process

Part of finding one’s voice is discovering one’s process. I’ve spoken with dozens of writers and each has their own unique process. Which is just as it should be. You have to find your own way. Steal what works, absolutely! But you process has to be you. If it’s not your voice, it’s not your process. My own process is simple.

I write long-hand in a notebook.

Usually, I have three notebooks on me at all times. Notebook #1 is for ideas, sketches, notes to self, lists, things I overhear, lyrics I like, etc... Notebook #2 is dedicated to the work in progress — usually a novel. I write scenes as they come to me. Sometimes they are in order, sequential. Other times they are snapshots from various points in the narrative. I write all of it. Sometimes I put little symbols at the top to suggest where in the book they might fall if they aren’t sequential. The important thing is to catch the image/scene and get it down. The order will come. Notebook #3 is for the “other” project or the “future” project. If nothing is coming for the the primary project (Notebook #2), I like to have a back-up idea cooking. That idea is less formed than what’s in Notebook #2 but more than just a random idea or musing or random scene that I might throw in Notebook #1.

After I write out a chunk long-hand, I input the work into the computer. The first revisions come when I transpose what I’ve written in the notebook to the Word document. Changes are made and order is discovered. I try to do this quickly after a long-hand session. One reason is to avoid losing too much momentum. Another reason is to have a back-up in case something happens to my notebooks.

Tons of writers like to outline. I don’t like to do that. Stephen King has talked about how a story wants to be told. Telling it is the thing. I’ve found that if I do too many detailed outlines, that’s the same as telling the story. And once I tell it, it’s over. The desire is gone. The mission is complete. There’s no need to tell it again. This is why I don’t talk about what a novel is about until it’s complete (or mostly complete). I don’t want to risk telling it before I write it.

I’ll outline in the revision process but not in the first draft process. The outlining, for me, is about clarity of plot/structure and depth of character. Outlining — when and how detailed — is usually where writers are most strict and specific about their own process. Some need to outline, others need to excavate (like an archeologist, digging and discovering the shape of the buried idea over time). Outlining and excavation are valuable tools that should compliment each other. But it’s up to you which is the primary tool.

After I complete a draft, I always reward myself with a drink — usually bourbon. I tweet/post about it and enjoy the feeling of work earned. It’s important to celebrate and enjoy the successes because the failures will out number them. And make no mistake, writing a first draft IS a success. Writing at all is a success. Reward yourself for doing the thing.

I like to give it at least a month before I go back in to start revisions. It gives me time to gain perspective, to see the piece anew with fresh eyes and different ideas. Deadlines can get in the way of this step, so it isn’t a hard and fast rule for me. Just a preference that I take advantage of whenever possible. Waiting, letting the work simmer, can be valuable. There’s no need to rush if you aren’t on a deadline.

Lastly, I always start the next project immediately. The next day Notebook #3 becomes Notebook #2 — meaning, whatever I’ve been toying with as the secondary idea becomes the primary idea. I have my next project ready to go, full speed ahead! I grab a new notebook to be the #3 and I get to work shaping, defining, and expanding on the new primary idea.

Part of my process is to keep writing, keep making pages, while also alternating back to the previously finished draft in order to make changes and polish it up. I like having a finished first draft to revise AND a new book to sculpt at the same time. This keeps away things like “writer’s block” which is a concept I understand but don’t totally believe in. But that’s for another time.

Find what works for you. Don’t feel pressure to copy anyone else’s process just because you think you should. What works for others isn’t guaranteed to work for you. If it does work for you, keep it. If it doesn’t, forget it and try something different. There is no magic formula. Whatever you do, enjoy it. Because writing is fun and it’s a privilege. Let the work reward you.