Writing process

I’ve been procrastinating. Instead of starting my work day, I’ve been watching the snow fall.

So, it seems like a good day to write about writing process. Perhaps if I was more deliberate, I would be writing by now. Or, maybe looking out the window is part of my process.

I did some reading and learned there are different ways to think about the process of writing. For example, some writers define it as the steps of writing: make an outline, write a draft, edit, re-draft, and so on.

I think of writing process as my preparation to write. It starts when I wake up. I listen to the news, walk my dog, read email, perhaps work on an article or write a birthday card, and plan my day. Then I relocate to my office and get to work. My morning routine prepares me for the day’s projects.

What the experts say
I thought there must be research about this topic, but I found very little. I turned to the experts.

Author and commentator Roxanne Gay advises us to consider our best time of day for writing, where we write, whether we listen to music. “You may not think you have a process but you do.”

Billy Collins keeps a small notebook handy, and begins by handwriting his poems. He makes a mess, crosses out words, changes them, doodles, and makes sketches. “There’s no such thing as a distraction. Maybe it belongs in your writing.”

Salman Rushdie says “There are things which you hear…and if you don’t write them down at that moment you will never remember them again, so you have to form the habit of making a record of your observations.”

What I’ve Learned

• Make lists. This removes the details of my day from my mind and allows me to focus.
• Turn off email. It’s amazing how much this improves my concentration.
• Re-boot. A walk, new activity, or relocation gets me back on track when I start to fade.
• Adapt. My morning process doesn’t always work in the afternoon. Small adaptations help.
• Have fun. My collection of colored pens promotes fun, doodling, and new directions.
• Look out the window. A change of scene provides a brief respite, shifts my perspective, and inspires ideas.

Process and quality
Does our writing process improve writing quality? I didn’t find any evidence. However it’s logical that a routine that works may sharpen your attention, improve your writing, and promote quality.