Todays first drafter is David Bastiani. David states on his website that he writes words and sometimes they end up in the right order.
He is the creator of Milo Peretti – Rome’s newest private detective – and is currently working on The Colour of Weeping – the first full novel in the Peretti series.
He lives with his wife and their young family in Cheshire.
When you decide to write something new, what is the first thing you do?
Brainstorm. I write lists of ideas for titles, themes, character names, places, images. Anything to hang a story on really. The title has become really important for me so I often start there. I like to have an overall feel for what I’m doing and where I’m going before I start writing a story.
Do you have a set routine approaching it?
There’s nothing set in stone. Although, I do tend to brainstorm first, write a few chapters and then go back and write a full synopsis to help guide the rest of my writing. Having said that, I’m always looking for ways to improve and that includes my writing process. Ask me again in a year’s time and I might be doing it completely different. I think being adaptable is where it’s at.
Pen and paper or straight to the keyboard?
Only ever keyboard. If I have an idea when I’m not at my computer then I make a note of it on my smartphone. Pen and paper takes too long and gets too messy when you want to change things later.
How important is research to you?
Fairly important. Obviously, no-one wants a factually incorrect book, even when it comes to writing fiction, but it’s easy to overdo it. Too many authors sound like they’re regurgitating what they read on Wikipedia and it all ends up very dry and boring. Get your story down while it still grips you and come back to check the details later.
How do you go about researching?
I’m a product of Generation Y so I use the internet. A lot. That can only take you so far, of course. Quite often, there’s no substitute for getting out there and doing the legwork yourself but the internet is too powerful a tool to ignore. You can go anywhere and see anything at the click of button. What’s not to like?
How do you store everything; ideas, research, images that catch your eye?
You’ve probably already guessed the answer to this question… Online, of course. I’ve got files of photos stored on my hard drive but all my other ideas tend to be stored on email. It makes them easy to transfer and means I don’t have duplicate documents all over the place. I can access my email anywhere.
Tell us how that first draft takes shape?
Usually pretty slowly if I’m honest. I’d love to be able to devote a couple of months to a project and get the whole thing down as quickly as possible but I write part time and that’s just not going to happen at the moment. So I write whenever I get the opportunity. A few hours or a few minutes – I just keep chipping away and I get there eventually.
Are there any rituals you have to do or items you must have with you while writing that draft?
Not really. I don’t conform to the writer stereotype, I’m afraid. I don’t need coffee, alcohol or half a dozen cats in order to write. Although if the ‘just sit down and start writing’ approach doesn’t pay off then I suppose some or all of those three might be worth a try!
Does the outside world exist or are you lost to us for a period of time as the magic works?
The outside definitely exists for me. Between work and family, it’s often pretty inescapable. So it’s important to be able to compartmentalize. To be able to switch off from everything else and focus on writing. I find music helps with that. I listen to a lot of film soundtracks which helps create a little bubble where I can concentrate on writing. Songs with lyrics are a big no no for me though. They’re way too distracting.
What does your work space look like?
Pretty minimalistic. I don’t really do clutter. It’s just a desk and my computer. Oh, and my phone. I do have a clear view out of the window to the train track across the road though. Nothing beats writing with a backdrop of trees, blue sky and the occasional train going by. I don’t really need anything else.
Edit as you go or just keep getting words out?
I definitely edit as I go. My brain refuses to produce anything new until I’ve dealt with the things I know need correcting. My thought process is quite linear so I need to leave things neat and tidy behind me as I go along. Having a clear view of where I’ve been with the story helps me get a clear view of where it’s going.
I see many writers counting words in a day. Word counter or other method of keeping track of progression?
I do keep track of my word count but I try not to worry about it too much. It’s just a tool to keep me on track. I know it’s a cliché but I’d like to think I aim for quality rather than quantity. Seeing a low word count gives me a kick up the backside when I’m going too slowly but that’s about it. If what you’re writing is firing your imagination then hopefully you won’t even notice how many hours or how many words have gone by.
So, that first draft is down. Roughly how long did it take? And what shape is it in?
Probably longer than I wanted! A full novel will take me about a year depending on work and family commitments. It’s almost ready for publishing – until I start rereading and editing and then suddenly it isn’t anywhere near ready. I have my ups and downs like any writer does. Veering between wanting to delete the whole thing and start again and convincing myself that it’s the best thing I’ve ever written. The first draft is really just the start but I’d like to think that plotting beforehand and editing as I go means I’m closer to having something readable.
In what format do you like to read it through, ereader, paper or the computer screen?
I read it through on the computer so I can makes changes as I go along. Then I put it onto an ereader and go through it all again. That way I tend to spot things I’d miss on the computer screen otherwise.
What happens now that first draft is done?
I leave things to rest for a while then give it one last going over before sending it out for proofreading and editing. And try not to worry about it too much. There’s no such thing as a perfect novel but the more you write, the closer you’re going to get. That’s all you can do – just keep writing.
Thanks for digging into the depths for us David.
You can find David on Amazon, his Website or Twitter.
Blood Will Tell
MILO PERETTI is back in Rome to take over the running of his late uncle’s detective agency. When the body of a businessman is found at an office nearby in Trastevere, the grieving mother refuses to believe her son took his own life. But with the Polizia di Stato preparing to close the case as suicide, will Peretti ever really uncover the truth? And will justice ever be done?
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MarinaSofia says
Sounds just like the kind of series I would enjoy reading – you know me and my love for foreign locations! Thanks for introducing me to David Bastiani!
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Minimalistic – that sounds familiar.
Wow, the title is usually the last thing for me. I have such a difficult time with those.
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – Thanks for introducing us to David.
David – I couldn’t agree more about the need for research when one’s writing. I think it makes a novel more authentic. And I’m a ‘straight to keyboard’ person myself. Your novel sounds interesting, and I wish you all success with it.
nancyrae4 says
Great, organized process, David. I like the “I try not to worry attitude.” Best of luck with your new novel!
diannegray says
Thanks so much for introducing, David. I love the fact that he writes words and sometimes they end up in the right order! Very cleverly worded 😉
I totally agree that songs with lyrics are a big no no while writing. I usually stick with music I know really well that puts me in the ‘zone’. Anything new or wordy is just a distraction.
Jacqui Murray says
Me too, Dianne–love that line.
Jacqui Murray says
I so agree David about note-taking. I can take notes in Evernote, research, find pictures that inspire me, collect them all in an Evernote notebook, and then edit as needed.
rolandclarke says
Fascinating interview. Wish I was as focused and organised as David. Interested that he edits on screen 100% as I used to use printouts for first drafts… until I had wasted too much paper. Will try to evolve.