Your character got a bad knock on the head; happens to the best of us. Although tempting to write the following scenario, DON’T! Your character is punched. They’re unconscious for several minutes before waking up with a headache, maybe a bit out of it/acting silly. A week later (or worse, later that day), they are back to their plucky selves, fighting crime, getting into mischief, what have you.* Unfortunately, if you’re going for a realistic story, that ain’t happening.

Most of you know I’m a nurse and love all things health. It’s a huge pet peeve when I read books, and the situations that characters go through either should have killed them or at least incapacitated them. Instead, they carry on with their day to day activities. As authors, we do SO much research; it’s easy to see how this can fall through the cracks. So, I’m here to help!

Now that we’ve drafted our novel, buddied up with some awesome CPs, and recruited beta readers, it’s on to the final post in our writing process breakdown. Week 3: Professional Edit and Publication Next is the professional edit. I recommend this step to literally everyone. You technically don’t have to if you are submitting it for publication, but if you are previously unpublished, I still think it’s worth it. You want to make the best first (and often only) impression, so why not put your best foot forward?

The Book Writing Process: Part Two Last post, we discussed the messy beginnings of starting a book. This week, we’re deep in the weeds, but luckily, we’re not alone! We have our trusty Critique Partners (CPs) to help us through. A good CP is your best friend in the writing process. Don’t know what a CP is? Check out Jenna Moreci’s video here Week 2: Critique Partners and Beta Readers

The Book Writing Process: Step-by-Step Over the next few weeks, while my book-baby is in the capable hands of my editor, I’m going to share my process of taking an idea to a fully published book! I’m splitting this topic into a few posts because…she’s a big one! Week One: Rough, Messy Beginnings Brainstorm ideas. Most writers have at least a few story ideas kicking around in their head, all vying for some one-on-one development time.