My writing process …
MONDAY MORNING MAILBAG
Question: What is your writing process like?
Answer: Here is what I generally do to write a book:
First draft aka my vomit draft: I write about 5,000 to 6,000 words a day every day until I have a very, very rough draft. This is how I get the overall story, scenes, and characters down on the page (so to speak since I work/type on a computer). Usually takes about 3-4 weeks.
Second draft: I read through and revise/edit/flesh out the scenes, characters, dialogue, descriptions, worldbuilding, and more. When I finish this stage, I have what I consider to be a “real” book, and I can usually tell if the story/characters really sing to me and if a project is worth pursuing or not. Usually takes about 6 weeks.
Third draft: I print out the book on paper, read through it, mark my changes on paper, and then edit/revise on the computer. At this point, I am fleshing out the worldbuilding, studying the character arcs, making sure the magic system is logical and makes sense, and more. Usually takes 1 week to read and 2 weeks to edit.
Fourth draft: I print out the book on paper, read through it, mark my changes on paper, and then edit/revise on the computer. At this point, I am cutting out unnecessary words, punching up the action verbs in sentences, and more “fine tweaking”. AKA all the fiddly bits, as my grandma would say. Usually takes 1 week to read and 1 week to edit.
After the fourth draft, I usually send the book to my agent and beta readers to get their thoughts and revision notes. Then, after I revise the book, I start the production process, which I will talk about next week.
This is just *my* writing process and what works best for me. Every author is different. Some authors only write one draft and edit/revise as they go along. Other authors write a draft, edit it once, and then finish the book. There is no wrong or right (write?) way to write a book.
I think one of the best things you can do for yourself as an author is figure out the overall process that works best for *you* and your schedule, creativity, and more.
Thank you for reading! 😎
