#GuestPost ~ Conjoined by K.T. George @author_KTGeo @SDBookTours

Crafting Words: The Journey of a Writer from Idea to Publication

Hello there! I’m K.T. George, author of the psychological thriller Conjoined. I’ve been deeply intertwined with storytelling and writing from the moment I could grip a pencil (or crayon.) Drawing on years of experience and a rich tapestry of influences, I want to share the insights I’ve gained on my journey, from drafting ideas to publishing my first novel. This post explores my writing process, offering practical tips for fellow writers at any stage of their journey.

Embracing Literary Greats as a Compass in Writing

My writing journey is akin to standing on the shoulders of giants. Last year, I embarked on a quest to read “The 100 Books You Need to Read Before You Die,” which profoundly influenced my writing perspective. Tackling monumental works like War and Peace and Anna Karenina helped refine my understanding of narrative structure, character development, and thematic execution. These classics not only enhanced my vocabulary but also sharpened my ability to draw parallels between historical and contemporary storytelling.

The Birth of Conjoined: A Case Study in Character and Plot Development

While developing Conjoined, I integrated these literary insights, which significantly enriched the novel’s depth. I recorded intriguing vocabulary from classic literature to weave into my narrative, enhancing the story’s texture and authenticity. This practice not only improved my language skills but also deepened my characters’ complexities by borrowing historical literary nuances.

My Writing Toolkit: Combining Tradition and Technology

I am an avid list-maker and note-taker, a habit that manifests in my chaotic yet functional array of notepads and digital apps. This method helps me organize thoughts and plot points, ensuring no creative spark goes unrecorded. Despite my background in technology urging redundancy for data protection, I find a harmonious balance between handwritten notes and digital backups, which safeguards my work against potential losses.

Structured Creativity: My Approach to Writing

I often describe my writing process as structured creativity. I begin with a comprehensive outline that guides the initial drafts, allowing room for spontaneous creative flourishes that enrich the story. This balance between rigorous planning and creative flexibility is crucial in crafting a coherent and compelling narrative. My routine is disciplined: I write in solitude, focus on one project at a time, and limit writing sessions to maximize focus and productivity.

Navigating Feedback and Edits

Constructive criticism is vital. I rely heavily on a trusted first reader—neither friend nor stranger—who provides honest feedback on early drafts. This external perspective is crucial in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of my manuscript, guiding substantial revisions before the final draft.

Overcoming the Research Trap

Research is essential, yet it’s crucial not to let it overshadow the writing itself. I integrate research seamlessly into my daily routine, allowing me to stay immersed in the creative process without getting bogged down by incessant fact-checking. This approach keeps my writing sessions focused and productive, prioritizing content creation over endless data accumulation.

The Publication Decision: Self-Publishing vs. Traditional

Deciding how to publish is as crucial as the writing itself. After exploring both avenues, I chose to self-publish Conjoined to maintain control over the publishing timeline and creative aspects. Services like BookBaby facilitated this process by providing comprehensive support from editorial services to global distribution, ensuring professional quality comparable to traditional publishing.

Final Thoughts: You Are the Writer of Your Story

Every writer’s journey is unique, and discovering your process is a personal evolution. Whether you draw inspiration from literary classics, streamline your workflow with tech tools, or decide between self-publishing or traditional paths, the essence of writing remains: to tell a story that resonates. Keep writing, keep refining, and let every word you write take you closer to the story you need to tell.

Remember, the path from a blank page to a published book is long and winding, but with persistence, creativity, and a bit of strategic planning, the journey can be as rewarding as the destination. Happy writing!