My Novel Writing Process

Thoughts as I Prepare for the Release of my Second Novel 'Without Him'

How Character-Driven Novel Writing Process Shapes Every Story I Tell

As I complete the final proofing of my newest novel, WITHOUT HIM, and also make final decisions on the cover design, I have begun jotting down notes and character sketches for a new story.

Every novelist's novel-writing process is unique, and mine has evolved significantly since my first book. How do you begin a new novel? I looked back on the early scribblings for my first two books and realized they had little in common with the final result. ORPHAN once began with an ambitious writer doing research for a planned biography of a famous Scandinavian composer. The next version began with a young tennis student being molested by his well-known coach!

WITHOUT HIM, once began with a preacher in a tiny town giving his Sunday sermon. At the moment, my new work is titled STARBOY: THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF HANSOM CONNOR, but that will surely change. The story begins with the American entry into the First World War. It will be interesting to see if any of this still holds true in another year.

My Creative Process: Scenes Before Structure

I know many authors begin by outlining a possible plot while creating a cast of characters to carry us through the story. I am unable to organize the creative process in such a manner. I first begin by creating a scene, usually with only two characters, as I begin to define the period in which they are living and the locale of their encounter.

It is usually a very active scene, and Mother Nature seems to play a key role. Their action sets off a possible way forward as I begin inventing a plot and new characters, and begin to see a structure of events that might lead me to a place I find pleasing and which might interest a reader. Only then do themes begin to assert themselves, but I am still miles away from a possible destination.

Many writers advise having a clear idea right from the start of the closing chapters, but my endings evolve after I have lived with my characters through many, many events, and from there, I can find my way home.

While writing WITHOUT HIM, I had not initially thought to send Brighton [the main character] back to the Middle East for the concluding chapters, nor had I imagined that I would send Eli, the main character in THE ORPHAN FROM SHEPHERDS KEEP on a desperate journey through Eastern Europe to catch one of the last flights to North American during the worldwide pandemic.

The events were suggested by the characters who, at a certain point in creation, begin to take over your story and lead the way. Do you find this happens in your own creative work, whether writing, art, or other pursuits?

Publication Day Anxiety

I'm excited and, of course, a bit nervous to see how the new book is received into the world. Like children, I want them to do well and to succeed, but I also know I have no control over their future—my work is done, and I can only witness their progress, unable to help.

These characters live on in my mind, and I sometimes wonder what they are up to! I often write about family and brotherhood, yet none of these themes are drawn from any personal events of my own life. We writers are inventors, and the worlds we create are often original, not copies of our own.

Anyway, these are simply the nervous ramblings of an author as he approaches the publication date. I hope you buy the book and, most importantly, enjoy it.

What questions do you have about my writing process or the characters in WITHOUT HIM? I'd love to hear from readers about their own experiences with storytelling and creativity.

Lindsay

If you'd like to learn more about WITHOUT HIM or my previous novel THE ORPHAN FROM SHEPHERDS KEEP, you can visit my website at lindsaylaw.net.