The festive season is nearly upon us and my writing year almost at an end. As it does, I’ll share with you how I write a novel and decorate the Christmas tree. Not normally at the same time.
- The box of decorations languishing in the attic is on my mind. Sat in the dark, collecting dust, discarded, patiently waiting for December. Now keep hold of that image.
The inside of my head is like that, a vast space with boxes of ideas waiting for their day, some are dusty, some new, and some overflowing.
- My first task is to slide the tree out of its box and set it in the bay window that looks out over the street, stretching out and tweaking bent branches to give a full-bodied shape.
This is when I outline the plot, create characters and world build to give my story its shape for everything else to hang from.
- The next step is the exciting one, tipping the box of decorations on to the floor.
Or in my writing sequence, the first draft. Where all my ideas are put on paper in one big scribbly mess.
- Now lies a chaotic mess of shattered baubles, tangled lights and fragments of memory lane, including those toilet roll angels made by Billy in year one. Time to separate into piles and keep, baubles, tinsel, lights and chuck out the unwanted or damaged.
The mess on the paper, although in my head it’s the perfect New York Times bestselling novel, is desperate for a first edit to untangle and sort into a coherent story, rough but logical, and trash whims, rabbit-holes and the ridiculous.
- Even though I know I put the lights away meticulouslywrapped around a cereal packet in January. They’re not! And it’s time to untangle and check the bulbs before draping them over the tree. Shall I do the usual up and down drape, or decide on something different?
Novel-wise it’s the second draft. The time I fill out the robust framework of my story, flesh it out, add in the snappy dialogue, build my characters unique personas and get down and dirty POV wise.
- Take a break. Put the kettle on pour, drink the coffee, stand back and take an overview of my tree decorating skills. Are there gaps? Does it fit? Have I added a twist on last year? Is it pleasing to the eye?
It’s exactly the same with my latest work in progress. Except, I leave it for longer than a fifteen minute break, anything from a week to a month. This time is important, as it gives me perspective, and when I return, the story has settled and any plot holes, mundane plotlines, or unreal leaps of the imagination hit me instantly.
- Now for the tinsel, angel hair, the big stuff, the skin of my decorating skills. Are the colours pleasing? Will I throw away the straggly string-of-stars, brought out every year, that granny gave me when I was seven? Or does the tree need new shiny strands?
This is my time for a second edit, working on the pace, flow. I ask myself if a scene, paragraph adds to or pushes the story forward? Does the dialogue make sense? Would Debs really say that to her dad? This is tough step for me, this is when my darlings are sent to the trash bin.
- At last I think, the best bit. Hanging the baubles, mini pressies, chocolates in their rightful place, the gloss, the bit everyone will notice if I don’t get it right.
Manuscript-wise this is my polishing stage, where I look at each paragraph, sentence and word choice and decide if it’s my best work.
9. I’m nearly finished, so I’ll step back and appreciate my efforts, and pack away the unused decorations.
My novel is now ready for a final read through with an eye to minor errors, a stray letter orcomma. Then formatted with pretty chapter headings, a readable font and the front and back pages added.
- Finally, I stand on a ladder and place the delicate treasured fairy, with her new wings, at the zenith of the room at the top of the tree. This is also the last step in the writing journey of my latest novel. Press the publish button. and my months of hardwork is ready for the outside world.
Over the festive period the fairy watches from on high as excitement builds, smiling, as we eat, drink and play games.
With its snazzy cover, exciting blurb and sparkling content my latest creation wings its way onto Amazon’s virtual shelves and waits for readers who love exciting adventures.
Happy Christmas. Solstice Blessings. Feiiz Navidad. Happy Holidays and may 2024 bring you health, wealth and happiness.
To buy Any in the Bronze-Age series, either in paperback, ebook or Free on KU, follow the link to Number one; Amalie’s Perilous Journey and enjoy the adventure.
Jacqueline P Vincent 
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