Hi Reader!
Ever wonder how authors go about writing their masterpieces? For many, the idea of writing is a dream—a chance to pour all of our creativity onto the page. Many people aspire to write their first story, poem, or novel but don’t know where to start. It might feel like a task that’s too daunting or completely overwhelming. But I’m here to tell you…we’ve all been there, my friend.
Walt Disney said it best:
“If you can dream it, you can do it.”
In this blog, I’ll take you through my personal writing process and share how I bring my ideas to life on paper.
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Where to Start
It all begins with a notebook. I carry one everywhere I go because you never know when inspiration will strike.
Ever hear the saying,
“I’m an author, so what you say or do might end up in a story?”
It’s true! I recently flew out for an author symposium, and my flight experience sparked the beginning of a new series. 😉 Carrying a notebook is an easy way to jot down ideas, sketch out drafts, outline chapters, or flesh out details about characters and plots. Plus, you can take it nearly anywhere, even when your electronic devices aren’t accessible.
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Planning and Outlining
People often ask if you really need to spend time planning or outlining your upcoming novel. I think this depends on the type of story you’re writing. For example, if you’re writing historical fiction, planning is crucial to get the details right. But if you’re creating a completely fictional world, you might not need as much research.
That said, “The devil is in the details.”
Even if you’re building your own universe, consistency in your narrative, characters, and storyline is key. For instance, if your main character starts off as a tough, no-nonsense person who never cracks a smile, but later in the story you describe them in a way that contradicts this persona, it disrupts the reader’s immersion. It’s always important to outline before diving into a project.
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Writing Routine
In today’s world, sticking to any routine is tough. We all have the best intentions, but life often gets in the way. I’m guilty of this, too. Like any goal, though, it’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself. Many authors set a word count goal or a target completion date for their projects. Personally, I believe in setting small, achievable goals. It brings you one step closer to your dream. For me, writing a minimum of 500 words a day or completing a chapter keeps me on track.
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Language/Style
Your writing style should reflect who you are. As a reader, nothing frustrates me more than having to reread a line multiple times to understand what the author is trying to convey. Sometimes, simplicity is best. After all, you want the reader to engage their imagination and immerse themselves in the story.
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Writing Environment
Finally, many people forget that the writing environment is just as critical as any other stage in the process. A positive, healthy workspace is essential for meeting your writing goals. For example, I need a quiet space where I can think. When I need inspiration, I often head to a coffee shop, restaurant, or lively place to help shake off writer’s block and spark new ideas. Whatever works for you, just make sure to keep your goals in mind.
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That’s all for now! Do any of these tips resonate with you? Do you incorporate any of these into your writing routine? Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!
XOXO,
LK 💋