#WritersCoffeeClub 6: Process-wise, what鈥檚 improved for you over the years?
I used to do *a lot* of full re-writes. Like just starting the entire story over again as part of the editing process, until I found what worked.
It's been a long time since I had to do that, though. I guess my first drafts are coming together a lot better. I genuinely think this might be down to me planning significantly less.
#WritersCoffeeClub 7: Continuing from yesterday's question, what's gone downhill?
In terms of process? Not much. I think I've really refined the process. I'm happy with it.
Otherwise: I'm a lot more tired.
I was never a fast writer, but I'm slower now. Though more consistent and higher quality, so I guess that's good? It doesn't feel good.
Ideally, I need to pick up the pace while maintaining quality. That's something I want to work on this year, but this may be as fast as I get. I can try.
#WritersCoffeeClub 8: While editing, what most clearly signals a pacing issue?
It's more a feeling than anything. Slow pacing *feels* slow, and that tends to be because I've dwelled in small moments for a little too long. Detailed too much of something uninteresting.
Areas that are too fast are a problem, too. They *feel* fast, and that's usually because not enough is being described or played out narratively.
#WritersCoffeeClub 9: What's your top tip for writing authentic dialogue?
Every character should talk a little different from each other. Their voice should reflect their personality. What they say and how they respond will naturally be different to other characters.
Dialogue is a really powerful way to display and develop characters. You should put as much thought into what characters say (and how they say it) as what they do.
#WritersCoffeeClub 10: How do you steer a reader鈥檚 emotional journey?
I mean, I sort of...don't? Or at least, that's not what I'm thinking when I'm writing. I'm following the story's emotional journey, the character's emotional journey. I'm feeling out the scenes and the beats for when it's time for something brighter, darker, calmer, or more exciting.
I steer the story, not the reader. But hopefully the reader goes on the same journey I do, or close to it!
#WritersCoffeeClub 12: How do you get to know your characters before you start writing?
I...don't? Apart from a few keywords or loose characterisation ideas and roles, I don't really know my characters until I start writing.
As I write, I develop them, deciding what the story needs and which interactions are the most exciting. Some characters I don't know at all until I start writing. Then a little more development happens in notes after I've introduced them. That's usually minor characters.
