Hey there, hello from Orlando!
I’ve started a tradition where in January of each year I share with you my what my wall calendar looked like from the year prior. Maybe it’s an accountability thing. Maybe it’s to show you how many blank days there were where I didn’t work on a book. Or maybe it’s to show you that in spite of yourself, you can still reach your goal if you keep trying.
Whatever the reason, here is my calendar, with Xs representing the days I worked on a first draft, and numbers showing the chapters where I went through additional reviews.
Similar to the prior year, you’ll notice a lot of white space in the first few months (I need to do something about that). But in my defense, it was a very busy year! I still have a day job, a family, outside obligations, and I took on a few projects like getting all of my books put into paperback format which took a lot of time… more than I thought it would.
I also finally realized that I need to start embracing being a pantser instead of a plotter (someone who writes by the seat of their pants). My first few books I plotted. Actually, all of my books I’ve plotted, to a certain degree. But what almost always ends up happening, especially with my last two books, is as I write the story things change. Characters take on a life of their own. They make decisions I didn’t expect. Plot twists surprise me. I get to the end of the book and I think to myself, I didn’t see that coming.
All this to say I’m realizing that yes, I need an idea, but I should just run with it quickly.
Not wait until it’s perfect in order to begin.
I always smile when I read a review that says, “I figured out who the bad guy was early on.” I just sit here and think, Really? Because I wrote the thing, and I had no idea! 🙂
Having just released Blake Jordan #8 a few weeks ago, and after I get the paperback file ready, my plan is to spend the next few weeks thinking of where the series goes from here, and what could be next. Then I’m going to start… whether I’m ready or not.
Because just like you, I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Blake Jordan. -Ken
