August 14, 2007
Writing a Book Proposal
Written by Margo Maguire in Jaunty PostEvery author does it differently. I generally write a synopsis and anywhere from one to three chapters for my editor. She then gives me feedback and I dig in for the long haul!
For me, the process of writing a proposal is fairly complicated. Since I write historicals, I like to feel very comfortable with the era I’ve chosen. I read everything I can get my hands on, in order to get a sense of the time, of the political issues of the day, and of my characters’ mindset.
When I wrote The Bride Hunt, I read extensively on William the Conqueror – not because he was the main character of my book (although he played a minor role) but to understand the ramifications of the Norman Conquest. How did it affect the individuals living in England at the time?
As I do all of my background reading, several characters usually pop into my head, but very few of them will be viable – in other words, I might come up with two or three who will be interesting enough to sustain an entire book. Each one needs to have a solid backstory, with goals and motivations that fit the times. Once I’ve come this far, I’ve got the inklings of a plot.
Back to the library. Now I need specifics. In The Bride Hunt, I’ve got a big, powerful Norman knight who was wounded years before, causing blindness in one eye. I also have a beautiful young Norman lady who is planning to marry an extremely handsome, gentle young knight. My research is going to tell me whether there’s a particular situation that I can throw all three of these characters into … something that’s going to cause a lot of external conflict.
The internal conflict already exists: The big knight knows he’s ugly and feels unworthy of a beautiful woman’s attentions. Worse, he has no land (a very important factor in those days). The lady sees her beautiful young knight as a gentle, wealthy hero, when in fact, he’s just a pretty pansy who is in possession of land only because of his father’s influence with King William.
With further reading, I note that the border between England and Scotland is in dispute (even back then!) with Scottish raiders moving into English territory at will, stealing people and cattle, and any other goods they can carry. This gave me the external conflict: The lady and her beau are kidnapped by Scots, and when the big knight goes to rescue her, he is also captured.
At this point, it’s time to fill out the story. Where do they go? Do they remain prisoners or will they escape? Which scenario will be best for my characters to work out their internal conflicts? Which scenario will show their strengths and weaknesses? Which path will give them the best process to show character growth?
In writing A Warrior’s Taking, I had to create a background and civilization for the hero. I did a good bit of research on Celtic legend, because I wanted his character to be reminiscent of the Celts, with druids and magic. And I wanted it to resonate with some aspect of reality. The heroine’s era is 1813 England. Her home, Ravenfield, is entailed (had to be sure I understood what that meant) and will soon revert to a distant cousin. This means she will have no where to live. The owner of Ravenfield is Captain Barstow, who is killed in the Napoleonic Wars. (Had to check to be sure where and when that happened).
For me, the research is one of the most enjoyable stages of my writing process. Next is putting the ideas together. Making it all work. Turning it into a story that will compel my readers. Cross your fingers that the one I’m working on now will do the same!
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Shana Says:
Interesting process, Margo! It’s very different from mine, but I see now why your books are so riveting!
Dorothy Says:
Margo, I’m not a writer but I love hearing about the process an author puts into writing their books. I have read ‘The Bride Hunt’ and I just finished ‘A Warrior’s Taking’ and enjoyed both very much. In fact, I was going to send you an email later today, but since you blogged today, I can tell you here! Thank you for two very wonderful books.
AndreaW Says:
I love hearing about an author’s writing process as well. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you, Margo!
Jenna Petersen Says:
So different from mine, too! It’s always interesting to see how other authors work.
JennaP
Clarisse Says:
What an interesting blog. I agree with Andrea and Dorothy that it is fascinating to see inside the process.
Lacey Says:
Me six!
Helen Says:
Very interesting you must learn so much during all the reasearch and I have read A Warriors Taking and loved it Margo thanks for all the hard work you put in to give us readers a great story.
Have Fun
Helen