Writing: A word about my method. Back to Blog
Different writers have different methods for crafting their stories. Some writers stop and edit their work as they go; never moving forward until the previous scene is perfected.
That’s not really my style.
When I write, I begin by pounding out a rough draft first. I only go back and change a scene at this point if something just sticks out in my head as being wrong. And by sticking out, I mean I get this nagging in the back of my mind that just won’t go away. A feeling that the story flow is off–and when I get this feeling, I do edit. Usually, I’ll create two versions of a scene at that point and I’ll choose the one that fits the best.
After I complete my initial rough draft, I take a few days rest from my story to give me a chance to get some distance from the work. When I’m too close to a story, it’s hard for me to see the errors. When break time is over, it’s time to begin my first read-through.
When I begin a read-through, I always start by having an old-fashioned journal at my side. As I read through the story, I make notations of any phrasings I don’t like, any plot points that seem shady, and any character inconsistencies. I edit as I go on the read-through, but these notations are for me to double-check once the full review is complete. Usually, I aim to complete a review of at least 50 pages a day.
Time permitting, once this first read-through is finished, I like to do once more full review, just as a precaution.
Some writers use critique groups or beta readers to review their material. I’ve never used either of those methods, but others swear by them. Different strokes for different folks.
If you’re a writer, what’s the method you use for your story and editing? I’m always curious about what works or what doesn’t work for other people!
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I’m the opposite to you. I edit as I go and I layer in material right across the story, as I write. I find doing partials really hard, though, because of that.
btw Hotter Afer Midnight is a fab novel! I had to break off reading it to blurb a book at short notice and I’ve been busting to get back to it. Major kudos, it’s an amazing read. 🙂
Hi, Saskia! Thank you so much!!!
And I find partials hard, too–it’s the synopsis part that gets me with those because I know that later, I’ll want to throw in more twists.
Cynthia were separated at birth. I write the same way. I used to not, and well I got hung up all of the time.
You’re welcome! 🙂
Now, the synopsis I don’t find so bad, and I think that’s because I write so many short stories. I just get into that zone. It’s the 3 chapters – never feel finished because of course they won’t be until much later on. Writing is like growing a good onion for me, I keep adding a layer. 🙂
Cindy, yep we use the same method. I like the first draft to be a linear, fun ride! LOL. It’s the only way I’ve ever written btw. And so true, whatever works is the way to go.
Karin, that’s exactly my problem! I do get tangled in the story if I try to do my edits as I write.
Saskia–I love your onion comparison–wise woman!
Hi, LaDonna! I’m all for whatever works. 🙂
I edit the hell out of my first chapters. Those have to be “right”. I think I need to get into my characters’ heads, and after about 3 to 5 chapters it clicks into place and I have it in my mind. Then I go forward and pretty much just write the book. I do have CPs who go over it, but I don’t send to them until I’ve revised. Altogether, I read it through about 4 times before it’s done.