Sometime in the next month or so, I’m going to push heavily for more followers and preorders. Please, head on over to the Facebook page for upcoming information regarding special giveaways and extras!

I wanted to write a quick note about the drafting process I’ve undertaken for The Underneath. While I know that the chapters I’m posting here will differ from the final product (some more than others, I’m sure), I want readers to feel like they are along on my journey in writing this book. 

That said, I also wanted to share something that was relatively polished. I wanted to make sure that the story smoothly flowed from one scene to the next. I did extensive outlining for the book to that end, to the point where I have broken down each scene and chapter in the novel so I know exactly what is happening next. The outlining is in addition to the in-depth character profiles I have created, especially for the two main characters.

Basically, when I sit down to write a chapter, I know exactly where I need the chapter to end. There is no meandering around, trying to discover where to take my characters next through the writing process itself. That is a valid way to write a first draft, don’t get me wrong, but it wouldn’t work for this experiment. 

Before I post a chapter, I do one last check to make sure it is ready for the public eye. I read it aloud, which is a part of a self-editing technique I learned in college. This is a last chance to catch anything that’s off about the draft, or to add in lines I didn’t think of the first time around. I know that no draft can ever be perfect, but I try to make it as close as possible before I hit publish. 

That is the abridged version of explaining how I have approached writing and sharing this project. As I’ve said in earlier updates, it really is an experiment in building a following and engaging readers, and Inkshares is the perfect platform for it. Since no update can be complete without me begging for more preorders to complete my goal -- please, if you have enjoyed the story so far, please, please consider preordering a copy if you are able. And even if you can’t at the moment, leave me a message or a comment telling me what you are loving about the story (because I’m a glutton for praise).