Creative process peek!
My newest book, The Aether Unravels, has been out for about a week, which in turn has me reflecting back on the adventure. Self-publishing is a significant undertaking beyond creating and writing a story, and that is an understatement. There is a reason traditional publishing exists and is successful, because when I say the writing was the least difficult part of my process, I’m not exaggerating. In the name of transparency and maybe posterity, I’ve decided to post some short descriptions of everything involved in the creation of my Bonds of Dissonance series, including processes, people, and tools used along the way.
Writing...
A good journal is my best friend. No lines, leather covers, with a tassel or charm… that’s heaven right there. And I’m obsessed with fountain pens…
I use Scrivener, Pages, and Word as my primary writing programs. And just so we are very clear, it is I, author C.G. Wynn, a flesh-and-bone-and-running-on-caffeine person, that writes all the words in my books.
For research and inspiration, I utilize my local library, standard web searches, Pinterest, ChatGPT, and Midjourney. Not gonna lie, in the process of writing The Aether Unravels, I went down some deep neurodivergency-driven rabbit holes, particularly about environments and ecosystems. Who knew mirages in cold climates could produce such a different illusion?
For developmental editing and story feedback, I’ve commissioned Reedsy professionals, as well as professional friends, and family favors. A couple of cats provided opinions as well, though few suggestions were taken into consideration.
For copy editing, like grammar and spell checks, I use built-in features of my writing programs, as well as Grammarly and ChatGPT.
Book art...
I licensed stock art through Shutterstock and adjusted it in Procreate for the cover design of The Aether Awakens.
I commissioned an artist to create cover art for The Aether Unravels, and adjusted it in Procreate for the cover design.
I, myself, created all maps and chapter symbols using Procreate. I’m not a professional artist, but I do love me some creative control where I can haha.
Publication...
I acquire my ISBNs and file copyrights through Bowker.
I use Kindle Create for ebook formatting and enroll my books in Kindle Unlimited. I use IngramSpark to format paperbacks and for distribution.
I use KDP and IngramSpark for paperback prints.
I use KDP Virtual Voice audiobooks (priced accordingly.) Truthfully, when I was accepted into the Beta, I debated whether to utilize this tool or not for a long time, and ultimately decided that accessibility won out. I’d love to have a human-voiced audiobook someday, but I need to be able to pay someone accordingly for their talent and work, and that just isn’t in the cards right now.
Promotional materials...
I use stock art provided by Squarespace (my website host) and Midjourney-generated art for world and character visuals on my website.
I use Canva to design and print signage for book events. My spouse sews my tablecloths and helps me print stickers on our home printer.
I use Instagram, Threads, and TikTok for social media promotion. I’m also on Goodreads, but am not too active, unfortunately.
I use ChatGPT for learning about ads, sales, and basic market research. I only use Midjourney-generated art for inspiration and visualization, never for anything of monetary value or for any of the content in my books.
For the record, I’m not sponsored nor necessarily endorse any of the tools I use. I provide links because I’m allergic to gatekeeping, but like with every aspect of life, it is most important to find out what works for you and your brain chemistry—these are just the ones that worked for me so far! I’m always happy to share and chat, so leave a comment if you’d like to know more or discuss!
<3 C.G.
