"Every other writer's process is sort of vaguely scary and appalling." - Daryl Gregory.
Since I retired a few years ago I have fallen into a new pattern for writing and I decided to share it with you. Mostly I am inviting you to compare and contrast in the comments.
I have been writing short stories exclusively for the last few years. I write slow (or is that slowly?) and a first draft takes me weeks to months. I write every day and on most days I will also do some editing of different stories. (Most of mine go through roughly ten drafts.)
But I found that when I finished that first draft I was reluctant to start on another story. (I usually have another one ready to go - and boy, am I using up my supply on parentheses today.)
So here's what I figured out. The day after I finish a first draft I switch to doing only editing for a week. And after a few days this really bugs me. Instead of being reluctant I soon find I am dying to get onto the next story.
When the week is over my engines are roaring to go. And that's a good thing.
Speaking of engines, your mileage may vary. How does your work process go?
Rob, I write novels mostly these days (because they pay me, not because I like writing them more than short stories - oops, that parenthesis thing of yours is catching!) But I ALWAYS have a short story on the go too, sort of to keep my sanity! So I do write two things at once. In fact, I have edits coming down for the March release novel today, and I am DYING to write two short stories instead!! So maybe a deadline on one project is what I need to boost my desire to write something (anything?) else, smile.
ReplyDeleteMakes sense, Melodie. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIf this pattern and procedure works for you, I think Shanks would approve. I worry about him scratching the bald spot on his pate.
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