Angels In The Belfry - Extra Special Bonus Content #6 - The Writing Process
First, I gotta say that being unemployed for a number of months has done WONDERS for my writing. I'm discovering so much that I feel like I really understand how people can do this full time. (Because let's be real, this story has more-or-less BEEN my full-time gig for the past few months).
My process therefore, is developing in leaps in bounds. For the first time EVER, I started using a process I like to refer to as "Storyboarding" There is probably an actual term for it in the writing world, but basically I've adapted the term from animation, where artists will draw scenes and post them in order as outlines for an animated film. For me, this process consists of placing ideas or plot points or even just good one-liners on colored index cards and sticking them on my wall. I organize them by chapter, and I can move scenes around as needed when I'm planning the overall plot. I have so much gay on my wall it's HILARIOUS. I cover up the cards with a Destiel wall tapestry when I don't want guests to read my shit because, let's be honest, it looks a little nuts. Course all my GOOD friends love it.
The other thing I spend a lot of time doing is getting in the mentality of the characters--or rather, my interpretation/version of them within the construct of this story. When the plot doesn't come, I muse, or if I'm having difficulty getting in the mindset, I'll rewatch some of my favorite Dean/Cas episodes. Or I'll read fanfiction. (This one is iffy though, because everyone's interpretation is different and I'm seeking my own. I try to stay away from anything that might dilute my own vision, mostly for the sake of continuity.) When I'm writing a difficult side character (Like Pam, or Carmen, or Jess, or John) I'll rewatch those episodes closely to see how they interact with Sam and Dean and what their mannerisms and quirks are, and then I spend a lot of time musing about how to fit them into the construct of my story.
Another thing I do is world building. This involves research--LOTS of research. What's Dean's favorite book? Where did Cas go to school when he was kicked out of the Seminary? What kind of music does he listen to? (I spent a week or more putting together a playlist for them. It's still not finished. >_>||). I Google random shit ALL THE TIME to make sure my accuracy is on point. I spend HOURS tooling around Google Maps or sifting through images. I often end up rabbit-holing down some weird internet tangent and lose the day. (Oops.)
Had it not been for Castiel's character, I never would have known a thing about opera. Now I know more than the average person. I even own one. O.o||
Most have heard of 'Method Acting'. The best way I can describe my process is 'Method Writing.' I can hear and feel the characters when I write them. When it flows naturally like this, then I know I'm on the right track. But I also need to stay somewhat objective and keep an overall bird's-eye-view of the entire scene/chapter/story. I've got to remember all those little character nuances and details that I've added in over the 100K+ words I've posted so far. When you put all of that together, it's no wonder how I can easily spend the ENTIRE day writing. Most weeks I'll spend a solid three full days writing. I gotta say, once I start this job, I'm gonna fuckin' MISS it. :'(
I ask a lot of 'what-if' questions when I'm writing. How would the character react to X? What does he/she think/feel about Y? What if so-and-so were to end up in X situation? Every question builds more of a clear picture. These characters are obviously well-established within canon, but take them out of context and throw them into a alternate world and there's a lot to consider. "Nature vs. Nurture" isn't just a concept, it dictates how I decide to mold the intricacies of my interpretation. In this story, Cas is human, so I've got to make him more human, but I've also got to keep the personality quirks we all love so much about him. Dean isn't a hunter, but his alpha-male personality has to still make an appearance.
Diction and mannerisms are also fun to play with, and a lot of the editing process consists of tweaking these. For instance, Castiel rarely uses conjunctions like "I'm", "We're", or "That's", and will instead say "That is", "We are", or "I am." Dean is the exact opposite. He often overuses slang with the "What'dyas" and "Gottas" and whatnot. The other fun detail is their use of hesitation words. Dean uses "Uh"; Cas uses "Ah". Sam and Charlie use "Um." (I think. I can't entirely remember at the moment.) Dean stutters when he's nervous. Castiel will speak slowly but rarely stutters unless he is REALLY embarrassed. Facial expressions play a big part too. It's difficult to find new ways to describe these two sometimes. I feel like I just recycle the same 5 facial expressions on a page-by-page basis. Want to play a fun drinking game? Take a sip every time one of them blushes. XD
When I'm in the mindstate of the characters but don't have a clear idea where a scene is going, I start with dialogue. It's what I refer to as a 'skeleton scene'. Mostly it reads like a movie script. I might throw in a few lines of description, but it's mainly the characters bouncing words off one another. These mundane conversations or 'What-if?' scenarios often end up framing the scene or chapter. Sometimes I discover new things about the characters in this way that I hadn't otherwise considered. These moments of discovery are always exciting and immensely fun for me! ^_^
With a note on plot, it's typically very easy for me to know where the overall story is headed. I know the final destination. I even know most of the stops along the way. I know the general feeling I want to elicit from the reader (Always one of deeper meaning, ALWAYS. Love and connection and personal growth for my characters AND readers. <3). I know what conflict needs to happen to make that growth happen and give the story substance.
That being said, conflict is actual a real BITCH for me to write. It doesn't come naturally. I'm a very even-tempered individual. I understand both sides to the equation, and as the hand of God in this work (HAH) it's really hard to drag myself down into the drama of "BUT YOU WAS CHEATING!" "BUT I'M REALLY NOT!"--which is why these short conflict scenes end up taking me fuckin' DAYS to finally get right. XD I also viscerally feel the emotions as I'm writing these scenes, and that can be difficult. I have to be super aware when I'm getting in too deep and sometimes take a step back. (Not for personal reasons but because it is emotionally painful to do shitty things to my characters. Yes, I said MY characters. When I'm writing them, they my babies. In fact, the whole story is my baby.) Still, it's all part of the process. :)
So there you have it. The tip of the iceburg of what it's like to be inside my head. LOL. Hopefully y'all don't think I'm fuckin' crazy and keep reading. Every author is a little crazy though, right? XD At the end of the day, I love it. I 100% absolutely fuckin' LOVE IT. If I could figure out a way to do this and make enough money to pay my rent, I'd jump on that boat without even thinking about it. Faster than you can say "Supernatural."