Finally, I've started outlining the common route. I started by making a list of all the scenes and story beats I wanted to include in each route. Right now I'm working on outlining each route so I can start scripting all the scenes. I decided that I'm going to script straight into Ren'Py- mostly just because it makes me feel more productive and scripting on Google docs is such a bore. I want to make sure the story flows well and doesn't have pacing issues ^_^
Currently I'm planning on having 5 main routes and 2 extra routes. This is not set in stone though and may change! The common route is going well, though it might be a little long. I've been researching a lot about visual novel lengths and such, I feel that a 1-2 hour common route would be appropriate. I'm not worrying much about the length right now though, as much as I'm focusing on making sure I get every scene I want into the story. You know, there are always those scenes that you imagine in your head but once you start writing you just can't find a place for them~ I hope that there aren't many of those scenes I have to get rid of, especially with the true heroine because she's such a fun character to write.