Guest Post: My Writing Process
Every writer has his or her own personal way to create a story that will interest the reader. Some writers are very methodical in their approach to writing, some are completely random. I believe there is no one correct method to successfully complete the process of writing on what content you want to convey to the reader.
With that said, I would say that my methods of writing have evolved from a combination of some structure and occasional randomness. I usually have some ideas about what the progression of the plot is going to be, so I start by trying to put them down in a general outline. I then figure out the beginning of the story that will hook the reader’s attention. Next, I jump forward to creating an ending that will be surprising and not at all expected. As the process of the flow of the story is formulated, I will add thoughts and different situations to the plot to grab the reader’s interest as the story’s suspense builds. There are times as I progress with the story that I will switch around the order of events to make the story more climactic.
For my first novel, I used all my experiences with the crazy individuals and hard-to-believe situations I experienced or heard about as a surgeon during my career of over thirty years. I knew from the beginning that this initial story was going to expand into a series of books about my protagonist in the future. For each successive novel, I again make a rough outline of the plot and where I want to go with story in relation to my main protagonist in order to keep the reader interested.
I strongly think that the development of characters in the story is key to keeping the reader turning the pages with interest. I try to make the characters seem believable but still somewhat unique in their own way. For my Dr. Kyle Chandler Thriller Series, I like to use fast-paced, snappy dialogue between characters to create a kind of tension, especially when there is a potential love interest. The trick for me with each new novel is expanding the personalities of the principal characters forward with each story while introducing new characters at the same time to make the story full.
With that in mind, I have to admit that it’s not an easy process. Face it, there are times for any writer when it is difficult to produce anything of value on your computer screen looming before you. Like anyone else, I have periods when I don’t feel inspired to write at all. I have come to accept that those periods are part of the process. I have learned to just walk away from the keyboard if ideas are not flowing in my brain. I’ll go focus on something else leaving whatever I was stuck on totally behind. Then for whatever reason, I’ll come back to my keyboard later to look at things with a fresh point of view. This usually works to get new ideas going in my brain. I really can’t explain it, but the same thing happens to me when I work crossword puzzles. Just a new sense of confidence, I guess.
With a fresh start, these new ideas lead to the evolution of the plot. At those times, I feel compelled to get my ideas down on my computer as soon as I can almost in a frantic sense of desperation. It’s during those times that new ideas with plot progression just seem to flow out of my brain to my fingertips on the keyboard.
I’ve been asked before if there a central message or theme in my current novel series that I want readers to grasp. I guess you could say that as my protagonist progresses in each novel, he is like David facing overwhelming odds against a Goliath opponent. In each situation, it leads to the theme of “never give up.”
If I was asked for one of the best pieces of writing advice that I have ever received, it would be to write about what you know. Despite what some people might think, you’re not going to know about everything. So, if there’s something you don’t know, become an expert on the subject with exhaustive research. Put the effort in to make your story interesting enough to grab the attention of the reader.
I’ve listed a few ideas about how I try to get an interesting suspense/thriller story written that may or may not help other writers go through the process more easily. Everyone has their own process to conquer. If you can figure out that the key is to enjoy the process as much as the result, then the writing itself will fulfill you that much more.
Hidden Agendas by D. Marshall Craig (Book 2 of the Dr. Kyle Chandler Thriller series)
Suspense/Mystery/Thriller/
About the Book:
Prior to departing for a medical symposium in London, trauma surgeon Dr. Kyle Chandler is contacted by Ian Griffin, who runs a private investigation firm. Because of Dr. Chandler’s involvement in a previous antiques investigation case, Ian asks him to look into a new case while in London. In addition, Dr. Chandler is asked a favor by a friend to inquire about bulk wine shipments from Europe to the United States while he’s in London. The busy surgeon reluctantly agrees to both requests.
During his time in England, Dr. Chandler stumbles on a mysterious system of product smuggling to the United States. As Dr .Chandler continues his investigation in New York, then back in Kansas City, he realizes that he faces a powerful, complex network involving organized crime.
Meanwhile, Dr. Chandler tries to determine where he stands with his girlfriend, Caroline Martinelli, an attractive and successful antiques dealer whose intelligence and quick wit fuel his interest in her. As he pursues this web of illegal product distribution, escalating threats to him (and the beautiful Caroline) reveal the truth – and the truth nearly costs him his life.
In a climactic ending, Kyle’s inquiry leads him to a showdown with the organized crime don. Using his persistence to expose the smuggling scheme while protecting himself and his girlfriend, will the proverbial David overcome Goliath in this thriller?
Praise for D. Marshall Craig:
“With surgical precision, Craig develops a mystery that will engulf not only Chandler, but his profession, the conglomerate medical force he works for, the black market world of high-end antiques and the ultimate secret that all of this is leading to.” — The Watauga Democrat
“An enjoyable read with well-developed characters and a good pace. I look forward to further adventures of Dr. Kyle Chandler.” — Full Circle Books
“A compelling high drama novel. A treat to the avid reader of action, humor, crime and deceit.” — OKCFriday
About the Author
Marshall Craig, M.D. draws upon his knowledge of medicine gained from over 30 years as a trauma, plastic, and reconstructive surgeon to continue the story of hard-working hero Dr. Kyle Chandler. Craig’s series of medical suspense thrillers are inspired by some of his wildest stories and most colorful characters from his previous medical career. He now enjoys his second career as a winemaker and vineyard manager for a small boutique winery. He lives with his wife in the mountains of western North Carolina. The first book in the Dr. Kyle Chandler series is Cut to the Chase (White Bird Publications).
https://www.dmarshallcraigbooks.com/
