The Process

[bloodyrosemccoy]

I think I’m starting to figure out a pattern that accommodates my writing style. It goes like this:

Step 1: Have moderately interesting idea.*
Step 2: Attempt to flesh out idea in head. Come up with moderately interesting scene.
Step 3: Write scene.
Step 4: Edit scene.
Step 5: Have a spectacular idea for how to make the scene phenomenally interesting, adding conflict, action, character development, and milieu in a fabulous convergence of style and substance.
Step 6: Look mournfully at boring but already-written version of scene.
Step 7: Say “goddamn,” make a cup of tea, and stare at the wall for the rest of the day.

Now I just need to work out a Step 8, and I’ll be on my way to getting an interesting story out!

*Slightly Tangential Step 1.5: Discover that Poul Anderson already had that idea.
Step 1.5.1: Decide to go on anyway and apply my own unique vision.

Comments

[fadethecat.livejournal.com]

I am still around Step 4.7 or so of my process, which is "Get lost in Wikipedia articles while trying to figure out an economic justification for putting this city in this location and dammit this is why I usually just handwave such things and hope no one ever asks."

[padparadscha.livejournal.com]

I tend to do the Wikipedia Vision Quest between Steps 2 and 3.

Sometimes 2 and 3 are DAYS apart.

[madcap-shiny.livejournal.com]

I have a personal Step 4.5 that I refer to as "acquire a bunch of really awesome mental imagery and ideas for future events, all while having ZERO CLUE how to make said imagery and ideas apply to events in the story." *cry*

[padparadscha.livejournal.com]

Man, you too? I get that a lot!