Giving Thanks Each Step of the Way by Steph Beth Nickel

 

RESEARCHING

My hubby is the one who loves to do research. I have always thought we would make a good writing duo. While there’s more to the whole “write what you know” adage than appears on the surface, I enjoy writing from my base of knowledge or about the fictional worlds I create. Typically, I find it challenging to research what I need to know, retain that knowledge, and then compile it into something that will benefit readers. I am currently coauthoring Paralympian Deb Willows’s second memoir, tentatively titled Keep Looking Up. I am incredibly thankful for our ongoing back and forth through each stage from our initial chat about the project onward. (We are currently working on revisions.)

OUTLINING

When it comes to nonfiction, I recognize the need for a more detailed outline. However, when it comes to writing fiction, I much prefer the discovery writing process… And then I get to the messy middle. I find it can drag when the blush of getting to know new characters and where they want to take me wears off. At that point, I have a tendency to skip ahead and write the ending. That way, although I know I’ll never be a detailed outliner / plotter, I know where I am and where I’m headed. Even so, there’s still room for some surprises along the way. I am incredibly thankful that there are a plethora of ways to get from the figurative “once upon a time” to “the end.”

DRAFTING

The middle of the novel I’ve been working on for-ev-er is dragging and in need of serious revamping. The main thing that’s keeping me from going back to Square One is the fact that I have been releasing chapters to Substack. I only have a handful of followers, but those who are reading Rule and Reign chapter by chapter keep me pressing on. I’m thankful for them, for every Like, and for every comment.

REVISING

Some people love working their way through the first draft of a new manuscript. Others prefer the revision process. Because I have what has been referred to as an abundance of “starting energy,” I find going back over my work, tweaking, and polishing it doesn’t stir up the same enthusiasm as diving into a new project does. Funny, as an editor, I am more than happy to go through a client’s manuscript time and time again. I am thankful for that and may need to bring the same perspective to my own writing.

PUBLISHING

Which option to choose: The Big Five? Or is that the Big Four? A small royalty press? A hybrid press? Indie publishing? While Deb and I are working with a small royalty press, I intend to independently publish my own work. However, there are challenges no matter which route a writer chooses and much to learn. And for me… See above how I feel about researching. I am thankful for my many connections to both independent and traditionally published authors as well as books, blogs, and courses.

MARKETING

While there is much “conventional wisdom” floating around out there about how to market one’s book, there are also methods that are more approachable for different personality types. Authors are not all the same nor does their approach to marketing have to be one size fits all. I am incredibly thankful for this.

The number one thing I’m thankful for, as a Christian writer, is that I can ask the Lord for wisdom each step of the way and keep moving forward one step at a time.

Steph Beth Nickel is the former Editor of FellowScript and the outgoing InScribe Contest Coordinator. Steph is an editor and author and plans to relocate to Saskatchewan from Ontario to be close to family in 2027, Lord willing. (Headshot Photo Credit: Jaime Mellor Photography)

Variety is the Spice of (the Writing) Life by Steph Beth Nickel

 

I am eclectically interested and eclectically involved. This variety adds spice to my life . . . and to my writing. I have plans to write several things: picture books, YA spec fiction, devotionals, memoir, and more.

Although some writers are focused primarily on one genre, variety adds spice to their life as well.

How?

There is so much more to writing than putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.

For example . . .

Researching

The word "research" may bring to mind hours of Googling, seeking the information we want to include in our writing, and that may very well be part of your writing process. However, if we keep our eyes and ears open to the inspiration that is all around us every day, that can be considered research as well. From snippets of conversation to a building or ruins that spark our imagination to the beauty of a sunset . . . So much of our day-to-day life can find its way into our writing.

Outlining

We all outline to differing degrees, but creating a plan (whether extremely detailed or bare bones) for our blog post or full-length manuscript is part of the writing process. 

Writing

And now we get to what the majority of writers likely enjoys most, what we want to get back to when we're doing something else, actually getting words on the page.

Revising

We rarely share the first draft of our writing with anyone. In fact we may revise, revise, and revise again before allowing anyone else to see our work. We are often told not to revise while we're still in the process of writing our first draft. However, depending on how we work best, we may want to tweak as we go. Each of us must discover the most effective way of getting our projects completed. But whether we revise as we go or complete the first draft without looking back, further revision will be needed. 

Seeking Input

Beta readers can do for us what we can't do for ourselves. We know what we mean by our words and can't tell how those words will come across to others without seeking their input. Tiffany Yates Martin states that editing our own writing is like performing brain surgery on oneself, and no one is going to attempt that, not even the world's most skilled brain surgeon. Finding those who will read our work and give us honest feedback is priceless. 

Revising Again

While we need not incorporate every suggestion our beta readers (and even our editors) suggest, if we hear the same thing from multiple sources, it bears considering. After we receive input, it's time for another round of revisions. (I, for one, wish I could write a brilliant first draft, hit Publish, and get onto the next project, but that's not how the Writing Recipe works.)

Hiring an Editor

If we plan to hire a developmental editor, obviously this step will be happen earlier in the process. However, now is the time to consider content and line editing, as well as proofreading. In fact, we may want to book with our editor as soon as we have a "completion" date in mind. Depending on how busy our editor is, we'll want to get on their schedule as soon as is realistic. (And, yes, even editors need to have their writing edited.)

Finding an Agent or Publisher

When we have a polished manuscript in hand (or the required portion of a manuscript), it's time to look for an agent or publisher if we're seeking to be traditionally published. We must be sure to carefully follow their guidelines. More people than ever are seeking to get a publishing deal, and we don't want to be disregarded immediately because of an avoidable mistake, such as addressing our inquiry to "Whom It May Concern."

Self-Publishing

If we intend to self-publish your work, there is a plethora of things to learn. One great resource for doing so is Orna Ross's book Creative Self-Publishing: ALLi’s Guide to Independent Publishing for Authors and Poets.

Marketing / Promotion

And whether we go the trad or indie route to publishing our work, much of the responsibility will fall squarely on our shoulders to market and promote our writing. 

The following three "spices" may not seem to apply to the writing life, but their benefits will affect every area of our lives . . . including our writing.

Eating Well

When we nourish our bodies with healthy food, there are many benefits, including the ability to think more clearly. 

Drinking Water

Many writers live on coffee. While I enjoy my lattes and cappuccinos, I know it's important to consume enough water during the day. (This is something I have to work on.)

Getting Exercise

I can almost hear the collective groan. The best way to stick with an exercise routine is to find something we enjoy. Walking. Hiking. Biking. Joining a recreational sports team. Getting (and using) a gym membership. One of the many benefits of getting regular exercise is that our subconscious continues to work on those writing "blocks" when we're focused on something else. Bonus!

Just as we prefer one spice over another, as writers, we prefer some of the above "spices" more than others. Still, the variety of responsibilities adds interest and dimension to our lives.