Shortcuts?

 

Terry here with our question of the week: Have you found any hints or shortcuts to speed up your writing process? Energize your creativity? Minimize distractions? Do tell. 

 I am a fast writer, but there is only one hint I have for writing at speed: Butt in chair (or stand, if you’re that kind of writer), hands on keyboard (or with pen in hand). Go!

That’s it. That’s my hint. If you insist, here’s a little more: Do it every day. Set goals. Meet the goals. If you don’t meet the goals, don’t beat yourself up. That’s just wastes time and energy. Just get at it the next day. 

 I imagine there are writers who will cite their use of some writing program to keep them organized and speed things along. But the only thing I’ve ever noticed about these types of “helps” is that they give the writer something to do while their mind is working on the book. That doesn’t mean they aren’t useful for some people. But I have an organized mind, so when I’m writing, I tuck things away in “corners” and pull them out when I need them. It’s probably the same process as Scrivener, or any other type of writing aid. I just happen to keep mine in the air. 

 About halfway through a book, I often find that the air is getting too crowded and I can no longer remember all the details--a minor character’s name, or exactly where or when something took place. That’s when I take time out, review the chapters, and make quick notes. The notes look something like this: 

 Chapter 1 Monday morning, headquarters, S gets phone call from Jane Marple. Reports missing cat. S sends Connor to find cat. Cat up tree, dead body at bottom of tree. Red herring: Bow tied around tree. Real clue: Funny odor. 

 In my notes I highlight names of characters and make note of red herrings and real clues. I sometimes will jot down a character trait or description. But it’s pretty basic. I suspect it would save time if I did this as I wrote, but I find the process is useful halfway through because it reminds me of where I’ve been and helps me adjust any writing that seems to wander away from the point. In other words, it works for me.

 So the best advice I can give is to do what works for you. And if you think something isn’t working, try something else. 

 As for the next part of the question, I don’t worry too much about energizing my creativity. I’m at the odd point right now where I’ve finished a couple of books and short stories, and started noodling around with a few ideas, but am not feeling particularly motivated or serious. I used to panic at that point: Oh no! I’ll never write again. I’ll never have another idea. I’m done. 

 Now I have enough experience to know how this will work. I’ll do a few projects that need doing, around the house write lists of things I “should” do, and then ignore the list. I’ll putter around, clean out a drawer, see friends. But at some point, I’ll start to get antsy. Conversations will make me impatient. I’ll find myself staring at something that seems more important than it is. I’ll wonder why it intrigues me. And then I’ll know. My brain is starting to assemble itself for another writing project. Simply noodling around has energized me for the next book. 

I may not even know what the book will be about, but I’ll find myself on high alert for prods: That lecture I heard yesterday? What if…? That painting I was staring at ? What if…”

The conversation I overheard that seemed odd…What if? It feels effortless, but at some point, the ideas will start to coalesce. 

As for minimizing distractions, I’m really lucky. I get hyper-focused when I’m writing. So much so, that if I answer a telephone, or someone speaks to me, I’d better write down what was said or it’s gone! Of course important things can come up that I must pay attention to, but even while I’m distracted, I keep feeling this pull back to the keyboard. The only advice I have about that is, if you realize you must leave your work for a while (a few minutes, an hour, a day, or longer), write a few lines saying what comes next. Then when you sit back down, you can read over the last few pages, read your prompt about “what comes next” and get back to it. 

A side note: A fond farewell to Brenda Chapman, who will be leaving 7CM after a good, long ride. Good luck with new adventures!

 Now comes the BSP: I got a fantastic review from Booklist for DEEP DIVE, the next Jessie Madison, which comes out July 1: “The tension ratchets up to a nerve-tingling level. With taut suspense, scary moments beneath the sea, and a surprising conclusion, this twisty, watery tale is a must-read thriller."