James Joyce. Ernest Hemmingway. Stephen King. Joyce Carol Oates. Willa Cather.
What do these writers have in common, besides the fact that they are famous, prolific writers?
They write (or wrote) every day.
Stephen King: ten pages per day.
Ernest Hemmingway: 500 words.
James Joyce: sometimes just three sentences. But it took him many hours to perfect those three sentences.
Joyce Carol Oates: 45 minutes (if she’s teaching that day), (3 hours if she is not).
As a writer myself, I am unfashionably curious about the habits of other working writers.
So, I asked the working writers I know a series of questions about their personal writing habits.
I hope you will enjoy reading their stories, and I hope it will inspire your own writing.
Today’s featured writer is Katy Lee. As an inspirational romantic-suspense author, Katy Lee writes higher-purpose stories with high-speed suspense. Through her writing, ministry work, and teaching, Katy dedicates her life to sharing tales of love—from the “greatest love story ever told”, to the sweet romantic tales of falling in love. Katy and her husband are lifelong New Englanders, and have been known to travel far and wide on a whim with their three adventuresome children. Connect with Katy anytime at www.KatyLeeBooks.com. There you will see her Facebook and Twitter links to connect with her further.
I asked Katie a few questions about her writing process. Here are her answers.
What time of the day do you write best and why?
In the evening, but I plot my next scene during the day, so when I sit down in my chair, I’m ready to go.
How long do you write every day when you have a deadline looming?
I’m good for about three hours before my brain is fried.
How long do you write every day when you don’t have a deadline looming and why?
1 ½ – 2 hours. (About 1,000 words)
How do you begin writing a novel?
Prayer. I ask God what message He wants me to share. Then I create the characters who will deliver that message the best.
Are you a before you ever write your novel planner? If so, how do you plan? Do you use any outlines, books, formats when you plan your novel?
Story boards, using Goal, Motivation, and Conflict, as well as the Hero’s Journey outline.
Where did the idea come from for the novel you are working on right now?
I take certain shows I like to watch and ask what if? This Old House is up next.
Do you use any visuals for inspiration? (or anything else!)
I will find pictures for my main characters and setting to keep me on track.
How do you get through the “murky middle” of your novel?
I try not to make them murky. That’s the time for some excitement and plot twists.
Do you revise every day? If so, how do you organize your revising? What is your revision technique?
I might go back and read through what I wrote the day before, but I don’t dwell on piddly stuff. That can come later. I get the framework done first.
If you don’t revise every day, when do you revise and why?
When the story is complete, I will read through it twice before sending to my editor.
Do you have a writing group, or a trusted reader for your novels?
I do not have a critique group, but do have a writer’s group I can bounce brainstorming ideas off of.
What have you learned about your method of writing after publishing your book(s)? Has it changed? If so, how?
I was always afraid of plotting. I thought it would take the creative process away from me. I’ve learned that’s not true. In fact, my stories get done faster and cleaner with plotting.
What advice about a writing method would you give to any new writer?
Join a professional writer’s group.
Is there anything you would like to add about writing?
Not everyone is going to support you. Let their comments roll off your back and keep writing.
Tomorrow, writer Patricia Johns will share her writing habits.