Behind “The Process”: Breaking It Up
After completing Switchers. I’ve developed a solid process for writing a book. I write 75 pages (give or take), print it out, read it, make notes and corrections. Edits. Revisions. Then I move forward.
So when I say first round of edits equals 20% of the book is done, what I mean is that I’m about 20% of the way through the process.
Behind “The Process”: Breaking It Up (The Beginning)
I usually power through the beginning. I’ll write a bunch of crap to get into the story. Then I’ll literally cut the crap where the story should start.
From there I write my way into the story. And I write until I get into the rising action. Approximately 75 pages in, I feel the desperate need to reread–and make corrections along the way. It keeps the story fresh in my mind, but it also keeps the story from getting bloated or off track.
After a quick tightening up, I usually end up with closer to 100 pages of “finished” work.
Then What…?
Then I repeat the process until the story is over.
And Then…?!?
Then I get my editor to go over it. We talk about it. I look over his notes. Make the corrections I’m comfortable with (which is in the 90-something-% rate, because my editor is awesome), and keep what I feel needs to be there.
(NOTE: My next article should be about the writer/editor relationship…)
Who’s My Editor? None other than TJ Tranchell!!!
TJ Tranchell. He writes really cool books, if you like horror!!!, and I hope you’ll check them out if you like to read. And if you like to write, he can maybe edit for you…
Go to https://tjtranchell.net/
Thanks for stopping by, checking out what I have to say, and taking a peak at my friend’s books.
You’re awesome.
-CT
Christopher Tallon is the author of the dark, adventurous, time-travel novel Switchers.
He wasn’t talking ’bout coke and birds / It was more like spoken word / Except he’s really putting it down
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Everywhere BUT Bookstores Tour (9/27/22): Pharmhouse Wellness Artists’ Market
Ep. 82 | Everywhere BUT Bookstores Tour (9/27/22): Pharmhouse Wellness Artists’ Market – Creative Ops
I’m on my Everywhere BUT Bookstores Tour promoting my novel, Switchers, a sci-fi story that pits teens in 1996 against their adult selves in a winner-take-all time travel war.
Pharmhouse Wellness is more to me than a few pit stops on the tour, they are a partner I’ve worked with to promote the book and to sell it in their lobby. I’m grateful for the opportunities they’ve provided me, as well as many other creatives in the Grand Rapids area.
This episode is comprised of 6 interviews:
1) Casey and Megan Kornoelje – owners/founders of Pharmhouse Wellness
2) Dennis the frisbee guy – Founder of Wino-O Frisbee in Grand Rapids (Facebook Group)
3) Darcy Weiss aka Doodle Mittens – artist/vendor (www.doodlemittens.com)
4) Chadwick Belbeck – artist/art market attendee/personal friend (IG: @cwick_b)
5) “Uncle” Mary Brandt & (Aunt) Tay Martinez – artists/vendors/adorable married couple (IG: @maryfragdalene & @taymartiart)
6) Abdul – owner of CHAR, the caterers of the event (www.char-gr.com)
. . .
Listen to The Reluctant Book Marketer. It’s a great listen for anyone on the path to publishing and promoting a book!
www.christophertallon.com for all things show/host related.
Love ya.
Mwah!
So Fortunate to Talk to All These Amazing People
I really am.
If you didn’t know, I have a podcast called Creative Ops. I talk to people about creativity, their creative journey, and their creative process.
It started at the beginning of the pandemic and turned into something I never expected. I talk to all kinds of people, really anyone I deem “creative”. Some business people, some comedians, musicians, podcasters, marketers, event people, movies and television folk.
All kinds of people. And lately I’ve been fortunate to land some amazing guests.
Most recently I spoke to Jacqueline Gray Miller, known best perhaps as the co-host of Roy’s Job Fair alongside Roy Wood, Jr. She’s a writer, producer, professor, intimacy coordinator on film sets, legal scholar, former politician and government worker, and so many other friggin things. I highly recommend listening to her on my podcast. She’s a great conversationalist.
Ep.81 | Jacqueline Gray Miller – Writer, Producer, & Creative Chameleon (So Many Things…) – Creative Ops
And listen to Roy’s Job Fair. It truly is one of my all-time favorite podcasts.
I also recently talked to a handful of writers. One in Nebraska, one in England, one in Florida (who then went to England), and one in California who just happens to be Hugh Hefner’s son. Yes. We talked about it.
Ep.80 | Jody Sperling & Kenny MacKay – Networking & Marketing – Creative Ops
Ep.77 | Shawn Burgess, horror writer and author of THE TEAR COLLECTOR and its new prequel SOUR ROOTS – Creative Ops
Ep.78 | Marston Hefner – Author of ”High School Romance” Reflects on Writing, Gaming, and His Famous Last Name – Creative Ops
Alrighty then. Thanks for stopping by.
Have a creative day!
-CT
Christopher Tallon is the author of the dark, adventurous, time-travel novel Switchers.
I don’t mind the sun sometimes / The images it shows / I can taste you on my lips / And smell you in my clothes
Cinnamon and sugary / And softly spoken lies / You never know just how you look / Through other people’s eyes
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Jacqueline Gray Miller – Writer, Producer, & Creative Chameleon (So Many Things…)
Ep.81 | Jacqueline Gray Miller – Writer, Producer, & Creative Chameleon (So Many Things…) – Creative Ops
Jacqueline Gray Miller is a writer, producer, educator, humanitarian, environmentalist, intimacy coordinator, law scholar, media professional, and a ton of other stuff.
You may know her from Roy’s Job Fair, the podcast she co-hosts with Roy Wood, Jr. (from two of my favorite shows: The Daily Show and This Isn’t Happening), where a group of funny, insightful people (and guests) explore the human condition every week through the prism of employment.
JG wants you to check out Robert Greene!
Go to Jacqueline’s website for blogs, social links, and everything else you’d want and/or need to know:
https://jacquelinegraymiller.space/
. . .
Thanks for listening. For anything else (including my book!) visit:
Behind “The Process”: What 1,000 Hours of Work Looks Like
It’s been a minute since I did a BTP. The focus of these is to reveal what the writing process looks like for writers at all stages. Obviously I focused more on specific little things here while I was working on specific things for my book. But now that I’m in promotion phase…here’s me promoting (I admit), but also showing anyone who cares what it looks like when you follow through on, not only writing, but also promoting your writing. So here goes!
It Started with a Chance Encounter…
I talked to a novelist–whose work has sold millions of copies–a few years ago when I had just started what would become my first published novel, Switchers.
The meeting was totally random. It started with bumping into a family friend at the grocery store.
They asked, “What’re you up to these days?”
“I’m actually writing a novel.”
“Really? I didn’t know you were a writer. I’m hosting a writing conference. ___________ is the main speaker, have you ever heard of him?”
“I’m just finishing one of his series right now!”
“That’s great. I have to pick him up from the airport and take him to lunch before the conference. I’ve never read his stuff. Would you like to have lunch with us?”
And I did. And, for the cost of a meal, I got one-on-one novel crafting advice from a man who sells at least a million copies of every title he releases. He told me everything I was doing wrong. Gave me advice on how stories work, how to create tension, and how to write without thinking too hard.
I ditched my outline. Stopped doing character charts. Stopped all the crap that wasn’t actual writing. Just wrote. And he showed me the benefit of writing yourself into a corner.
Brilliant stuff.
I left with a ton of confidence and the knowledge, according to a multi-million copy bestseller, that writing a great novel takes around 1,000 hours of total time spent actively working on the WIP (work in progress).
When I hit that mark, I published.
Since then I’ve sold in 6 countries, have a nice little book tour going, got a chance to talk about my book on TV, and have managed to reach the likes of good people like you. Some how, some way.
And I’m glad I did.
If You’ve Made It This Far, Two Things:
- Thank you for your time and consideration, as far as buying the book goes. It’s my baby and I really appreciate you buying it, or even simply spreading the word about a cool new book you heard about. You’re helping me live the dream and I love you for it!
- Please look at all the info for my book. You don’t have to buy. There aren’t a ton of pop-ups. (In fact, I don’t think there are any. (Let me know if I’m wrong…)) If you like it, there are links for the paperback and e-book. There’s also a link to get a signed copy sent to you, if you’re into that kinda thing.
A Few Switchers Reviews to Peruse…
Dreamers gotta dream, right?
Thanks so much for checking it out. Follow me via any of the links below that beautiful, bearded face down yonder. And/or sign up for emails!
You rock!
-CT
Christopher Tallon is the author of the dark, adventurous, time-travel novel Switchers.
Herb’s the word / Spin’s the verb / Lovers, it curves / So freak what you heard
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