Just a few of the books I plan to read while working on my next manuscript!
Whenever I set out to write a new book, regardless of the genre, I always feel the need to do extensive reading research. My last book, Brothers of the Great Crusade, required significant historical study of World War II. But more than that, I also read every successful World War II novel I could get my hands on. I even read a few other greats about WWI, Vietnam, and Marcus Luttrell’s Lone Survivor account. Maybe it’s the English literature major in me, but “studying-up” on other successful works is absolutely a HUGE part of my writing process.
This time around, I’m writing in my all-time favorite genre: thrillers. Thus, I already have a good idea of what I like, what I don’t like, and where I’m going with my story. But if there’s a mental complex for needing to feel overprepared, I most likely suffer from it. I’ve read thrillers all my adult life, but here I am with a stack of 14 (and growing) books to read and “study” for my next #WIP.
For me, writing is a 90% mental game. When I’m struggling with writer’s block, it’s because I’m having a crisis of confidence. If feeling overprepared boosts my confidence, then the time spent reading is well worth my increased productivity. Plus, who doesn’t love reading a great thriller? This homework isn’t exactly punishment!
For me, the process of preparing to write a new book looks something like this:
getting an idea for a great story,
thinking the story through start-to-finish (high-level details only),
outlining the first few chapters,
finding comparable books to “study”,
completing any necessary research,
starting to put words to paper, and
continuing to read my “study” books throughout the writing process.
Also, I’m very much a spark-idea kind of person. I will read or watch something and say, “I would have written it this way,” or think, “wouldn’t if be cool if –” and then poof! Furthermore, I find that staying submerged in the genre I’m writing keeps me on point with voice, pacing, and other important elements. Growing up with a sports background, “studying” successful books and authors is essentially like “studying” game film of Tom Brady. If you want to be great, you need to study the greats!
Do you feel the same way?
At the end of the day, it’s okay if your process doesn’t look like the writer’s next to you. Maybe the only voice you want in your head while writing is your own. That’s perfectly fine! I’m just here to share what works for me. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all passion. Trust your senses, figure out what works for you, and get to writing!