I usually think about a book for months, sometimes years, before I write them. The last book, well, I thought about the plot for a couple of months before I wrote it, but with my current book, I initially wondered if I could do a good job, as I had about a month to come up with it.
But now I’m writing it, I realize it is going to have many of the things I originally thought would happen in book 1 or book 2, and which didn’t fit there. They fit now. In this book. And so, in a way, I’ve been thinking about parts of this book for nearly two years.
In part, it is my heroine confronting what made her who she is, and it works in this book, as I’ve woven her past into her future. I’m excited. Always a good thing when you’re writing a book! 
I also have a new project, a writing-related technical thing, which always energizes me. I am helping a friend and stretching my mind and challenging myself (hopefully not to her detriment!) and that is always something I enjoy when I’m writing. It feels good to have something other than writing to concentrate on mentally. Like a different focus point for the brain.
What is your fermenting time? On the fly, months or years, or do a few brainstorming weeks see you through?
I can’t wait to read your subs. It’s funny, I thought Illuminations and Brilliance were so tightly written, but now I can see that you left a lot of questions about Susannah.
And I’m so glad you’re energized about the writing-related thing you’re doing for me. It’s scary for me, and at the same time it is energizing, with more synapses firing than usual. I have to pay attention because I’m so afraid I’ll screw up.
My fermenting time varies. With my last book, I’d thought of the dragon hero about 5-7 ears ago, but it took that long to find a storyline for him. Other times I can get an idea and know I want to write that book.
Hey, Michelle, I love that you’re excited about book 3. How lucky are you on that one?
I imagine it would be a nightmare if a contracted third book didn’t inspire the writer.
It’s my curiosity about my characters that ferments for me. When they arrive, it’s time to dream the story.
And good luck on that project with Edie too!
Hmm… intriguing project. Look forward to hearing the details when you’re ready. My fermenting time can run anywhere from years to hours. I’ve been struggling lately with an idea that I had last year, but haven’t written due to plot issues. I love the characters, but the situation is not one that is really “sale-able.” Still noodling on it.
Totally varies. I have one book that had been fermenting for ten years before I was ready to write it and other books that the idea comes to me and I start it immediately. Granted … I’m a rabid pantser, so the ideas are rarely thought out to the conclusion. Fortunately my projects tend to run its course through to the end, so I don’t have a problem with losing interest.
Congrats on nailing book three. Personally, I did have a couple of questions with regard to Susannah. She was a character that needed some explanation as to how she became who she is.
Thanks, Edie. And I hope I can help enough that you love what we come up with
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LaD, I agree. One of the books I’ve had on the back burner for ages is really the story of the heroine. I’ve had her in mind, and her circumstances, for ages. Now more ideas about her backstory are coming to me, I’m far more ready to write the book.
Kate, I hope you find that sale-able angle!
Liz, that ten year book was totally worth the wait!
I don’t usually have a long fermenting time, but the one I’m working on now I’ve been thinking about, and researching and writes notes about, for about 6 years.