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I do something Larry Brooks calls "Story Beats." I just write, line by line, a summary of what happens in the story, chronologically (usually two or three pages), then divide into chapters. If something new occurs to me, I can place it in the story beats where it belongs before I've written the entire story. Taking the time to plan saves writing time, in the long run. Larry Brooks's blog is called Story Fix http://storyfix.com/  He also has very expensive seminars and on line classes, but I think I've gotten enough from the blog and his books. (Some are free on Kindle)

ps Is it redundant to use summary and chronologically in the same sentence?

I've collected quite a few names, but am still waiting to hear from a couple of people who were instrumental in my getting the story written. JP

Congratulations, guys! Much success in the new year.  JP

Looks like The Boys are hiding out in the bathroom again, sharing their command of bad words. Guess they still can't think of anything to write.

Welcome back, Max. We missed you. Hope you are keeping well. JP

Yes, I have used this site and a couple others. I used a western settlers name generator for the names I used in the Adventures of a Young Girl. I used a Thai name generator for an action-adventure story I started but have yet to complete. I used a lyrical name generator for a female superhero I was going to write but lost interest in the character and spent my whole time playing with names.  I always use foreign-language name sites for other stories, because sometimes a name describes character traits that define the character. A person could get carried away, if you're not careful.

Better yet, you can base your next novel on an author whose book event is invaded by a criminal on a shooting spree. He's wrecked his getaway car on the highway and he's desperate. He takes over the venue (library? bookstore?) holding the author and attendees hostage all night long, while police and FBI (yes, the feds want him, too) congregate outside. You can make it funny, like Cadillac Man, or grim, like all the others.  It'll be a best-seller, then a movie, then a Pulitzer prize-winner, and it will have been time well spent. Have fun with it.  JP

I have to hand it to you, Janet--you are a paragon of promotion! If I didn't already own all your books, I'd be sure to buy them. Since you have the experience and I don't, I have a question for you. (And anyone else who's been working it.) Have you found it to be worth the effort to maintain so many pages and a web site? Do you have a blog? Professional curiousity. JP

Far out, Janet! That's what you would have  heard back then. I knew what it was as soon as I heard the first few notes. Iconic. How did you get the music? Good show.  JP