Writing Process from a Tinker's View
A behind-the-scenes peek at a writing cycle
Writers all seem to have their own processes and tricks to put those words onto the page. Each is as unique as the stories we tell.
Where Are Your Strengths?
From what I’ve seen, we writers label ourselves, pantser (making it up as you go) and plotter (having a plan before you write). And some of us are a little of both—plantser. I’m now solidly in the plantser group, though it hasn’t been clear to me why for quite a while.
I’m finding it may be a matter of knowing your strengths. Where does the writing flow for you? What helps you get words on the page and a story you and your readers will love?
Recently, I took the Clifton Strengths test after attending a talk by Becca Syme. Surprise, surprise! My top six were all in the strategic thinking area (Ideation, Learner, Strategic, Futuristic, Input, and Intellection), then several in relationship building (Relator, Developer, and Individualization). If you aren’t familiar with the Clifton Strengths, that’s fine. If you’re curious what the terms are, they’re each described here. Becca also has a video playlist of each of the strengths from a writer’s perspective. (I think you need to attend a session with her though, to get access to the playlist, or I’d link to it.) This post isn’t a “you need this personality test”. I simply found it helpful.
Part of why I’m sharing is I had to giggle over the fact that the very top ones were suited for a deep thinking introvert, and the next group are traits about holding a team together. (My favorite characters in most books and the main character I’m currently writing have at least one of these traits too.)
The main reason I’m sharing my results is that the strategic thinking areas make me a “tinker” that keeps testing tweaks in a process to make it the best method possible.
How does this relate to our writing processes? Your strengths and weaknesses will affect what gives you the best writing experience. Learning what the positives are can give you the insights to adjust your writing process if you need.
Writing Experiment
In the writing community, there’s a big push to just get the words on the page and fix any problems later in editing. But this doesn’t work for everyone. And sometimes it can take a while to find what method works best for you.
I’ve tried totally pantsing, plotting in detail, and all manner of ways in between. It’s taken a while to find what works so I can get words on the page efficiently and not have to fight for every single word.
I’m not writing anything like 5,000 words an hour. But more time in the flow state and getting a book out faster than I my previous books is my goal.
My current series requires a ton of research and culture verification. It’s a delightful excuse to learn more about a topic I’m passionate about. And I love making my plots twisty and complicated. Writing too fast would make the enjoyment evaporate. That said, I’m writing more words each day than I did for my first book. It’s exciting to see!
Consider what you enjoy in your writing and build your goals and drafting process around those.
Learning about different writing cycles can give you ideas for your own. So, here is my current drafting method. If parts resonate with you, please try them!
Create a simple plot outline to match story beats.
Make a scene sketch with the entry, exit, middle, list of characters, info about the location, that can be included. Having the major decisions made frees up brain space for me to imagine. If I have to make all the choices and plotting on the fly and keep it all in my head, my writing slows down tremendously.
Open up a playlist of fast-paced thinking music.
Within the scene sketch boundaries, use exploratory writing. I have to have a few details ready to assist in finding my flow. Then the words and images come easily. If I don’t have that simple guide where I can stretch the limits, it’s nigh impossible for me to visualize a scene.
If writing stops because you’re stuck, have a cycle to get going again.
Identify the problem. This may take a bit to figure out. Sometimes it requires going for a walk or doing something boring like folding laundry. Movement is magical it engages another part of your brain. (If you’re curious about the connection, consider checking out The Extended Mind by Annie Murphy Paul.)
Plot the problem fix in the scene sketch.
Write again until the end of the chapter is reached or the writing is stuck.
If you haven’t found your writing groove, consider trying something a different from what you usually do and see what works. The process above is there for you to test if you’d like. Maybe your writing methods will evolve over time. Mine sure have.
What do you do when you get stuck in your writing?
As I sign off, I’ll remind you to…
Be the Difference. Be extraordinary.
All the best,
Amy
Looking for your next read?
Link List:
If your email client doesn’t show you the links in this post, here they are in text format for you to copy and paste into a browser tab.
https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx
https://betterfasteracademy.com/
https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/253715/34-cliftonstrengths-themes.aspx
https://anniemurphypaul.com/books/the-extended-mind/
https://bookfunnel.amywintersvoss.com/myths-legends-fairy-tale-sale-march-april/ez2a441087
These are all great steps! I especially like having a methodology to get unstuck, I feel like a lot of writers get caught in those kinds of loops. Thinking critically while being compassionate to your writer self is so important and this is worded so well here.