Write it Down

There may be a story bouncing around in your head right now, that needs to get out on paper! WRITE IT DOWN. TYPE IT OUT. Plot, if you must. Whatever and however you can get that story written out is the key. It’s all part of the writing process— and to be clear, I mean YOUR writing process.

Now, yes, you may be thinking that is not what your professor, teacher, parent, favorite author told you, and that is fine. That is not what I was told either. And while sure, there is a method to writing compelling prose, and engaging readers with fascinating characters and settings which fit your specified genre and age group, you shouldn’t fixate solely on that- at least not initially, or else you run the risk of missing out on the creative journey.

“No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader” – Robert Frost

I spent countless hours researching the “how to’s” of plotting, worldbuilding, character development, editing, publishing, marketing- all of it. I think research is good, and ESPECIALLY important if you plan on trying to publish this beast, but don’t get overwhelmed over the next steps before even taking the first step!

The first critical step is to WRITE IT DOWN. You can’t do any of the above until you get the project started. Too often, we read about someone else’s process or work, and then compare it to our own. I don’t have an office like he does. I don’t have time to write like she does. I don’t have an English degree. I can’t afford to go to writing conferences. I can’t turn a phrase like _________. Sanderson is a writing machine; “I’m not worthy” (ok maybe that last one is just me… Brandon Sanderson is my hero).

The truth is: We all write in our own way.

If you can write what you want—even if that breaks from the norm—your passion will shine, and with it, your authenticity as a writer.

“So write your story as it needs to be written. Write it honestly, and tell it as best you can. I’m not sure that there are any other rules. Not ones that matter.” — Neil Gaiman

That is what makes new works so refreshing. I’ve read interviews where J.K. Rowling shared how she wrote the ending of Book 7 first–on napkins!–and then unraveled the story back to the beginning. I watched an interview with Nicholas Sparks who explained that he writes every day. I read that George R.R. Martin is more of a free-flowing writer, while Brandon Sanderson is an advocate for outlining. (He’d have to be, to make his whole Cosmere universe make sense!)

Though it is important to remember, that what worked for them, may or may not work for you.

Despite their differences, these writers do share one commonality however—they wrote their stories down. Their process, timeline and overall writing journey may vary, but they did it. They didn’t vacillate and let the fear of the unknown or the fear of rejection deter them from putting words on the page. Their ideas made it to the page and were then shaped into great stories.

“Focus more on your desire than on your doubt, and the dream will take care of itself.” —Mark Twain

You have to start with page one. Word one. No title? So what?! It will come. Start writing. Don’t think about if and how you can get to page twenty, or if you could ever reach 50,000 words or 100,000 words. Don’t even worry about the ending, or if it all flows together! Just start with one word. Form a sentence, create characters, and build a story. Eventually, your words will flow into chapters, and soon you will have a first draft. Way to go!

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Not the Traditional Way—And That’s OKAY!

I have learned a lot throughout my writing process. I started Nav’Aria: The Marked Heir eight years ago (see former blog post My “Why”) and did everything wrong according to most “writing tips”.

• » I started writing/creating without an outline one day while working as a substitute teacher.
• » I shared it all with my dad chapter by chapter.
• » I took huge breaks in between writing, sometimes years while teaching.
• » I edited and revised each chunk of content before moving on to write more.
• » I hand-wrote large portions of it in a notebook, before typing. You see my point….

I didn’t write this book in a traditional way, and that is ok with me. Honestly, that is better than ok with me, because now when I look back at this book, I can honestly say, “look how far we’ve come!”

Honing My Craft

Moving forward however, I can use what I have learned to better improve my craft… and process.

• » I have a new home office dedicated to writing. (It sure beats a composition notebook in a classroom full of teenagers!)
• » I am keeping this project (sequel) more private by writing the first draft BEFORE sharing it with anyone… my dad included! Read some great writing advice here.
• » I have an end goal, but I still do not use a traditional outline or know exactly where I’m headed chapter to chapter. (I write the first draft and then go back through to make the connections, make an outline, then add rewrites/revisions).

As I said, what works for me or other writers, may or may not work for you. That’s alright. That’s the beauty of being the one doing the creating. 

I can’t wait to see what works you come up with! Happy Writing.