I love helping other writers discover their writing process. Over the years, I've used many tools and techniques to get to where I am today in understanding my writing process.

 

I am somewhere between a planner and an organic writer. I can start writing with an idea of a situation, character, or setting. I discover the story world as I write. But when I get near the end of Act I or into the beginning of Act II, I find that I feel stuck. That's when I do a bit of high level pre-planning for several scenes or chapters. Doing this, I can move forward with my story.

 

For revision, I like do a revision plan, which includes a checklist of things to cover, This helps me stay focused during this part of my writing process.

 

What's your writing process like?

 

Feel free to describe it in as much detail as you would like.

Pick a character you are working with, or develop a new character for this writing prompt. To learn more about your character, write two scenes:

1. Your character in heaven,
2. Your character in hell.

What are your writing goals for 2006? (Feel free to share!)

Here are mine: 

1. Write a new article, short story, and/or poem every month.

2. Submit an article, short story, or poem every two months to a publication or contest.

3. Complete OF EARTH, AIR, FIRE, & WATER: A MYSTICAL APPROACH TO WRITING (working title) nonfiction project before the end of September 2006.

4. Complete the nonfiction book proposal for the nonfiction project by the end of March 2006.

5. Begin submitting the nonfiction book proposal for the nonfiction project by the beginning of April 2006.

6. Finish the third (final) draft of MURDER IN D MINOR (formally NIGHT MUSE) by the end of May 2006.

7. Finish the initial draft of LOGAN'S LAMENT by March 2006.

8. Finish the third (final) draft of LOGAN'S LAMENT by the end of

December 2006.

9. Begin looking for an agent/publisher for MURDER IN D MINOR starting

in May 2006.

10. Draft at least 50,000 words of a new novel during November 2006 (NaNoWriMo).

11. Post these goals where I can see them every day.

12. Post updates on my progress to my online writing group (Artistic License) every four months.

Write a letter to your muse. Any subject. . .

FOR FUN AND PROFIT:

Dear Muse Column

http://www.themuseisin.com/september_column.html

To The Muses by William Blake

http://www.poetry-archive.com/b/to_the_muses.html

The Muses from Greek Mythology

http://www.eliki.com/portals/fantasy/circle/define.html

Wisdom can come from two sources: what we gain through life experiences and that which we obtain from the same place where our muse grows and lives.

To jumpstart your thinking, look up quotations about wisdom:

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art9891.asp

http://www.theotherpages.org/quote-05.html

http://www.wisdomquotes.com/cat_wisdom.html

http://www.memorablequotations.com/Irish.htm

What bit of wisdom has been important to you recently? (Your own quote or saying or something from someone else that has special meaning.)

How might you use your inner wisdom as a place from which to write?

Mid Year Writing Goal Check!

Review your writing goals for 2004. Are you on target? What do you need to do to get back or stay on track?

If you don't have writing goals for 2004 write them today!