My Writing Process

My Writing process 

Everyone’s writing process is unique. Either you plan out your entire book before you write, or you wing it and make up ideas as you go. Either you edit and write at the same time, or you write then edit. In this entry, you’re going to find out my writing process, and why I like it, and why it works. 

When starting a book, the first thing I do is comb through my book ideas to make sure I’m not missing anything. Usually, I have that list of ideas sitting right next to me in case I get lost. 

Grabbing a notebook out and making sure there are enough blank pages inside, I start writing. Yes, I hand-write my first draft. I find that not only do I like handwriting, but when I go to type it on the laptop, I basically re-write it, so I get to revise and edit without meaning to. Sure some scenes are the same as the first draft, but they’re better, more edited. Because I have the first draft down, instead of having to flip through tabs to copy a paragraph word for word, I just have to look down at the paper, it’s so much easier. 

Next thing I do is take a week off from looking at my book. Usually, this isn’t that bad, since I can just write things for my website while not thinking about my book. I do this so I have a clearer mind when I go to edit, apparently you catch more mistakes when doing this. 

After a week has passed, I can now begin editing. For the first read-through, I just do minor edits, Capitalization, punctuation, etc. I then read, over it a second time to double-check I got everything, then I go on to phase two of editing. 

This is where the fun part of editing begins. I now get to finally revise my writing. I add more character, cooler fight scenes, more connection between the characters, things like that. I write down scenes I could add, then copy-paste them into the book. 

After revising, I read my book a billion more times to make sure it’s all ready and edited. I work on the glossary, (if the book needs one) table of contents, I even draw the covers then digitalize them and edit them using Procreate. 

When I get close to publishing or finishing the book, I have my parents proofread it for me to get an outsider’s point of view. While they do that, I begin my next book and repeat this process all over again.

If you want to try to write this way, go for it. Don’t worry, if you don’t want to write this way, there’s plenty of ways to write a book. This is just what I like to do, it may or may not work for you. Just make sure you’re organized and you’ll be all set on making a great book.