We’ve been joined for the last two days by J. Scott Savage, author of the new young adult fantasy novel, “Farworld: Water Keep.” If you missed parts one or two, you can click here to catch up.
Scott, we’ve talked about your new series in terms of what it’s about. Now I’d like to talk about the nitty-gritty of how it came about. When you write, do you outline, or do you go with the flow?
One of the biggest debates among writers is whether to outline or not. Most
people who don’t outline are afraid it requires too much structure and stifles creativity. But at the same time, many prospective authors can never seem to make it through to the end of a book. They fizzle out fifty pages or so in. What I like to do is more creative outlining. It can just be in your head. It can be in picture form. It can involve butcher paper and crayons. Here are the things I like to know before starting a book:
How will my story begin and end?
What are my primary storylines?
What are the beginning and end of each storyline?
1 to 3 sub-climaxes.
How will each character be affected by above?
Where and how will I foreshadow?
Key plot twists.
But I don’t do a chapter-by-chapter outline.
What would you say have been the three things/persons/bits of information that have helped you the most in your writing career?
You mean other than the magic faerie that sprinkles dust on my laptop?
Um, yes, other than that.
I’d say, my critique group, conferences, and just good old practice.
How long does it take you to write a book, between drafting, editing, rewriting, and so forth?
Less than three months for the first draft. But then there was another full year of editing, revising, rewriting. I like to get the main story out quickly while it’s still powerful in my head. By rewrites are like polishing a gem stone. The more you polish, the brighter the final product.
It’s been so fun to talk to you, Scott. Best of luck in all you do, and we hope to see you on all the bestseller lists as soon as “Water Keep” comes out this September.
If you’d like to learn more about Scott, you can do so by clicking here.
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