I’m a retired English teacher. So obviously, I’m a stickler for grammar, a stickler for the spelling of words correctly. But I not a stickler when it comes to the creative writing process. Obviously, a finished novel should not have errors, but even the most discerning, attentive, and grammar-obsessed author might later discover their finished book has—GASP!—a typo. Alas, perfection can’t always be for us mere human beings.

Sorry, I got a bit off topic…

We’re talking writing process, not the end result.

Question: What’s the best writing process?

Answer:

Whatever works for you is the correct way!

My first paragraph proved my point. For me, first draft sometimes involves writing that leads to tangents. If I stop and fix them, it impacts my creativity.

Frustration happens when you don’t have a process, when you’re searching for answers. My best advice is to read a lot and write as often as you can. In this case—yes, practice does make perfect.

Tips:

1. Read as much as you can. See my post on why reading is important to the writing process.
2. Write whenever you can. Some people need a routine. For example, 1/2 hour every morning before work.
3. Get to know your characters.
4. Do you research.
5. Develop your setting.
6. Outline if you’re an outliner.
7. Keep a notebook handy for those ideas that pop up in the most unusual or inconvenient times.
8. Don’t worry about perfection during the writing process.
9. Listen to how people speak and imagine your characters speaking to one another. Make the dialogue natural.
10. Be kind to yourself. The worst thing you could ever do is tell yourself that you’re a lousy writer. Keep going. Don’t give up!