My Writing Process

Every writer has their own process when working on a story, and no one process is correct or incorrect. It's all about what works for the writer. Here is what works for me.
Stage 1: Researching
I always begin with some research. Tasks that will help me as I write my first draft. ​This includes:
  • Reading books with similar themes and structures, and taking notes
  • Reading any writing resources that could help me
  • Using Gemini to outline standard story formats used for my type of story
  • Using Gemini to analyze my notes from reading and summarizing them for me
  • Looking up location details for the setting of my story
  • Documenting any quirks related to the location, setting, or year of my story
Stage 2: Brainstorming
Next, I brainstorm my world. I don't go too far, I just make sure I have enough details to get me started. Such as:
  • My protagonist, antagonist and a handful of supporting characters
  • Story setting, including location, year, and date​
  • Overarching plot (if it's a series, the series plot along with the book plot)
  • ​Any starting rules needed for the world
Stage 3: Writing
Now, I begin writing my first draft. I don't edit has a write, so I always have a handful of post-its with me. As decisions are made along the way, I write them on the post-it so I can make sure to go back and revisit scenes when I am revising. My post-it board may look something like this...

I write in a composition notebook. The right side is where I write and the left are either notes I take along the way or extra paragraphs I want to insert into the story. If I get inspiration and find myself writing on a different platform, I'll always tape it into the composition notebook so the story stays together.

I typically write in chapter order, however, sometimes a scene will pop into my head that I know will come later in the story. In that instance, I type it out and tape it into the notebook when that chapter comes.
Stage 4: Transcribing
​Since I write my first draft on paper, I have to transcribe it to a computer. I use Dragon Naturally Speaking software to speed up the processes. Once everything is transcribed, I read through it and compare to my notebook to ensure there are no mistakes or nothing missing.
Stage 5: Printing
​From this point on, I'll work from a printed manuscript. All typed pages are printed, single sided. This way, I can use the back of the pages for notes or new paragraphs/scenes.
Stage 6: Editing
​Prior to revision, I will take a red pen and edit my manuscript. I look for glaring and obvious things, like grammar and spelling mistakes, decisions I've made (and can remember making) and any other changes that make sense to me.
Stage 7: Revising
​Here is where my manuscript goes through surgery. I go through all my post-its and implement changes accordingly. I'll do more research on certain scenes that may need to be enhanced. I'll move chapters around if they make more sense. I'll write more chapters, if needed. I will pull apart my manuscript until it feels good to me.
At this point, I repeat stages 4-7 until I feel that my story is complete.
Stage 8: Finalizing
​If I feel like there is nothing more I can do with my manuscript, I type up any final changes and make it complete. From here, I work on publishing. If no bites occur, I'll put the manuscript away and pick it back up years later. Then I'll start from stage 6.