The 3 questions I usually receive from fellow writers, who have recently discovered writing are:
=> Do I need to write every day?
=> Is it better to use an outline when writing?
=> What is the best time to write and how long should I write?
I often share with them that there is no right or wrong way when it comes to writing. One writer is different from the next. What writers must do is find what fits their life and writing style. What works for me won't necessarily work for them. My writing schedule may not be another writer's ideal schedule. Let’s face it . . . I don’t get to block out hours of writing time. I tend to write in short bursts throughout the day. And each day if very different from the day before.
As a writer, you may have productive early mornings or like to write late at night. I know a few writers who prefer writing after 10pm because the house is still and everyone is asleep so they won’t be disturbed. You may be like me and write in spurts, take a break to do some chores and then go back to writing . . . and still turn in a clean copy that beats your editor's deadline by several hours. On the other hand, writing for long hours with no breaks might work best.
=> Do I need to write every day?
=> Is it better to use an outline when writing?
=> What is the best time to write and how long should I write?
I often share with them that there is no right or wrong way when it comes to writing. One writer is different from the next. What writers must do is find what fits their life and writing style. What works for me won't necessarily work for them. My writing schedule may not be another writer's ideal schedule. Let’s face it . . . I don’t get to block out hours of writing time. I tend to write in short bursts throughout the day. And each day if very different from the day before.
As a writer, you may have productive early mornings or like to write late at night. I know a few writers who prefer writing after 10pm because the house is still and everyone is asleep so they won’t be disturbed. You may be like me and write in spurts, take a break to do some chores and then go back to writing . . . and still turn in a clean copy that beats your editor's deadline by several hours. On the other hand, writing for long hours with no breaks might work best.
The point is . . . your way is not better than mine, and vice versa. At the end of the day, we both come out with something we are proud of and hope to see published.
Now when it comes to outlines, some writers write more and finish more quickly if they follow an outline. Others feel stifled and write without one, happy to let their characters reveal the story in the process. Then there is my approach. I write with a lose outline. I have an idea where the story starts, concepts of roadblocks my MC must overcome and how the story will end. Neither approach is wrong. It’s just what works for you and your creativity.
The thing you need to keep in mind, as you devour the books by the authors you admire, is each writer is unique in style, voice, writing rhythm and technique.
Now when it comes to outlines, some writers write more and finish more quickly if they follow an outline. Others feel stifled and write without one, happy to let their characters reveal the story in the process. Then there is my approach. I write with a lose outline. I have an idea where the story starts, concepts of roadblocks my MC must overcome and how the story will end. Neither approach is wrong. It’s just what works for you and your creativity.
The thing you need to keep in mind, as you devour the books by the authors you admire, is each writer is unique in style, voice, writing rhythm and technique.
The point is . . . find your own style to tap into your writing muse, don’t worry if others think it odd. If you’re comfortable and find yourself writing then it's the right way of writing—because it's your way.
