Question to the writers out there – do you write out of sequence? My brain tends to put a story together in a non-linear fashion and several years ago, I thought that was wrong. Books couldn’t possibly be written that way. After reading an interview with a successful author who mentioned that was the technique she used, I suddenly felt validated. A whole new world opened up for me, and I thought maybe I could actually write a book. I’m working on my fourth novel and just figured out last week which file was my first chapter. I’ve got somewhere around 30K words for the sequel to Subject A36 spread across sixteen 
different files. What’s your process?
After seeing several friends mention it and at the urging of my youngest son, I finally started watching The Umbrella Academy on Netflix (thanks, Tessa!). I’m absolutely hooked. Love the characters (I knew in the first ten minutes Klaus was my favorite) and their whole dysfunctional family dynamic, the time travel storyline, the powers they have – I’m already halfway through season one, and season two dropped recently, so I’m excited I have plenty of episodes ahead of me.
Only one spot remains for Bad Moon Rising – tell your horror, thriller, and supernatural author friends to contact me!
Books and Such 
I don’t actually write out of order – difficult to really, since I’m a pantser, so need to write what happens next so I know what happens after – but I do know of a lot of people who do. The closest I personally do to that is to be vague with exactly how an event happens in my first draft, and go in to fill in the details of how it might come about properly later, if you know what I mean.
My hubby’s watching that show. He keeps recommending it to me and telling me about it. I told him if he wants me to watch it he needs to stop telling me things about it, otherwise there won’t be much point in me watching it myself. It does sound good though, so it is on my to-watch list. Trouble is, the only thing longer than my to-watch list is my to-read list. *sigh*
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I’m in between a plotter and pantser – plotser? I know some scenes that need to happen and write those, but then kind of fill in the blanks. I’ve also got 3-4 POVs for this one, so I’ve got to sequence those also.
You’re right about telling your hubby to keep quiet on the Umbrella Academy details, lol – give you a chance to watch it and find out for yourself! I’m having a great time with it.
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Not sure what the term would be, but whatever works to get the story written is the right method. 🙂
He’s trying not to give me spoilers (or so he insists) but giving me too much info – even if it seems like minor details – is basically the same thing. Lucky I love him. LOL! Anyway, glad you’re enjoying watching it.
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I know several authors who write out of sequence and make it work. I’ve never developed the knack. I have to write scene by scene, chapter by chapter, all of it linear. But they say it’s all in whatever works for you—so more power to you!
I’ve heard good things about The Umbrella Academy but haven’t tried it yet. Right now I’m binging on Longmire and loving it.
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It seems to be the technique that works for me, Mae. Who knew there were so many different ways to write books?
I have a friend who recommended Longmire, but then it kind of fell off my radar. I’ll have to put it in the queue. Thanks for the rec!
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We write however it works for us!!
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Exactly! While all have been out of sequence, every book has been a little different for me, Darlene.
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I’m so glad you are enjoying The Umbrella Academy and Claus gets even better in season 2 (in my opinion) so you have that to look forward to.
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Loving it, Tessa! And that’s what my son said about Klaus. I’ve been trying to stay away from any spoilers, but I know they go back to the 60s.
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Once I start a story, it’s a straight line to the end for me. I do admire those who can break free.
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Sometimes I wish I could do that, Jill. Sure would save me time when it came to figuring out where it all fits, lol.
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I can’t fathom writing out of order, though I’ve been known to go back and change something in a previous scene if I need to make something new fit. But generally, I start at the beginning and tell the story straight through, except for some flashbacks here and there. But even those are done on purpose. I don’t think my brain would let me write chapters out of sync. I need to know what happened leading up to each one. And it wasn’t until I was on my 2nd or 3rd book that I found out everybody didn’t do it that way. 😀 Maybe that was a good thing, as I might have given up if I tried that approach.
As others say, I think we have to do what works for us, and we are each unique in how we go about life, anyway. 🙂 It’s interesting to read about the way others work, Teri. Cool post! 🙂
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Story idea origins and work process of other writers have always fascinated me, Marcia. Everyone’s brain seems to work a different way, and it doesn’t even have to be the same process every time.
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I totally write in order. However, I’ll mess up the timeline in the final version to put the clues and consequences in the right spots. Dear Husband really liked Umbrella Academy. I didn’t for the same reason he did! (All that dysfunctional family dynamic stuff grated on my nerves. He thought it was entertaining.)
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I always have to go back through each chapter and make sure everything is consistent and no one knew something before it was revealed in the timeline. Sometimes I think writing that way just creates more work for me.
I’m a sucker for the humorous dysfunctional families, Priscilla, so I would have been laughing along with your hubby.
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I write my stories in order. Having said that, I will often “forget some details” from earlier and then have to catch them in the edits.
And U.A. – yeah, it’s a good one! We finished season 2 and probably have to wait another year for the next one!
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Looks like I’m definitely in the minority here with sequencing.
I’m nearly finished with the first season, and I’ll probably fly through the second just as fast – then be sad I have to wait another year or more for season three.
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I can’t write out of order, but I know some who do. I tend to build fences when I write, and things would be majorly screwed up if I went out of order. When it comes to Umbrella Academy, Staci recommended it to me based on a story I am considering writing. I find it a mixed bag. The infusions of backstory don’t always feel necessary. The characters are great and how they deal with their tough upbringing is wonderful. I’ve been wanting to see The Rumor in action and other than a couple of glimpses of the young character I’ve been denied that. I find her power kind of refreshing among all the things I’ve seen before, so I want to see it.
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I’ve also questioned some of the backstories, but figured maybe they’re important down the line somewhere. Like you, I’ve also been wanting to see more of them in action and the various ways they can use their powers. If you’re writing a story similar to this, I’m all over it!
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It’s not that similar and will need a lengthy time to design a plot. I appreciate your faith, though.
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I lay down the last three lines of the book before I begin. Then I go back and work toward those lines.
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I remember reading that in your interviews, John – and it astounds me. At this point, I have no idea how my WIP will end. Still waiting for the characters to tell me.
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I wrote my first book out of order, Teri, so I get it. I pantsered my first book and wonder if that makes a difference. Now, as an outliner, I write chronologically. If a scene pops into my head I just add it to the outline and write it when I get there. And thanks for the recommendation of The Umbrella Academy. We’ll give that a try!
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That does make sense, Diana. I use a vague outline when I write, but sometimes fill it in as I go. I think I’m a hybrid plotter/pantser, lol. I think you were one of the people who recommended The Expanse – just finished the last season on Prime a couple weeks ago. Thanks for the rec! Who knows when they’ll be able to continue.
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It was a good series. I have better luck with blogger recommendations for tv viewing than relying on netflix suggestions. 🙂
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I’m one of those who can write out of order. When I say that, most of my books are written in order. But sometimes a future scene comes to mind and I just have to get it on paper (or into Scrivener), so I do. But with that, I know there will a a place and a reason for the scene.
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That happens to me also, Joan. Yesterday I thought I’d finished a scene, then last night two other things occurred to me that need to be added. I usually put those ideas in my notes on my phone, or they’re gone the next day.
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I wrote my first chronologically but this current WIP I’ve written out of order…and it’s absolutely thrown me off my game. I’m stuck, I can’t remember what I’ve already fleshed out earlier (or later) and I absolutely have to get past this current ‘part’ so I can get back in order.
Huge kudos to you for being able to do it. I wish I could, but my brain’s too linear apparently!
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I think my brain knows the highlights that need to be written then decides how to link them all? That’s the only thing I can come up with. Keep pushing through the current part – just keep swimming, Jess!
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Hehe, thanks Teri 😊
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I tend to write chronologically, but if it works, then I say go for it!
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It seems to work for me, so I’ll stick with it until my brain or characters decide otherwise.
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I sometimes brainstorm scenes that I may or may not use, but when I get into the actual writing, I go in sequence. Some of what my characters discover is built on what went before. If I don’t know what went before, those insights don’t come and the draft feels thin.
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I also do that with scenes, Deby. At this point, i have sixteen files, but not all of those may make it into the book. But I never delete any – you never know when you may need to add it back in.
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That’s right. We should always keep our notes, even for ideas that seem too silly or not consistent with the story as currently written. Even material that ends up not being used, may eventually bloom into its own story.
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It is interesting that you write like this, Teri, out of order. I have never heard of this and could not do it myself. I have an outline of my book in my head when I start from beginning to end. I don’t consider myself a plotter because I don’t do extensive planning. I keep it all in my head and draw from my mental outline as I go along. I don’t find it necessary to write a lot of it down. I was astonished to discover recently that authors write just as you have described. Out of order. It’s not something I could ever imagine to be honest, but I say, whatever works is what you should do.
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It’s strange, I know – that’s why I was sure no one ever wrote like this until I read that author’s interview. Right now, I’m going through the sixteen files and deciding which comes first – I’ve got the first two chapters, I think. Then I fill in and decide the ending. Bizarre, right?
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It is unusual for me, but what ever works. Your books are great.
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