What is your writing process?

[nancywrites]

When you have a writing project in front of you, how do you get started, how do you move through it when you feel stuck, how do you get yourself to the finish line?

[Andreya]

Interesting question! It's easy for me to get started (usually brimming with ideas!) After about a month, I found recently that I may lose interest. In a fiction book or so, though I have one WIP that is almost finished, and I set 'fake deadlines' for me then, it sort of worked! I read a lot of advice online about writing etc, and experimented with it - also was writing mostly 'just for fun' cause I really liked the story, so that's probably why it got finished so far! A friend of mine just thinks of any interesting things to add into the book to make it more interesting for him to write. I asked myself, where would I as a heroine want to be, or NOT want to be? (And then put in some of both!) It's easier for me to write songs or articles, cause they are shorter. Sometimes certain articles can be not so easy to finish too; nagging from relatives, or deadlines etc may help then. Haven't really written non-fiction books before, may some day too. We have a thread on scanners and ADD in Refuse to Choose sub-forum, some useful tips there too. Someone online suggested writing in 10 minute increments if absolutely necessary, rotating with something fun. I wrote an article by watching Japanese drama inbetween.

[nancywrites]

A friend of mine just thinks of any interesting things to add into the book to make it more interesting for him to write. I asked myself, where would I as a heroine want to be, or NOT want to be? (And then put in some of both!)

Its really good to have some tricks... I usually try and tap into what I really feel and my rule is... if my heart is beating fast and my fingers cannot keep up with my thoughts... I usually end up liking what I write - -

[Unity]

I found that when I was writing purely for myself I'd keep changing my mind about the course of the story. If I was writing for publication or a creative writing assignement, then it was easier as I knew I had to keep going. It's usually easier if you have a deadline because you know that no matter how much you procrastinate or go off tangent, eventually you'll have to do it by a certain time - even if that means all night the day before! Hope that helps. Where you referring to a particular writing project of yours or just in general?

[yonuh]

It depends on the type of writing. I wrote my Master's thesis over spring break, including research, so it took me 10 days. (I had a year and a half to research and write my thesis and waited until my last semester) When I was in school, I would let the topic percolate in my brain for a while until I had an inspiration, then run with it. This doesn't work for everyone. I tried the outlines, research, etc. recommended for writing research papers, but none of that worked for me. When I'm writing fiction, I just write; it's almost as if my fingers are just a tool for the story to come out; the story comes from somewhere else, and I'm just the conduit to get it on paper (or computer screen!) This doesn't sound like much help for you, but I think everyone has a different method and style.

[RachelACornell]

I'm writing non-fiction but I just heard a writer of horror genera say "when my plot has a hole in it, I fill it with dead bodies." I know that really doesn't answer your question...But maybe the laugh will help you move forward? For my creative mind (the term I prefer over ADD) I can not make it too big a project. I am writing a whole self-help book but in pieces. I have to make it smaller or it feels impossible. I consider each chapter a stand alone project. Like a booklet. each section of each "booklet" is a piece of the project. I work on a section at a time. I'm not moving at breakneck speed. Much of the good stuff for my sections come from conversations with my clients. All my techniques I test with the people I "nag" for effectiveness. If a client is not getting the results they want using a technique I suggest then I know I've missed the mark. My process is one encouraged by Barbara. Living language, getting much of my words from conversations. Best way for me to put real time into my book is to sneak it in. If i have 10 minutes between calls that's prime writing time. I do more in those 10 minutes than I would if I gave myself ALL of Saturday to write, no joke! Plus I would totally mess up Saturday because I would feel really crappy for doing everything but write...I mean, it's my dream to write a book, I must not want it bad enough....Bhaaa. If I make it the do or die project, I am going to run away from it. That's what all that "all of Saturday" does to me, makes it too important so I run! Last thing. I almost always have a pen and paper on me, do you? I didn't today and while in the bathroom....I had an idea for a great blog post. Didn't write it down. I STILL can't remember what that "great idea" was! Grrr Maybe I'll re-post this instead.

[SquarePeg]

Most of my writing is autobiographical for my blog. I tend to take a different "third person" perspective of myself -- my actions and behaviors. I might even imagine myself in an interview (on the Johnny Carson show, for example) answering those open-ended questions in very long-winded, self-aggrandizing manner. Since this type of writing comes easily to me, I figured all writing is easy. So I decided to start writing book reviews. But then when the books started to come in, I realized I didn't like writing reviews all that much. Even then I'd fall back on the interview process. ("Square, from your perspective, what did you see as the best part of this book?") I suppose I've done it for so long, that I've internalized it to the point that I'm not even aware I'm doing it. I'm probably employing the technique right now to write this post. ("Square, in those times you've been most prolific with the pen, what techniques did you find yourself falling back on again and again?") See? I wonder if this is more or less weird than Rachel's "Fill it with dead bodies" response? HTH

[nancywrites]

Last thing. I almost always have a pen and paper on me, do you? I didn't today and while in the bathroom....I had an idea for a great blog post. Didn't write it down. I STILL can't remember what that "great idea" was! Grrr Maybe I'll re-post this instead.

I really like this idea... I used to do that with drawing when I was a teen and in early twenties... I think I should do that with writing. I find, just sitting down and starting is about the best way... sort of bypassing self doubt, start typing without having the most perfect things to say, etc... and then suddenly I have in words something that I didn't expect...

[kellibug]

I write both fiction and non-fiction (quite a few how-to articles for the internet), and tend to let ideas percolate a bit TOO long, if I'm not careful! A few hints that have helped me over the years: 1. Write with someone specific in mind. My fiance is often my target audience for fiction (he's an avid reader) as well as craft DIY articles (because he knows little to nothing about sewing, so I have to explain things clearly). It helps immensely to have someone specific to write for - especially since it reminds you that you can't write The Perfect Book for everyone anyway. 2. Use a timer. This may not work for everyone, but I LOVE using timers for everything - housework, exercise (ugh) and even writing. I give myself 15 or 20 minutes to get into a topic, and if I still am having major difficulties getting into it by the end of the time, I can take a break for a while without feeling too bad. Often though, the thought that I only have 15 minutes to write something can get the juices flowing (and once that happens, I just turn the timer off). 3. Brain Dump to get the ideas out first. Sometimes, like so many of us out there, the ideas come faster than I can keep up with them. So if I have a day where I feel like the ideas just come and come and I fear I might lose them, I either type as fast as I can, just the main ideas, or I keep an idea book (Thanks Barbara for that one!! It's a lifesaver!!!) that I can use to sketch out ideas as fast as they can hit me. Then when the time to write comes, there's less pressure to capture every idea while simultaneously trying to make a complete sentence. Hope this helps! Happy writing!!

[Wolf Goddess]

First I see, hear or remember something that starts me on a rant. While I am ranting to myself it occurs to me to write it down. So I do. This morning I wrote about how crappy the latest Disney movie was (The Princess and the Frog) and why it was so crappy.

Other times I may be making a piece of art or making an art journal and I want to write about that in a how-to fashion.

Once I start writing I seldom want to move until the piece has enough outline material so when I come back to it I can continue my line of thought.

Usually when I am writing for one of my blogs I get other ideas. Then I open another document and jot down those ideas for the future. Then I just continue with the piece I was working on.

WG

[Unity]

You know that all your posts will be deleted jan

edit - this is referring to a spammer whose posts were deleted

[Champagnebrut]

Great question!

When you have a writing project in front of you, how do you get started?
My writing process depends on how big and involved it is, but generally I start my writing by doing the following:

1. Get inspired - I do anything to gain momentum (watch a relevant movie, chat with friends)
2. Mindmap - I think deeply about my subject and brainstorm my ideas onto a mindmap.
3. Establish my puroise and writing goal(s) - Especially important for getting me through the tough times.
4. Make an outline - This is similar to creating a roadmap to one's destination and is part of my pre-witing process.
5. Chunk and schedule - I break down my project and set progressive timelines for each section.
6. Research and take notes - This is continual throughout my writing process (I finish the bulk of my research before writing but researching is an endless task).
7. Write first draft - I don't necessarily start from the beginning. I strive to express my 'unique voice' and focus on content versus form.
8. Proofread & Solicit useful feedback - I get others to proofread separately for form and content & proofread on my own after distancing myself from my writing.
9. Revise & edit - I write a second draft, taking into account commentary/suggestions. I check that everything flows.
10. Write multiple drafts - I continually research, solicit feedback and write progressively polished drafts. If time allows, I add 'wow' factor by including unique pieces, e.g. interviews, quotes, illustrations, graphs, charts.
11. Write final copy - I try to avoid doing research at this time. I read my finished product aloud from start to finish.
12. Celebrate!


How do you move through it when you feel stuck, how do you get yourself to the finish line?

- I refer back to my reasons and purpose for writing this particular piece.
- I talk to helpful people, join forums,
- I use a timer, work with my unique energy, do something active before writing.
- I watch an inspiring movie that is relevant to my project.
- I create an environment and conditions that are conducive to writing. I go to an elegant café, rearrange my apartment beautifully. Put a powerful picture or talisman on my work desk to motivate me.
- I do free writing for 15 minutes before I write.

[nancywrites]

I found that when I was writing purely for myself I'd keep changing my mind about the course of the story. If I was writing for publication or a creative writing assignement, then it was easier as I knew I had to keep going. It's usually easier if you have a deadline because you know that no matter how much you procrastinate or go off tangent, eventually you'll have to do it by a certain time - even if that means all night the day before! Hope that helps. Where you referring to a particular writing project of yours or just in general?

Actually, I was just curios about other writers process... I find that it helps to hear of the different ways that different writers motivate themselves to sit down and produce written work...

[nancywrites]

Most of my writing is autobiographical for my blog. I tend to take a different "third person" perspective of myself -- my actions and behaviors. I might even imagine myself in an interview (on the Johnny Carson show, for example) answering those open-ended questions in very long-winded, self-aggrandizing manner. Since this type of writing comes easily to me, I figured all writing is easy. So I decided to start writing book reviews. But then when the books started to come in, I realized I didn't like writing reviews all that much. Even then I'd fall back on the interview process. ("Square, from your perspective, what did you see as the best part of this book?") I suppose I've done it for so long, that I've internalized it to the point that I'm not even aware I'm doing it. I'm probably employing the technique right now to write this post. ("Square, in those times you've been most prolific with the pen, what techniques did you find yourself falling back on again and again?") See? I wonder if this is more or less weird than Rachel's "Fill it with dead bodies" response? HTH

I like that!

I suppose I use a technique as well... I use music when I want to get myself to feel things (when I am writing fiction, of course)... sad music when I am writing sad scenes, etc... it puts me in a mood that I need to be in... it makes it easier...