Last week, someone posted a question that the PlotMonkeys decided to make part of their FAQ page. But first, we’d like to answer that question today and get YOUR responses!
QUESTION: When plotting what do you find is the hardest part of the process?
JULIE: Wrapping my mind around the whole plot. That is the last thing I can do. First, I have a premise. Maybe a few scenes. A conflict of some kind. Then I have to work through the characters with my Plotmonkeys–sometimes I know them a little bit (like with Marisela, who came to me fully formed like Athena from Zeus’s head) and sometimes I know next to nothing about them. Once I have the character type, goal, motivation and conflict (sort of) of my characters, then I can determine if the big-bad plot line (the premise, mostly) will work. I also have to know my villain. Only then can I start to plan out scenes or determine plot points or do all the rest of the work that constitutes “wrapping my mind around” the plot. And I’ve found that until I hash it out with my girls, it makes no sense to me. It’s like I have flashes of my book, but they help me draw it out into a complete picture.
LESLIE: It’s funny, I have a grand time helping to plot other people’s books. I throw out all kinds of wild ideas because, honestly, I’m not the one who has to make them work! When it comes to my own books, however, it’s not nearly as easy. I am a very character-driven author so plot is always secondary to the people who populate my stories. Probably then, the hardest part for me is when I reach the point in a story where all the fun little threads I’ve got traveling throughout the book have to be tugged tight and come together in a coherent resolution.
JANELLE: Plotting is the most difficult part of writing a book for me. I can do character and emotion and sexual tension — no problem. But coming up with a plot that isn’t stupid, cheesy, or contrived, is incredibly hard. That’s why I’m so grateful to have Julie and Leslie, who are the “plotters” of our PlotMonkey group. I’ll give them a brief premise of the story, and then they’ll start tossing out all kinds of ideas. Some are hilarious, others outlandish, and then finally an idea or suggestion with stick and work for me! Once I have a general idea of what my plot is, I start thinking of scenes that relate to the plot and will move it forward. Again, not always an easy process, but somehow, someway, it all comes together. Honestly, I don’t think there is any magic formula for plotting — though I sure do wish there was, LOL!
Carly is still away at a conference, but hopefully once she returns she’ll post her comments, too!
Janelle Denison finds it hard to believe that it’s been nearly 25 years since she first started writing romance novels. At first, it was a way to pass idle time while her husband worked swing shift, but before long it became an obsession to get published. Luckily, she kept at it (it took her over 5 years to get that first book published!) and is now a Waldenbooks, Barnes & Noble, and USA Today Bestselling author! Now, after selling over 45 plus novels, she finds that her Plotmonkey pals help to keep her stories fresh and unique, and she can’t imagine writing a story without their input. Janelle lives in Oregon with her husband, Don, along with two teenage daughters that keep life interesting.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
Subscribe to Posts 
Comment
You know reading this post today really gives readers great insight on how hard it is and how much time it really takes to write a great book. I don’t know why but I always thought that you would get an idea and run with it. It never really occured to me that there was such a big process behind it. Thanks for shedding some light. :)
PS: I can’t imagine being a writer and not having friends like you all are, to rely on when in need of some help.
Comment
Reading what each of you has posted with regards to your strengths in pulling together a story is interesting. As a reader I have always just enjoyed the end result, and never actually thought at how hard or easy in some instances it has been for the Author. It is great that you all can throw out ideas, and that out of the ones that are given you can find something to take and make your own and weave into a finished product.
Thank you all for the great stories and for all the hard work that you put into each and every book. It is greatly appreciated.
Comment
As a reader, I love getting a little insight into the writing process. I love those little behind-the-scenes tidbits authors sometimes share. Thanks for sharing and for all your hard work that you put into your awesome books!! :)
Comment
Thanks for sharing the hard work that goes into writing a book. :)
There is no talent in me for writing but I have oftened wished there was. I decided a long time ago that all authors are grateful that there are readers like myself & others that are so happy to go out & buy books. You ladies all do an awesome job. Thanks each of you for all the wonderful hours of reading pleasure. (y) (*) Each of you is a star.
Have a wonderful Saturday. (f)
Donna M
Comment
Hey, that was a great insight into the inner workings of writing a book. As a reader I just appreciate the end result and didn’t realize the blood, sweat and tears that goes it creating it. Kudos to you ladies! I enjoy reading all of your books and now I have an even greater appreciation for them. (y)
Thanks and have a great weekend!
Comment
that is great
Comment
Yes, lots of blood, sweat and tears are shed with each book we write. And with each book we do write, it gets more and more difficult, instead of easier!!! We constantly second guess ourselves and every word we write, and we panic/worry that it’s not as good as our previous books.
Carly and I have a favorite saying to one another when this happens: “Stop being such an insecure weenie and write the damn book already!” LOL :d
Comment
After reading about the amount of turmoil, you as writers go through I have such a greater appreciation for the fantastic books you all turn out. As someone whom has a hard time just writing a sentence or two you all amaze me.
I love your saying! LOL
Comment
Wow! It’s so great to get such support from readers. I’m glad our discussions of the process don’t bore you. It is hard…but then, what job isn’t, right? It’s just part of what we do. I know my life/career got easier once the Plotmonkeys started to work together. We know each other’s pain!
THANKS for all the support. Honestly…it means the world to all of us. (f)
Comment
May I add a little postscript to this discussion? I have thoroughly enjoyed lurking from the balcony or maybe I should call it the Peanut Gallery since this is directed to the infamous Plot Monkeys. Thank you, for sharing some insight into your personal creative process. Being an avaricious reader both by necessity and by desire, all four of you surged to the top of my list of favorite authors early on in your careers.
The dichotomy of my own reading and TV viewing became apparent to me as you shared your thoughts with us. CSI (all of them, although Vegas is my favorite) is never to be missed and must be taped to be watched when the chances of not being interrupted are best. Although the principle characters are exquisitely complex and artfully portrayed, I think of it as being a plot driven show. My books however tend to become favorites when they are character driven. That is not to say that I don’t notice quickly when the plot is not interesting, believable, or tight. As readers and/or viewers we all have our preferences and idiosyncrasies. Now it’s clear Why you guys are such favorites, by virtue of your association, rare and priceless friendship, and “Monkey Shines” you give your readers the very BEST of both worlds. Your characters as well as plots are virtually flawless.
One last thought, the next time your life gets insane to the point your Muse needs to consult Buffett in Margaritaville, remember your books are always entertaining but they also touch our hearts and our lives and leave us better for it. You make a difference and all the Blood, Sweat, and Tears (Chocolates, Cereal, and extra pounds) are worth it.
Thank You, now paraphrasing the words of a much wiser woman than I, “Never be an insecure weenie and write some MORE damn books already!”