Tell Me Your Ways...with Caroline Frank
Indie Author of the steamy, funny, swoony Seasons of Love Series
If you haven’t already read the Seasons of Love series, you are in luck because the first in the series Fall Into You is the perfect romance read for autumn. So while the trees are still covered in golden leaves go get yourself a copy! After I read it, I loved it so much I reached out to Caroline and she let us take a peek at her writing process.
Are you a plotter or a pantser? Why do you find this the best way for you to write?
I am definitely a plotter. I spend about two weeks prior to starting to write figuring out my timelines, understanding what type of research I need to do if any, and finding out who my characters are before I even begin to type. Obviously, as the story develops, sometimes my initial ideas for the plot or for the character shift, so I need to pivot. But I like to go in prepared. I don't particularly think this is the best way to write for everyone, but I think it helps with my anxiety to at least have a 70% view of where I'm going and how I'm getting there.
What does your drafting process look like? Do you write scenes in order?
As I mentioned before, I spend a fair amount of time doing research once I understand what my book is going to look like and adjust based on what I learn. I'd like to believe that I write every book by following the same process afterward, that I write linearly, that it's all in order. But I've found that each book has been different.
Please walk us through a little of what your revision process looks like?
Right now, I have started with a "Skeleton draft," which means just the barest of bones. I'm writing to get the story down. Once that's done, I fix timeline issues, dialogue, and symbolism. Third revision is basically the same, but this time I go through things with a fine tooth comb, paying attention to timeline issues and "White room syndrome" as well as looking out for any problems with continuity. About a million reads after that, I send it to my trusty betas and editor.
How do you know when your story is done?
I have come to accept that no story will ever be done. I will always feel like there's more I can do for it. But I'll know it's ready when I think it hits the right feelings, the characters have a clear arc, and I feel like I've done their story justice.
How many beta readers do you typically have for a project? Does anyone read all the versions?
Very few and it depends on the project. I probably should have more!
What are you currently working on now?
The last book in my Seasons of Love series!
Do you have a favorite book on the craft of writing?
Meh. I think craft books are great for when you're stuck, but should be taken with a grain of salt.
Anything else you’d like to share? Where can we find you?
On Threads @carolinefrankwrites
On my website www.carolinefrankwrites.com
Or on Instagram @carolinefrankwrites