Karen Collum">Australian Children's Author

For NaNoWriMo this year I’m going to write a YA novel entitled Emma Delaney. As I’ve mentioned previously, Emma Delaney sprang from a single line that popped into my head at random almost twelve months ago. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what to do with that line during that time and have considered using it in a picture book or in a junior novel. I’m really glad I saved it because I really think as a YA concept it’s going to be awesome.

Sometimes when I’m writing I get a sense that it’s going to be good. Other times (most often!) I get the sense that it’s going to take a lot of hard work to make a solid idea something outstanding. Emma Delaney, without doubt, fits into the first category. I’m so excited about the whole premise that I’m finding myself dreaming about it, talking about it and generally obsessing about it pretty much constantly. And it’s only October! I have a whole 27 days before I can actually start writing. But I’m putting those 27 days to good use. I’m planning.

“The Snowflake Method” really suits me as a planning tool. I’m quite analytical and a bit scientific in my approach to pretty much everything, so a step-by-step method works well for me. And tonight, I’ve just finished Step 6.

Step 6 involves turning my one page synopsis from Step 4 into a four page synopsis. By expanding on what I’ve already written I’m filling in gigantic plot holes and linking concepts. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed writing the synopsis tonight. I worked through a few “How is that going to happen?” moments and found an opportunity to strengthen one of the central friendships. It’s all starting to gel and I can really see the meat starting to form on the bones. It’s beginning to look like a cohesive story.

I’m glad that I’m getting on top of this early this year as my unpredictable life as a full-time mum to three kids aged 4 and under means that my writing times are not set in stone. It’s more like they’re set in honey which ebbs and flows and changes at a moment’s notice. The next step involves getting down and dirty with my characters. In Step 7 I’ll be working out the physical and emotional characteristics of my cast. They are becoming so real to me that I should be able to fill in the blanks pretty quick. Emma Delaney, you are quite addictive.