Ask Ted: The Craft of Writing Novels

October 19, 2009 in Journal with 26 Comments

As a marketing guy, sometimes I get to do fun production stuff. Later this week, I’m headed to Austin, TX for a video shoot with Ted. We’re mostly capturing footage for use on the web in 2010, but we also have a few tricks up our sleeves. As we were scripting the day out, I thought, “You know, this would be a good time to record Ted riffing on the craft of writing. Why not? We have a lot of writers in our community who would get a kick out of that.”

typewriter

I pitched the idea to Ted and he liked it. So it’s now officially part of the day’s schedule, thank you very much. Time block #3 to be exact, “Writer Conversations–Ted talks about the craft of writing.”

Here’s how you can be part of the process. If you’re a writer or someone interested in the craft of writing, let me know what questions you want answered. Anything’s fair game as long as it’s about the craft of writing. So, please, no questions about specific Dekker novels, characters, etc. unless it has to do with the “how” of writing.

Leave your questions here on my blog as a comment. I’ll compile them all before the shoot and then hit Ted with both barrels when we sit down on-camera. Here’s your chance to have that one question that keeps you awake at night finally answered.

  • http://twitter.com/ellsanto Josh

    I would like to know how if Ted uses outlines when writing his novels. If so, what type of structuring does he use? Detailed, loose, etc.

    Also, Ted do you write and the entire novel, then self edit. Or do you self edit in sections, or at all? What is your method when it comes to rewriting?

    Thanks for the opportunity, I am working on my first novel which I hope to have completed mid to late next year.

    Josh R

  • http://philipedsel.wordpress.com Philip

    I’ve got a couple of questions. Feel free to pick and choose. Thanks for doing this!

    1 – From my experience, one of the most beneficial practices for my writing has been writing in a community (workshopping, editing, etc.). Do you agree? What do you find particularly helpful when you have been in writing workshops? Any techniques to giving and taking criticism? What are some good group writing practices?

    2 – It seems general consensus that writers should always be writing. That sounds stupid, but many times I go days without writing. Should the writer keep writing even if they have writer’s block or seem to be lacking in ideas? Would you say the same? How does one overcome an obstacle in writing?

    3 – What is your preferred type of writing environment? Is there a specific place or type of music or lighting? Do you need to be in private or can you write in public? Any special “tools,” other than a computer (or perhaps coffee)?

    4 – How do you organize your ideas? Do you timeline or storyboard your ideas?

    5- What are some good resources for those who want to write, and do it well? Any books/authors that have been especially important to you as a writer?

  • http://www.facebook.com/terran.sherwood Terran Sherwood

    It always seems while in the process of writing a story, I always end up losing that initial passion I had at the beginning of writing it. I know where I want the story to go, but it seems I get to burnt out before I can make it all the way through. Do you have any suggestions on how to persevere through to the end of the tale, or on how to pace my way so I don’t get burned out as fast?

  • Chris Hobdy

    A question I have always had is “how does a writer write a story where things that people start out reading all come together and cross paths and become a major part of the story?” Or I guess a better question is “how do you think far enough ahead about the story to introduce a character in a small way and then bring that character back in a huge way more near the end of the story?”. Sorry if this is confusing. I can’t think of a better way to word it.

  • http://www.k-lai.com Kevin

    I have a few questions for Ted as well.

    1. How much of a novel do you have conceptualized before you start outlining/writing?

    2. What are some of the struggles that you have encountered while you’re writing, and what are some ways you have found to overcome those barriers?

    3. What frustrates you most as a writer?

    4. How do you balance time spent and passion for writing with time spent and passion for your family?

    5. What sort of research do you do before you start writing? I think you’ve mentioned spending time researching for the books Adam and Sinner. At what point do you feel like you’ve researched enough to write expertly about very diverse topics, such as near-death experiences, demon possession, or politics?

  • Justin

    How do you create the character’s personalities for your novels? Are they based off real people?Based off what will make the plot work well? Thank you.

  • http://www.facebook.com/beccajcampbell Rebecca Campbell

    What an amazing opportunity – tell Ted thanks!

    Here are my questions:

    1 – I know that you had a childhood more exposed to the horrors in the world than the average person. For myself, someone who comes from an average, middle-class, and possibly even sheltered childhood, I have found it hard to relate to and thus write about very horrific, gritty characters and events. Do you have any advice for someone who is trying to get inside the mind of a serial killer, (or other outlet of evil)? Should I start on common ground, and if so, how to find that? Should I expose myself to horror films for inspiration?

    2 – How long does it take as a writer before you just know that what you have written is gold, even before someone else reads it – do you ever get to that point of confidence?

    3 – What is your number one piece of advice for someone who is working on their very first novel?

  • http://www.FictionAddict.com Jake Chism

    Ted,

    Should writers pay attention to trends in publishing or should they only focus on writing the stories they are passionate about? Is it a little of both?

  • http://www.kcreviews.blogspot.com Karri Compton (KC)

    When you first started writing (seems forever ago), what are the things you wish you knew or wish people had told you about writing, novels, publishing, etc.?

  • Mary

    After Ted wrote his first novel and it was rejected by literary agents, he employed someone to help him learn the craft of writing. What advice or pieces of advice did that person give to Ted, which caused him to become published?

  • Justin

    Do you have a daily writing routine you follow?

  • http://robert.epictales.org Robert Treskillard

    Two questions for you Ted:

    (1) How do you know when you have a strong enough premise for a story to start writing it?

    (2) Do you ever cry while writing and/or reading your own work? (i.e. How important is your own emotion in the writing process?)

    -Robert Treskillard

  • http://www.elyonscircle.com/blogs/girlwithasong1133 Megan

    Since it’s limited to one question:

    Ted, what is the process you go through from idea to final draft when writing a novel?

    Cannot wait to see the video! (:

  • Chad

    Is the heart of fiction the truth inside the “lie,” and if so how do you tell the truth everyday?

  • Tom Farr

    How do you come up with your story ideas?

    How do you take a simple story idea and make it interesting enough for you to commit to crafting a full-length novel around it?

    Do you work on one story at a time or many at one time?

    If you have many story ideas, how do you keep yourself focused on one until you finish it?

    What is your writing schedule like?

    How long does it take you to write a novel from the idea stage to completion?

    What do you do to prepare (outlining, research, etc.) before you ever start writing a novel?

  • Caleb

    What are Ted’s feelings about a Dekker writing school? Does Ted have a desire to pass along his knowledge of the craft? Would Ted open up such a school to everybody, or would there be a writing sufficiency test for those interested?

    Thank you for setting this up, Kevin.

    Caleb

  • Meghan

    Thanks so much for doing this!

    When you write, do you have a certain time frame that you prefer to write in, or a time that gives you the most inspiration? I know, for me, I get my best ideas at really weird hours, like…er…3 AM.

    What is your opinion on frequent Point of View shifts?

    Thanks so much!

    ~Meghan

  • http://nightofgrace.blogspot.com Meghan Silva

    They say 1 % inspiration 99 % perspiration yada yada yada. In your work does that apply? How does that work with inspiration born of Holy Spirit?

  • Ian Acheson

    Hi Kevin

    A great idea!

    Social media is a great method of self-promoting oneself as a writer, both published and unpublished. Be good to receive some strategies for effectively using social media as an unpublished writer when you don’t have the resources of designers, web-designers, etc, ie, you have to do it all yourself!

    Have a fruitful session with Ted!

    Cheers..Ian

  • KMC

    How do you name your characters?

  • Ariel M.

    QUESTIONS ABOUT MR.DEKKER’S WRITING STYLE:

    1. How does writing begin for you?

    A: Does it begin with a chain of words and ideas that comes from your imagination? Or flashes from life events?
    B: Would you say that when you’re writing, it’s like watching a movie in your mind’s eye and you’re trying to write down what you see?
    C: Are your composition of words driven by the Spirit rather than the mind? Or both?
    D: All of the above?

    2. Do you plot out each of your novels on paper, scrawl notes, or just keep it all in your head?

    3. Do you find that your writing is better when you write your first draft longhand then refine it as you are typing it into a computer?

    4. Is it easier for you to write with the accompaniment of music? If so, what genre best suits you for writing? Does the music style change as your writing becomes more intense, or as you reach the denouement?

    5. When you are creating characters, do you take traits from yourself and people you have met? Or is it all from your imagination?

    CAN I GET MR. DEKKER’S OPINION ON:

    1. Style. What is the best way to develop your personal writing style?

    2. Point of View. Is it too confusing for a reader if a novel is written in more than one Point of View? What’s the best way to decide on the point of view if more than one is essential to tell the whole story?

    3. Theme. What’s the best way to present a theme that’s already been done before?

    4. Characterization. What are the key points to creating a successful character?

    5. Description. Is it better to fully describe the setting or character? Or, should you leave freedom for the reader to imagine the world and characters?

    6. Audience: What are the major factors to take into consideration when you’re writing for a specific audience?

    7. Editing. What’s the best way to edit a novel? Should you edit it yourself and then send it on to a professional editor? Or visa versa?

    8. Finishing. What’s the best way to go about publishing your first novel? And, how long does the whole process take?

    9. What’s the one thing every writer should know (other than don’t quit) before they start writing a novel? While they’re writing the novel? And once they’ve finished the novel?

    10. What makes a good author great?

    11. How can you distinguish yourself as an author?

  • Paul

    Mr. Dekker,
    Almost all of your characters have some complex background that is revealed as the story unfolds. Is background as important as what’s actually happening? Do we HAVE to let the reader know the story or can we just let the reader take the character at face value?

  • Luke Matlock

    My question:

    As a college student and aspiring writer, my opportunities to branch out, to explore places and experience things that would broaden my horizons, is limited. I’m currently working on a story set in a location I’ve never had the chance to travel to. I was wondering if you’ve ever faced this challenge and/or how you would recommend overcoming this obstacle?

  • Jon Marable

    1- “I’ve always believed in writing without a collaborator, because where two people are writing the same book, each believes he gets all the worries and only half the royalties.”-Agatha Christie

    You’ve written several books with co-authors. How does that process work for you?

    2- How far is too far? In online reviews I’ve read you’ve gotten flak for not being “clean” enough for the Christian market, especially in terms of violence. Where can a Christian author take the reader in regards to violence, swearing, and sexuality?

    3- How does a writer avoid the cliche plot points and characters? And if one can’t how do you use them in such a way that people don’t care that it’s a cliche? But are they cliches or simply archetypes such as Joseph Campbell’s “Hero with a thousand faces” ?

    4- You cross genres. You’ve written in fantasy, suspense, and horror and permutations thereof. Are there any genres you want to tackle but haven’t yet?

    5- How does a writer self edit?

  • http://www.bsnapzworld.com BSnapZ

    What I would love to know is how exactly you “show” things, instead of “tell” them. How is this done?

  • Caleb Breakey

    Hey BSnapZ,

    I love the craft of writing, and sometimes the best way to cement what you know about writing is to ‘tell’ someone else, pardon the pun. =)

    So, here goes.

    The ‘showing’ is from Ted Dekker’s book, GREEN:

    Show:

    • He let the gentle effects of the first few drops warm his belly for a second, then swallowed deep, flooding his mouth and throat with the healing waters.

    Tell: He took a drink and it felt good.

    Show:

    • He took three full gulps of the precious water, allowing some to spill down his chin, then pulled the chalice away, cleared his throat with one final swallow, and gasped at the night sky. “To Elyon!”

    Tell: He messily took another drink and gave praise to Elyon.

    Show:

    • He rode low in the pale stallion’s saddle and moved with the horse as if he’d been bred and born on the beast.

    Tell: He rode the horse like a champ.

    Show:

    • His leather chest guard was open, allowing the night air to cool his bared chest, still glistening in the moonlight.

    Tell: He had no shirt, it was a cold night, and the moon was out.

    Show:

    • The stallion’s clip-clopping hooves echoed as it stepped into the fire-light, followed by three, then five, then nine warriors who’d taken up arms with Samuel.

    Tell: He rode his horse up to the fire, followed by many of his men on horses.