Planning and New Beginnings

It’s September again, and it doesn’t matter how old I am, I still get that “back to school” feeling. So there’s no better time to think about tweaking my plans for my author business to make sure I’m still on track for the rest of the year, and because my editor and book cover designer are busy people, I’ll be starting to plan for next year too.

I plan financially, and I also plan my productivity because the number of books I write directly affects my income. So it is crucial to plan my writing time. Working from home is a joy and a curse. It’s great to have flexibility and no commute, but it’s easy to get distracted.

Writing is a passion for many, a creative outlet that allows us to explore our imaginations and craft stories that transport readers to new worlds. And that is a worth goal. However, if you want your writing to be more than just a hobby—if you dream of turning your passion into a profession—then it's essential to approach your craft with a strategic mindset. This means focusing on planning and productivity to ensure that you're consistently creating high-quality work and moving towards your publishing goals.

It doesn’t have to be complicated, but there are some key items you need to include. First, one of the most critical aspects of planning and productivity is setting clear goals and deadlines for your writing projects. Without a defined target to aim for, it's easy to get sidetracked or lose motivation along the way.

Start by breaking down your ultimate goal (such as publishing a novel) into smaller, manageable milestones. For example, you might set a goal to write a certain number of words per day or week, or to complete a specific number of chapters by a certain date.

Once you have your goals in place, create a timeline or schedule that outlines when you plan to achieve each milestone. Be realistic in your estimations, and build in some buffer time for unexpected delays or setbacks. Having a clear roadmap will help you stay focused and motivated, even on days when the words don't come easily.

Consistency is key when it comes to writing productivity. Just like any other skill, the more you practice writing, the better you'll become at it. That's why establishing a regular writing routine is so important.

Identify the time of day when you're most creative and focused, and block out that time specifically for writing. Whether it's early in the morning before the rest of the world wakes up, or late at night when the house is quiet, find a time that works for you and stick to it as much as possible.

Create a dedicated writing space that's free from distractions and helps you get into the right mindset. This could be a home office, a local coffee shop, or even a park bench—wherever you feel most inspired and productive.

Make your writing time non-negotiable, and treat it with the same importance as any other appointment or commitment. Let your friends and family know that this is your sacred writing time, and ask them to respect your boundaries.

There are countless productivity tools and techniques available to help writers stay organized, focused, and motivated. Experiment with different options to find what works best for you.

While it's important to be disciplined and productive in your writing, it's equally important to prioritize self-care and avoid burnout. Writing can be a mentally and emotionally taxing process, and pushing yourself too hard can lead to creative blocks, exhaustion, and even resentment towards your craft.

Make sure to build in regular breaks and time for rest and relaxation. Step away from your writing desk and engage in activities that recharge your creative batteries, whether that's reading a book, taking a walk in nature, or spending time with loved ones.

Practice good sleep hygiene, eat a balanced diet, and engage in regular exercise to keep your mind and body in optimal condition for writing. Don't neglect your physical and mental health in pursuit of your writing goals.

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, don't be afraid to take a step back and reassess your priorities. It's okay to take a break or adjust your goals if needed. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint, and sustainability is key.

One of the biggest challenges many writers face is the editing process. It can be tempting to want to rush through this stage and get your work out into the world as quickly as possible, but taking the time to properly edit and refine your writing is essential for creating a polished, publishable product.

Build editing into your writing schedule, and give yourself enough time to thoroughly review and revise your work. This may involve multiple rounds of self-editing, as well as working with beta readers, critique partners, or professional editors to get feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Remember, editing is not a sign of weakness or failure—it's a crucial part of the writing process that helps you hone your craft and create the best possible version of your story. Embrace the opportunity to learn and grow as a writer, and don't be afraid to make significant changes if needed.

Finally, if you want your writing to be more than a hobby, it's important to plan for the publishing process. This means educating yourself about the different publishing options available (such as traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing), and determining which path aligns best with your goals and resources.

Research the submission requirements and guidelines for your chosen publishing route, and create a timeline for when you plan to have your manuscript ready for submission. If you're self-publishing, factor in additional time for tasks like formatting, cover design, and marketing.

Consider attending writing conferences, workshops, or retreats to network with other writers and industry professionals, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in the publishing world.

Remember, publishing is a business, and treating it as such will help you make informed decisions and increase your chances of success.

Now for the craft segment, and this week, I want you to write the perfect opening line that will pull my into your story, and not let me go until I’ve finished the book.

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In a genre filled with thrilling plots, intriguing characters, and high-stakes conflicts, you need to make sure the opening to your crime novel really packs a punch. A strong beginning sets the tone for your entire story, establishes your narrative voice, and, most importantly, hooks your readers, compelling them to keep turning the pages.

First and foremost, your opening should introduce your protagonist and give readers a sense of who they are and what drives them. Whether your main character is a seasoned detective, a rookie cop, or an amateur sleuth, you want to establish an immediate connection between them and your readers. This doesn't mean you have to reveal their entire backstory or delve into extensive character description right away. Instead, focus on conveying their essence through their actions, thoughts, and interactions with the world around them.

Consider this example:

Detective Lara Novak stared at the lifeless body sprawled across the alley, her jaw clenched with determination. She'd seen her fair share of crime scenes, but this one felt different. Personal. As she knelt beside the victim, her mind raced with questions and possibilities. She knew one thing for certain: she wouldn't rest until she found the killer.

In just a few short sentences, we get a sense of who Detective Novak is – a seasoned professional with a strong sense of justice and a personal stake in the case. We're immediately drawn into her world and her mission, eager to follow her as she unravels the mystery.

Another crucial element of a strong opening is setting the scene and establishing the mood. Your crime novel's atmosphere should be palpable from the very first page, whether it's the gritty streets of a bustling city, the eerie quiet of a small town, or the suffocating tension of a locked-room mystery. Use vivid sensory details to transport your readers into the world you've created, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and textures of your story's setting.

Here's an example:

The alley was a narrow throat, choked with shadows and the stench of decay. The distant wail of sirens echoed off the damp brick walls, mingling with the persistent drip of a leaky pipe. Detective Novak picked her way through the debris, her footsteps echoing like gunshots in the stillness. She could feel the weight of unseen eyes watching her every move.

By painting a vivid picture of the crime scene, you create a sense of immediacy and tension that draws readers into the story. They can feel the chill in the air, the grit beneath their feet, and the unease that permeates the scene.

Of course, no crime novel opening is complete without a compelling hook – that intriguing question, shocking revelation, or unexpected twist that leaves readers hungry for more. Your opening should hint at the central mystery or conflict that will drive your story forward, giving readers a tantalizing glimpse of the challenges and dangers that lie ahead.

Consider this example:

Detective Novak knelt beside the body, her eyes drawn to the strange symbol carved into the victim's forehead. It was unlike anything she'd ever seen before – a jagged, almost alien shape that seemed to pulse with a sinister energy. She knew in that moment that this was no ordinary murder. Something far darker and more twisted was at play, and she was determined to uncover the truth.

By introducing an intriguing element – the mysterious symbol – you create a sense of intrigue and anticipation. Readers are immediately drawn into the mystery, wondering what the symbol means, who left it, and how it connects to the larger story.

As you craft your opening, it's important to strike a balance between providing enough information to orient your readers and leaving enough questions unanswered to keep them engaged. You want to give readers a clear sense of your protagonist, setting, and central conflict, but you also want to leave room for surprises and revelations as the story unfolds.

One effective way to achieve this balance is through the use of foreshadowing. By planting subtle hints and clues in your opening, you can create a sense of unease or anticipation without giving away too much. These hints can be as simple as an overheard conversation, a fleeting expression on a character's face, or a seemingly innocuous detail that takes on greater significance later in the story.

Here's an example:

As Detective Novak surveyed the crime scene, her gaze settled on a small, glittering object half-hidden beneath a dumpster. She bent down to retrieve it, turning it over in her gloved hand. It was a locket, the delicate gold chain broken as if it had been ripped from someone's neck. Novak frowned, a nagging sense of familiarity tugging at the back of her mind. She slipped the locket into an evidence bag, making a mental note to examine it more closely later.

By drawing attention to the locket and hinting at its potential significance, you create a thread of mystery that readers will want to follow. They'll wonder how the locket connects to the crime, what secrets it might hold, and how it will impact the unfolding investigation.

Another key consideration when crafting your opening is pacing. In a crime novel, you want to strike a balance between building tension and maintaining momentum. Your opening should be engaging and dynamic, but not so rushed that readers feel disoriented or overwhelmed. Take the time to establish your protagonist, setting, and central conflict, but also make sure to keep the story moving forward with a sense of urgency and purpose.

One way to achieve this is through the use of short, punchy sentences and paragraphs. By varying your sentence structure and length, you can create a sense of rhythm and momentum that propels readers through the story.

Here’s another example:

The gunshot shattered the stillness. Detective Novak whirled around, her heart pounding in her chest. She scanned the shadows, searching for the source of the sound. A flicker of movement caught her eye. A figure, darting through the darkness. Novak gave chase, her feet pounding against the pavement. She wouldn't let the killer escape. Not this time.

By using short, active sentences, you create a sense of urgency and tension that mirrors the protagonist's own adrenaline-fueled pursuit. Readers are immediately drawn into the action, their pulse quickening as they follow Novak's every move.

As you craft your crime novel's opening, remember that every element should serve a purpose. Every detail, every line of dialogue, every moment of action should contribute to the larger story you're telling. Use your opening to establish the key components of your narrative – your protagonist, setting, conflict, and theme – and to create a sense of momentum and intrigue that will carry readers through the rest of the book.

Finally, don't be afraid to revise and refine your opening as you write and edit your novel. Your first draft may not be perfect, and that's okay. Take the time to hone your language, sharpen your pacing, and fine-tune your character introductions. Read your opening aloud to get a sense of how it flows and resonates. And most importantly, trust your instincts. If something feels off or unclear, don't hesitate to rework it until it feels just right.

Remember, your opening is a promise to your readers – a promise of the excitement, mystery, and intrigue that lies ahead. By crafting an irresistible beginning, you invite readers to join you on a journey into the dark and twisted world of crime fiction, and you set the stage for a story that will keep them captivated from the first page until the very last page.