
When I'm actually writing, I don't use many specific tools. I don't know if I'd call myself a pantser, because I do plan out my plots beforehand, but I don't write out detailed outlines or anything like that. If anything, I just list ideas for scenes. Right now, this is the entirely of my notes for my current WIP:
Scenes (not necessarily in this order)
·
Emmy asks David, Patrick, and Xavier about the
necklace.
·
"Let's dance." "There is no
music." "There will be."
·
Thea's flashbacks? maybe
Yep, it's all very scientific. However, I am more likely to use tools during editing. Here are some of my favorites:
- CTRL-F - Where would I be without you CTRL-F (although since I use a Mac, technically it's Command-F)? I use this during editing to sniff out to-be verbs, hesitation phrases, filler words, and more. I only wish I could use it to find accidental tense shifts, haven't found a quick fix for that.
- My publisher's style guide - I hate this thing. It's this immense bible of writing rules. Tedious, annoying, details. But, hey, it's super helpful. It's a great place to start my edits and get rid of most common problems.
- Beta readers & my editor - There really is no replacement for an experienced set of eyes on your MS. Sometimes I don't like hearing what they have to say, sometimes I think they're wrong, but more often than not, they catch important things that I would never have seen on my own.
- Google - Sort of obvious I guess, but usually during my final editing pass (or earlier, depending on what it is), I go through my MS and Google anything and everything from the streets in a town look like, to how to take apart a gun, to what high school my characters would probably attend, just to make sure it all makes sense. I also use Google Maps (when working in the real world) to pinpoint where my scenes are taking place and how far it takes to get from one place to another.
- A Timeline - My first book was an alternate history, so writing out an extensive timeline was important. However, I've realized how important it is for all books. It's so easy to make silly mistakes. I've found days that are way too long, and all sorts of other time passage problems. So now, I create a specific timeline for every chapter. For example, Chapter Five - March 2, 2014 (morning).
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