Creating a Solid Writing Process: Finding What Works for You (Part 2 of 2)

Finding a productive writing process can help the act of writing come easier to you and reduce the friction associated with writing.

While there is no one process that will work for everyone, there are tactics that can help.

Here are some tips for finding the right writing process for you:

If you aren’t sure what type of writer you are, try different methods. Do some writing sprints. Then do a long haul writing session. Try working in different locations with different conditions (noisy cafe, listening to music, in silence, alone in your home, etc.). Figure out which conditions suit your particular style and personality. My preferences change depending on the day and my mood, but typically fall into two categories. I like to write alone in the house, in my home office, in silence. I even use noise-reducing headphones with no sound to insulate myself. It helps me focus on the words. Some mornings (I am so not a morning person) I prefer the bustle of a cafe or coffeehouse. Particularly on Monday mornings. It helps me start the week and get back into a routine. I use this time to plan, handle smaller tasks, and editing. Try different approaches until you find what works for you and when and where it works for you.

When do you do your best writing? When does it feel good to write? What makes you feel productive and creative? Pay attention to your preferences and lean into them. You need to be open to your creative side and your productive side. To be a professional writer, you have to produce. But you can do that in a way that eliminates the grind mentality. Track your progress and what methods you used that day. Eventually a pattern will appear that will inform your process.

In most cases, you won’t find your process immediately. It will take time to track what works and what doesn’t. It takes time to establish a routine. None of us form habits on the fly. It takes commitment and perseverance. Give yourself permission to take that time. It will come, but it may not stay the same forever. I’ve been writing for a long time and what works for me changes sometimes. Other things don’t. I still prefer to write when it is dark outside. Not sure why, but I’m always more productive in the dark. When do you do your best work?

Write even when you don’t feel like it. Don’t grind, but keep trying. You won’t get anywhere if you’re waiting for the muse to show up. She’s a fickle sort and not someone you can rely on to hold your hand as you write. You have to show up for yourself. Write. Even when the process feels off. Even when you are still figuring out how to make it easier on yourself. That is part of the process too. If you can’t form a coherent sentence, work on supporting materials. Sketch out a new scene. Even if it is just writing down “this is the scene where my character walks into the cafeteria and starts a fight.” Why do he start the fight? Why then? Start asking questions and answering them. Figure out where you story goes next. Work on the structure of it and you may find the words start to flow again. This is a great way to trick yourself into writing.

If you don’t feel like writing or suddenly feel exhausted by the thought of writing, it’s likely not a process issue, but procrastination. This blog will help you fight the resistance that comes from that particular source. Just know that the more resistance you feel, the more you care about the outcome. Procrastination and investment in the outcome are linked.

Approach writing as a profession, not a hobby. Even if you don’t earn money from your craft yet, you can adopt a professional mindset. Professionals don’t have an option of skipping the work. They can’t let procrastination or fear stop them. They have deadlines and consequences when they fail to meet them. Adopt those attitudes. Create your own deadlines and consequences. Remove your excuses. Not only will you reduce the friction to writing, but taking your work seriously and professionally reduces the emotional struggle surrounding it. You can’t afford to waste time. You can’t afford to question yourself. You must write. Don’t become obsessive or force it, but do take your craft seriously and make a strong commitment to it. Or stop writing. Dabbling or struggling with it endlessly is no way to live. Writing is tough enough without torturing yourself.

Adopt a growth mindset where you keep learning and growing. Don’t assume you know everything you need to know to write well or be successful. Be open to new methods, processes, and techniques. Learn new skills. Improve on old ones. Focus on the fundamentals, like grammar, story structure, plotting, character development, and the other foundational skills required to write.

What works for you? What process makes sense for your writing? What reduces the friction? Share in the comments below.