Writing fiction is often seen as a carefully crafted journey from outline to finished manuscript, but as any experienced author will tell you, the real magic happens in the discovery process. Recently, I've spent most of my time editing and proofreading, getting Shadowalkers and Sages of Tachnir ready for publication. It feels good to be back in the proverbial writing saddle, working on Rise of the Variel (Dragon's Oath Book 4). I’ve found that some of the most thrilling moments in the writing process come when I head into the vague details and the story evolves. For this blog post, I wanted to share how this discovery process unfolded in the last couple of days and how embracing the unknown can lead to powerful new directions in the narrative.
The Outline: A Guideline, Not a Script
I'm what's known as a "panster" (writing by the seat of your pants), but experience has taught me that's fine when you're looking for a new story, but once you find it, you need some guidance to stay on target. This is especially true when writing a series with all the nuances that must be included. I have a loose outline for book 4. My notes are broken down into chapters, so I know the direction but not necessarily how I'll arrive at my predicted destination. It’s a guide—a way for me to visualize the larger structure of the story and what major events need to occur. It's not an unchangeable blueprint, but more like a road map, and sometimes I see it needs to be updated, and the detour I take leads me somewhere unexpected and better.
Chapter 1: The Storytelling Surprise
When I started writing Chapter 1, I was surprised by the direction the narrative took. The original chapter didn’t hook me. Instead of raising a question or pulling the reader into the mystery, it was a passive storytelling piece. But remember, this is a process. The dragon in this first draft taught me some details I didn't know, and while it was interesting, something was missing. I let it rest for a day, revisited my outline to remind myself where I was going, and let my muse mull it over. I discovered a flaw in my plan. The character of the Variel was buried somewhere in the middle of the plot. She needed more prominence. She needed to be in chapter one at the forefront of the story.
A Shift in Focus
This realization was a pivotal moment. I dug back into the earlier books to re-examine the prophecies surrounding the Variel, which gave me fresh insight into how integral she truly was to the plot. What started as a simple rewrite of Chapter 1 evolved into something much bigger: a complete reshaping of how the story would unfold. The original first chapter became the second chapter with significant edits. For those reading the series, I can tell you that two secondary characters from Shadowalkers and Sages of Tachnir have taken on protagonist roles in the new Chapter 1. The chemistry between this dragon and the Variel has turned out to be dynamic on more than one level, and it’s only just begun.
The Joy of Discovery: Writing as an Adventure
As an author, the discovery process is not only fun, it’s also a crucial part of the journey. It’s like reading a book where you’re not sure what will happen next, but your imagination gets to navigate the possibilities. The sense of curiosity is what keeps writing exciting. Instead of just following a plan, I get to explore the “what ifs” that make the world come to life, in unexpected ways. It energizes me.
Embracing Change and Flexibility
Writing is rarely a straight path, just like life. I’ve had to embrace change and allow my characters and plot to evolve beyond my original expectations. The process isn’t just about writing down what I planned; it’s about discovering what the characters think the story should be and working with them. The more I let go of rigid expectations, the more freedom I have to find the most compelling direction for the characters.
The discovery process is one of the most rewarding aspects of fiction writing. It’s where true creativity shines, and the journey becomes just as exciting as the destination. As I continue working on Rise of the Variel, I look forward to the next twists and turns the story will take—and I’m grateful for every unexpected discovery along the way.
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