.Annette Lyonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12493583432919249814noreply@blogger.com