I am endlessly fascinated by the writing process of other writers. I’m curious about how they do what they do, where they get their ideas, how long their process takes.
The later reason is probably why I’m so curious, not because I’m looking for a shortcut (spoiler alert: there isn’t one) but, because I’m looking for a process that’s more efficient than mine.
I’m not sure I can even describe my process as a process. Its more haphazard, like being blindfolded and throwing darts at a target I cannot see.
Dangerous stuff.
I’d accomplish so much more if my process was more clearly defined — at least that’s what I keep telling myself. In reality, the only way to get it done is to do just that, get it done.
Hands to the keyboard and write.
So, without further adieu, here’s my contribution to the #MyWritingProcess blog tour:
What am I working on?
I’m working on the first novel that I plan to finish. I’ve started many that are no longer than a page or two and one that’s 70 pages, which I began in grad school in 2006 — and haven’t touched since. My current novel is similar to my grad school novel in setting but the plot will likely be very different. I’m still in the outlining stage.
How does my work differ from others of its genre?
That’s a hard question to answer when you’re not a published author. I write women’s fiction with an emphasis on setting. My ideas are rooted in a sense of place. That’s probably why I’m a travel writer by trade. Some people take photos of the places they visit. I like to capture those places with words.
Why do I write what I do?
Asking me why I write is like asking me why I breathe. I just have to.
How does my writing process work?
The million dollar question. For me, writing (and editing for that matter) is like piecing a puzzle together. I write down my ideas as they come. Then develop them, move them around and cut a few until the piece is complete. Then I take a break, a day if I can, before polishing.
My process is usually linear, meaning I write from beginning to end, and loosely structured. I need a plan to follow but I don’t want it set in stone.
How about you? What’s your writing process? Got any tips for me?
Thanks to Karen of Time Crafted for including me in the #MyWritingProcess blog tour. Here are three more authors to check out:
YA Author Kelly Fiore illustrates her writing process with gifs.
A senior editor at Harlequin Books, Patience Bloom recently debuted as an author with her memoir Romance Is My Day Job (Dutton). Great love story!
Bestselling Author Jessica Anya Blau has written three books. Her most recent novel is The Wonder Bread Summer.
I love hearing about other writers’ creative process, mostly because it’s refreshing to be reminded that there’s really no magic — it’s just lots and LOTS of hard work.
Holly Smith recently posted..Welcome Back to Snake-Handling Preschool!
It’s so interesting to learn how other writers all approach the same task. From what you’ve witten, I imagine your settings become a character to play with and imagine the locale in your tale will really ground a reader.
Thanks for jumping on board the tour!
Karen recently posted..My Writing Process
Thank you for sharing! I’m curious how your writing process working on the novel differs from that of travel pieces. Does writing by trade make you even more hungry to write creatively, or does it seem to pull from the same pool, or to dry up the ink (whatever metaphor works)?
Jessica recently posted..The writing process: always in process
Good question! I find travel writing to be very creative; its just another form of storytelling. The basic process is the same, although, writing short, travel pieces is a lot easier for me than long form fiction. Novel writing requires much more endurance.