AboutCathy Clamp Expertise I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery.
Experience I'm a USA Today bestselling author of romance fiction in the Tor/Forge Books paranormal romance line. Along with a co-author, I've published eight novels (combination of mass market and trade softcover) since 2003, and have contracts for six more books through 2009.
Organizations Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America.
Publications Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing
Education/Credentials My educational background is limited to real life experience of publishing novels commercially for the past five years.
Awards and Honors USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Book Buyers Best Award for Paranormal, 2007, Romantic Times Best Werewolf Novel, 2006, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Best Historical Chronicle Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.
Question I'm writing a novel right now. It's an adventure/horror/comedy/romance novel. The thing is when I first got the idea for this novel, I jumped right in. I didn't go through the whole writing process. So I never had an outline. It's all in my head, really. I do know how the story is going to end and pretty much everything else.It's just that sometimes I find myself wandering.
It's not to late to make an outline if it's necessary. But the question is; is it really necessary? And for that matter, will it bite me in the butt later if I don't go through the proper process now?
Thank you.
Answer Hi, Chelsie!
I'm not sure who told you that there's a "proper process" for writing novels, but you'll be happy to know there isn't! You're more than welcome to write the whole book without a single note. About half of the authors on the shelves today do that very thing. Now, if you WANT to write an outline, that's fine too. But there's no requirement to do so. Does that help? :D
