I know what you are thinking—what does discovery
have to do with writing?
For me, there are several things to discover in the writing process:
1/Finding out what a cover artist has developed for the cover of the book.
2/Delving into edits to uncover what an editor feels the book needs to be fully developed.
3/ And then there’s characters. This may be the most important discovery in my process, especially since I am a pantser writer (writing by the seat of my pants vs. writing with a plotted outline).
I am not a trained writer; I am huge reader. I consider myself to be self-taught. When I began my career, I took tons of classes and scribbled everything in my head to the page. When I reached The End, my work really began because those guts I spilled are so not perfect. I’ve got to revise and revise and revise.
Sounds like a lot of work. And it probably is. But with my style, my book is always in
my head and something magical happens. I discover the perfect word, the best description, a new phrase, a plot line needing a bit more finessing. I discover more about my book.
I’ve had moments when driving and I scrambled in my handbag for a pencil and a receipt to jot down a thought. I stepped in a large department store and was whacked by something to add to my manuscript and again, scrambled for the paper and pencil. (I really should learn to use my phone. Lol.) I’ve sent myself emails. I have a stack of sticky notes on my desk by my computer of ideas to add to my book.
By doing these things, is my work fresher? I believe so.
And since I like how I “pants,” I doubt I’ll change my writing style. It may be slow, but it does get the best from me.
Speaking of discovery—have you discovered my books? Try this cool 
boxed set, Murder & Mayhem, which features my humorous romantic mystery, Temporarily Employed, as well as others. Happy Reading!
Word by Word 
Great post, Vicki! Writing a novel is all about discovery which is why I love it so much!
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Hi, Sharon! I have discovered so much about myself when writing. Hugs, my friend!
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Love your thoughts. I’ve had many drives where I reach for my pen and a paper scrap to a write down an idea. It’s so true that once you have a first draft, that’s when some of the most creative additions arrive.
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Hi, Veronica! That first draft is spill the guts on the page draft. I wouldn’t show it to anyone. But after a lot of work, I find and tweak and revise and that work is the best one. Hugs back!
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Hi Vicki, Thanks for sharing your process. I consider myself a linear pantser…I plan the first three and last chapters. The rest…I call on my creative spirit. 🙂
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Hi, Joanne! I say as a pantser I do have a beginning and an ending and something happens in the middle. Just have to fill in a bit. LOL
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Thanks for “Discovery,” VIcki … a perfect word for us pantsers! My latest discovery was when a couple from a previous book show up and jump into the current project. Such fun!
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Hi, Kathryn! Using that couple from a previous book is so cool. You know them well and will create something good for them. I’ve written a lot of very short shorts and when pubbed, readers would say they want more. I suppose I could take the story and run with it, but truthfully, I like them short short. Hugs for you.
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Vicki, I’ve never seen a more perfect example of my process, especially the driving part. That’s when the characters show up and tell me what they want!
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Hi, McKenna! I think that is the beauty of revising like I do, good thoughts pop in my head. Better words. And the work is definitely better for it. Hugs!
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I agree, and loved your post.
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Hi, Marian! So happy you stopped by today. Many hugs!
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Great post! I’m a pantser too! Sometimes the story and character surprise me with their stories!
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Hi, Melissa! and those characters should be talking to us. They have good stuff to tell.
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No wonder we’re ‘sisters’ we share the same writing style!
For me, it usually happens in bed just before I nod off to sleep. Either a title, a first line, or a character jumps into my head and I have to get it down, lol.
Great post, Vicki!
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Isn’t that the truth, Jacquie! Bam! something grabs you. I’ve often heard writers think something before falling asleep and in the morning the thought comes to them. I’m better off not trying to remember but write it down.
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Great post and lots of good comments. I differ from the rest of you in that when thoughts/ideas pop into my head, I seldom write them down. I feel like if they are meant to be part of the book, they will stay with me. Of course, now that I’m getting more scattered and forgetful with age, I probably need to learn a better way. LOL!
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Hi, Mary! That is an interesting prospective about not writing down ideas or thoughts and how you feel they will stay with you. I can buy it. I’m more on the scattered brain line and have to write down things. I used to put sticky notes on my collarbone when I worked so I wouldn’t forget things. Thanks so much for stopping by.
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I totally agree, Vicki. I write much the same way. It’s certainly not speedy, but I get the job done.
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Hi, Ilona! I’m okay with not being speedy. I wrote a ton of short stories really fast and I may stick with that after I finish my third book. I’m just not a speedy book writer.
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