In the Word Mines

So I have officially started writing the new book–working title PROHIBITED–and I’m having a lot of fun. My usual process goes something like this:

• Get idea for character/situation
• Noodle around with worldbuilding
• Answer most brainstorming questions with “I don’t know, I’ll figure it out as I get there”
• Tear my hair out while writing the first draft
• Figure out what the book is actually about as I finish it
• Live large during the rewrite

This time it’s gone more like this:

• Get idea for character/situation/setting
• Research the hell out of time period
• Noodle around with worldbuilding
• Write/submit proprosal
• Really flesh out the world/setting
• Delve deep into character motivations
• Write/submit detailed outline
• Live large as I write the first draft

At least, so far. Admittedly I’m not far into it, but already I see a difference. I’m not wondering what happens next; I already know. I’m not finding out who my main character is; I’m already quite familiar with her. I find that I’m spending more of the writing time teasing out how to best present the information I already know rather than figuring out what I know. Usually I find first drafts emotionally draining. So far, I’m finding this book to be energizing. Each session I’ve exceeded my word count goal, and when I stop I can’t wait to sit down again. This is probably a combination of all the prep work I did and the setting (which I absolutely adore).