3 Steps to Find Your Writing Process

And Then to Honor It

I’ve been writing for 25 years, so you’d think I understand my own process.

I’m what’s called a “lean writer” meaning I write very sparingly on my first draft. It’s skeletal, truly bare bones. Then in the 2+++ drafts, I fill in the muscle and flesh and organs and all the other necessary parts.

By which I mean, getting the deep emotions on the page, checking that I’m showing not telling, making sure all my characters have flaws, etc.

And before that, I can spend months just letting my subconscious work on something. I try not to write a word during this time, as words act like glue for me to that generative process.

So when I sent off my very raw first draft first chapter recently to my trusted critique partner I should have known better. I got back a bunch of notes all aimed at the gaps I’d left – which of course I had, because that’s my process. Lean and mean first draft.

I was too hasty in trying out the idea. I needed to get the lean first draft on the page before taking on the task of filling in those other body parts.

So I quickly withdrew, and won’t send more until maybe draft 3.

You out there without my thick skin (callused over by years of critiquing) – you need to know your process so that the mistake I made doesn’t derail your nascent idea.

The 3 Steps to Know Your Process

Note that there is no right answer to these questions. They’re meant to stimulate you to defining how you work best.

1.        You have an idea. Do you…

a.        Start writing like crazy?

b.        Think on it for a long time, or

c.        Craft an outline?

2.        You’re finally ready to write. Do you…

a.        Write fast and lean?

b.        Write slowly, going back over what you’ve written until it’s perfect and round and fleshed out before moving on, or

c.        Somewhere in between?

3.        You’ve finished your first draft. Do you…

a.        Give it another couple of rounds before getting eyeballs on?

b.        Try it out on someone, or

c.        Polish until the cows come home?

As I said, there are no right answers to these questions. The right path for you depends on how your brain works, and how you take to critique, and how willing you are to either let something go (kill those darlings!) or fill something in.

Discovering Your Best Writing Process

If you like to start writing like crazy from the get-go, then know you’ll probably need to do a lot more work after draft one. If you are the opposite of me – a writer who likes to flesh things out fully – then know that you should be prepared to pare it back rather than fill it out. And if you want to send it to critique even when polished fully, develop that thick skin that you’ll need to keep going when you do (as you will) receive feedback.

Remember – this is your process. No one else will ever write the way you do and that’s just fine. But you need to discover the way that works best for you so that you complete the work that you start.

Also be aware – your process may change. Mine has, even from book to book, at least in a general way. Some books need more work on the back end. Some need more upfront thinking before writing.

But all need eyeballs on, which is why, even when her critiques hurt, I adore and trust my critique partner. I also need to honor my process.

Now You, Too, Can Find Critique Help and Support

If you’re looking for community, content, and support, I’ve built a membership and course-rich program on writing for children and young adults that is now open! It’s called Fox’s Den (cute, right?) It’s where you can find your process.

Nine modules, hours and hours of writing craft content, and regular meetings to keep you going. You can find details here. It’s limited enrollment, and there’s an early-bird reduced-rate deadline of February 29, so please let me know if you’re interested and I’ll send you an application.

I would also love to know what else you’re looking for so contact me! Ask me a question, or two or more.