The writing process is a complex sort of beast, and it is individual to every writer. So after years of brainstorming, drafting, and refining again and again, what does my personal writing process usually look like? It is pretty standard. I brainstorm, I write, and I edit till I'm blue in the face. But writing is never really so simple as that, is it? Unfortunately, no. The Birth of a New IdeaFirst comes the idea. Easily the most thrilling stage, when none of the work as had to happen, and all the inspiration is suddenly wild and alive in my mind. Almost always, it starts with one or many characters rather than an imagined circumstance or general plot. Rather than thinking what I want to write, I more often think of who I want to write about. The part of the process usually includes an excessive amount of scribbling in my notebook, lots of sticky notes, fragments of scene ideas, streams of dialogue, and general descriptions that highlight the essential parts of each of my characters. Beginning to Write
At this point in the process, I compile all of my ideas into one place, so it is easiest to see them side by side, and start figuring out the order of things. This is where the elements of plot and structure start to be more carefully planned and considered, and suddenly a stroke of inspiration starts to form into a well-rounded plan for a story. This part is equally as promising and exciting as it is overwhelming. I usually feel an intense surge to work until I drop. And there is certainly work to do, because at this point in the process, things still appear scattered and messy. But at last, it is our starting place. Drafting, Drafting, and More DraftingOne of the most hefty processes: drafting. Some scenes begin to come alive, some get scrapped completely. An array of exchanges and conflicts have to be strung together in a manner that flows and engages a reader. Greater themes are needed to be considered and made evident in the progression of the story. Inspiration floods in, and recedes again.
Do yourself a favor, and when you write, focus on writing. Jumping ahead to the editing stage before you've even filled the page is often frustrating and detrimental to maintaining flow in the process. Drafting is incredibly thrilling, and also sometimes makes me want to pull my hair out. Self doubt creeps in. Breaks are often needed. I am enthralled one minute, and completely questioning the validity or clarity of my story the next. But it is also extremely gratifying, watching that word count slowly climb. Pieces of the puzzle fall together, after being rearranged ten times over. And at the end of the first draft, finally, the story has bones. Refining and RewritingAs a lover of editing, this part of the process suits me well. It often comes with rearranging, reimagining, and a lot of rewriting. This too, can be frustrating. I often find it incredibly exciting, too, having the chance to tweak everything in a way that better brings it all together. It is once again an opportunity to view all parts of your story side by side, and figure out what is working, and what isn't.
A chance to develop the idea in your head, consider all the options, and as always, work the writing muscle. Absolutely priceless. The Satisfying EndThere is nothing so gratifying as a finished draft, finished in the respect that you have done all you can. Seeking the help of professional editors before pursuing the publishing process includes even more reworking. But there comes a point where you look at a story and think-- well, I've worked out everything I can, and I think this is as close to finished as I can get it. And that it is a very fine place to be. As I said, I'm not very good at letting go. When I finish a story, I have a hard time walking away. I start missing the thrill, mourning characters I've never met, and wondering if I'll ever come up with an idea again. But this is natural, and rest assured, there is always something else dancing on the horizon, just waiting to be sought out.
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AuthorYour fellow writer, Isabella, started this blog with the intention of reaching writers like her and creating a platform to connect, share, and inform with those who posses the same love of fiction and romance. Categories
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