Drawing from the Well
I really thought I did more than how things look now at the end of the week, but here we are. I’m close to the end of Aron and Uma’s arc so it’s about to get really exciting as I charge into the climax. I also did a little Round 1 Editing (The Tan Edit) on Calm’s arc while I was on the couch last night on my ReMarkable. That thing is amazing and I look forward to using it for editing down the line. That, of course, is predicated on getting the writing done so, I guess I’ll keep going with that.
Scenes: 114/230
Words: 71,131/~132,300 (53.75%. I still think this is undershooting it, but we’ll see.)
Filling the Well
This was a good reading week. I read a couple short stories and finished two big books: Dracula and Mistborn. Dracula was fine if archaic and unfocused. Mistborn was magnificent. I get it now. Since then, I’ve moved on to Soulstar, the third book in C.L. Polk’s series, and Dreamlander by K.M. Weiland who I deeply respect. I’m so much more sucked into this book than Behold the Dawn and can’t wait to see where it goes.
34/100 for #ProjectBookworm2022
Well Chat
So far, we’ve covered the extremes and the majority of the writing process spectrum. Now, it’s time to look at how you write and the options available to you and find out what your writing process is.
Knowing your process can help you settle into your writing routine, but it neither constricts nor defies who you are. And it isn’t a static thing. My process evolves every time I write and edit a book. I’m more of a planner now than ever. I’m also more comfortable with spontaneous inspiration than ever before. My supposed, figurative position on the Plotter-Pantser Continuum may not have shifted, but I’ve deepened my self-understanding and techniques. You can do the same.
If you’re a plotter, try pantsing a scene or a short story. How does it feel?
If you’re a pantser, try plotting something, plan out every step before you write a word. How does it feel?
What are ways you can learn more about your preferred writing method? Try reading books about planning or spontaneity training. Connect with local writing groups to learn more from others about various ways to write. As V.E. Schwab said on her Instagram show during Covid quarantine, there’s no right way to write. The right way is the way that works best for you. You can learn a lot from those who don’t write like you, though, and it can help strengthen your own writing.
It’s important to know your writing process so you can lean into it, refine it, and, ultimately write more and write better. Information can only empower your writing. Take some time to do some introspection and uncover where your heart is on this and you’ll reap loads of rewards.
Next week, we’ll expand this out to encompass not only your writing process, but who you are as a writer. The following week, we’ll turn that inspection on me. It’s going to be fun…and awful…and fun. See you then. Be well.
May the tide carry you to safer shores.
BSG