My house is quiet once again. Alas, all my people have gone back north, which means that in the silence, my characters have started to chatter, getting ready to throw themselves out of my brain/heart and onto the page.
I am not unaware of how blessed I am to have this job—I get to make up awesome people, put them on a journey (usually with fire, cliffs, and wolves along the way!), and hang out with them every day as they run from danger, fall in love, and encounter God.
Cool.
But it‘s not just a party in my head all the time. It can be a struggle to wrangle out the story. I often get asked how I come up with so many different stories (I’ve written nearly 100 novels, which blows my mind, too!).
I have a method. A system. It’s called The Story Equation and it involves a number of steps (starting with character), a lot of questions, and building the story from the inside out.
I actually wrote a book about my process (if you’re a writer, here’s the link).
But here’s a visual of the equation:
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After I nail down the characters, I put together a high-level plot, and then I employ a trick—I talk out the story (usually into my phone, where it turns it into text, so I can read it afterwards). Talking out the story before I write it helps me fill in any gaps in the story and really feel the journey of the characters.
And then I usually go for a walk, or ideally, sit on the beach and think and pray about the story, crafting the first chapter in my mind.
Or maybe it’s just an excuse to go to the beach. 
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I feel I do my best work at the beach. Here’s a picture of me designing my pool addition (as long as we’re dreaming).
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Speaking of happy dreams, it’s been SO FUN to see reviews of Everything’s Coming up Josey.
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She lands in Kindle Unlimited this week (click here to grab your KU copy!), just in time for Chill Out, Josey to release this Friday. Click on the picture below to grab it before the price goes up!
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So, let’s play a little GAME!
In Everything’s Coming up Josey, Josey’s neighbor brings her a gift. Something edible. What is it?
Put your answer here, and you’ll win a $20 gift card to the Susan May Warren Fiction Store! (Game is open until Monday, April 22nd!)
Not in the mood for a romcom? Maybe you’d prefer something with a little more suspense…
Flashpoint came out last week in the Sunrise Shop!
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I’m loving this review:
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I’m diving into a big writing week. No more beach for me!
It’s back to Alaska, cold, dogs, plane crashes, and handsome heroes and smart women saving the world.
XO!
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P.S. I didn’t want you to miss this epic audio sale! 8 books at over 60% off, exclusive to the SMWF Store!
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