The Writing Process

A few weeks ago, I promised that I would spend some time on the writing process. Writing for fiction, at least for me, is very different from writing nonfiction. My nonfiction writing usually starts with a question or questions. Then I go about exploring each question in a systematic way using one of two processes. The most straightforward way is linear: introduction, data, discussion, conclusion.

The other way I sometimes write is what I call the bubble method. I write about aspects of the question or problem (each one a bubble) and then organize the bubbles in a way that makes the most sense. The bubbles may be themes that come from survey responses, etc.

Writing fiction is entirely different. The characters come first. They introduce themselves to me at random times, like when I am trying to fall asleep. Over time they reveal more aspects of themselves. It’s not like I decide, for example, that my story needs a villan. It is more like the characters tell me about themselves and their stories.

As I write, I research aspects of their story: the historical events, dates, their horoscopes, meanings associated with their names, even diagnostic criteria and medical procedures available during their time period.

I read everything I can find about that period of history, about the effects of the specific traumas of their lives, etc… and, of course, I reflect on my own experiences and the people I have encountered throughout my life.

My research can include google searches, 700 page history books, cultural descriptions, book by authors from their culture or time period, etc.

I usually re-write and re-arrange the story multiple times before I get it right. One rewrite might focus on character traits while another might focus on timing to create suspense.

Finallly, I look for fresh eyes to guide me. I’m not a pro. I ask for help from people with much more experience and training in writing and story telling than I have.

I’m still a novice. In the beginning, my characters are like a rock that vaguely resembles a face. My hope is that I am skilled enough to sculpt the image in the rock into something of beauty- or at least recognizable and memorable.