For Apparent Secrets, there's a rough "order of operations" how I started writing it:
1. Have a vague story idea I've been tossing around for ten years.
2. Find out about the True Love on Tapas contest HALFWAY through the submission process (thank you, Instagram)
3. Plot out the ENTIRE six month timeline on an Excel spreadsheet calendar, highlighting the main plot points that need to happen, and in what order.
4. Detail out each of the main characters with D&D-style character sheets with essential details and appearance information.
5. Frantically cobble together 30 chapters in 40 days. Sleep little, stress lots.
For each chapter, I go through the following:
1. Review Excel calendar for specified story date(s), and read preceding three chapters.
2. Write out the main themes and plot points as bullet points in my draft.
3. Cue up a movie soundtrack, light an aromatic candle or diffuser, and microwave my tea I forgot to drink while reviewing previous chapters.
4. Scrawl out "essential" dialog needed for the chapter (the juicy / meaty sentences that are the "hook" for the chapter).
5. Fill in the blanks between scenes and events. Add details. Confirm character details against master character sheets.
6. Reach my word count of between 1880 - 2000 words per chapter. Cut if it's long, fill-in if it's short.
7. Re-read AT LEAST three times before even thinking about scheduling the chapter for posting online.
8. Wash. Rinse. Repeat for a total of four times per week.
I hope that helps!