First Stage Complete

Whew. I did it. I've managed to finish outlining the plot for the next book. It only took running out of ink for my sharpy, using up the last of my note cards and covering my entire magnetic wall with those cards to do it.

I've got a map now. All that's left is to start writing. I'm starting to get excited for the new story. The ideas are buzzing around my head like busy little bees, and the characters are starting to come to life again. I love this part of the process. There are so many possibilities.

I'll let the plot simmer for a few days  to see if I want to change anything, but I've got a good feeling about the direction it's heading. This next book will feature Tate and her friends and will be released after the sequel to Shadow's Messenger. I'm hoping also to create a short story in her world featuring Jost to reintroduce readers to the gang as it's been awhile since I released the first book in the series. That's only if I have time though. So many books to write; so little time.

The plot thickens

So much of writing is living in your head. It can mean that your mind never rests. Every moment can be used to think about your story. Driving to work, standing in line, staring out the window when you're supposed to be working.

Any time I'm not actively engaged in a task, I'm usually plotting out my next book, conducting conversations between characters, or planning the heroic demise of my hero (which I never write into any story). I've actually been known to drive myself to tears. It can be awkward especially when people notice and then ask what's wrong. It's not like I can tell people that my imaginary character just went out in a blaze of glory. They'd stare at me like I'm crazy.

When it comes to the planning stage of my process, I usually get worse about living entirely in my head. There are just so many possibilities in the beginning of the book, so many paths I can take the story. It's enough to drive a person a little bonkers. That being said, there's a certain magic at the beginning when anything is possible. Ideas come so fast and there are amazing adventures attached to every choice made.

Right now, Tate's world is living in my head and every thing I see or hear becomes fodder for her story. It's a rush, but man, it's also exhausting.