My Writing Process

How the hell do I write a book? What is my process?

My process is boring and it would scare half of the writers out there. How?

I am a pantser.

There are two types of writers in the world. Plotters and Pantsers.

Plotters will plan out their books down to details. Every chapter is laid out with twists and turns highlighted. They probably use note cards and highlighters.

I do none of that. NONE.

My process is to come up with an idea and have an ending. Even just a vague idea of how I want to end the story is good enough for me.

I start writing from Chapter 1 and just allow my characters to take me on the journey. I sometimes feel like I am actually experiencing it with my characters and I am there to record it down.

It just works out for me. I never write myself into a corner. And sometimes I write in things subconsciously that can be used later. I don’t know how I do it but this works for me.

I am magic.

I could plot. I have plotted entire stories from the first chapter to the ending. However, when I sit in front of my laptop and start writing, I immediately veer off the outline and out comes an even better story. I learned my lesson after doing that twice. I just go by the seat of my pants and it works.

For other writers or people new to writing, try it all. Don’t just stick with one way because you are stubborn. You will end up making it harder for yourself and then you will hate the process. Find a way that works for YOU, not just a way that your favorite author uses. You have to enjoy what you are doing.

If you are a reader, you know all the plot devices out there. You know story arcs. You know what makes a great book and you know what can kill a story. Trust yourself and attack your story.

XOXO
Erin Elyse