Ian Rankin

I often wondered how really successful authors do it.

So I was pleased to catch a recent BBC documentary/video diary following Ian Rankin as he wrote his latest book. How do YOU compare with his technique?

• January 2nd, begins first draft without knowing the plot or the protagonist (!)
• Early March, draft finished, begins fact-checking, visits locations to check accuracy
• April, begins revising
• June, submits to editor, begins revising based on her comments
• August, submits final draft to agents and publishers in UK and USA
• November, publication in time for Christmas

And during the year, continues to promote his previous book and drops in on the filming of another of his Rebus books.

Personally, I match the first item only, so far. Actually, I knew the story and the characters I wanted to write, but felt that more backstory was needed. Now, as I hate interminable infodumps and frequent flashbacks, I had only one choice… to write a prequel first. Hence my dilemma as I sat at my keyboard to write “Succession!”

So – how does your experience compare?