This Time, I'm Doing Things Differently

There's something I'd never really done before starting book two: planning.

When I wrote Dans l'ombre de Dubaï (Shadows of Dubai), I dove in pretty much blind. I had a starting idea, a few characters in mind, and I moved forward as I went, chapter after chapter, discovering the story almost at the same time my readers would later discover it. It worked, but not without a few bumps along the way: continuity slips to fix, narrative threads forgotten somewhere along the line, constant back-and-forth to check that a detail mentioned in chapter 12 still lined up with what was happening in chapter 40.

For Panopticon Umbrae, I decided to do things differently.

A Structure Before the Writing

This time, I'm taking the time to build a real framework before diving into the writing itself: a detailed timeline, character sheets, a four-act outline mapping out the whole story. Nothing is left to chance — or at least, a lot less than before.

It's a different exercise than what I'm used to, and I'll admit it shakes up my more instinctive writing habits a little. But the goal is clear: avoid ending up halfway through the manuscript having to untangle knots I could have avoided with a bit more preparation upfront.

What Changes (and What Doesn't)

Does this take away from the spontaneity of writing? I asked myself that. But I think it actually gives me a safety net instead: I know where I'm headed, which gives me more freedom in how I get there. Structure isn't a cage — it's a map. And a map doesn't stop you from taking a few detours along the way.

I won't say any more about the plot itself for now (the curious ones will have to wait!), but know that this groundwork is well underway, and I'm especially excited about the direction this second book is taking.

Stay tuned...

No need for a four-act outline to get your hands on book one — just one click. 😉

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