I don't particularly think my writing process is unique or rare, but this prompt did really get me thinking about how I go about putting my thoughts out there. One thing I know for sure is that much editing is involved.
Typically, I have an initial idea (or prompt) to get me started. Being the night owl that I am, most of my ideas occur at night. I try to jot them down or make mental notes regarding the potential piece. I tend to do quite a bit of thinking before I ever start typing.
Once I have fully committed to an idea, I lock in down on paper. I have a paper calendar that I fill in to make sure posts are consistent. This is easier some months than others. After I have it scheduled on paper, I also create a draft post with a generic title. Depending on how much thought has gone into the idea already, I may also put down a handful of thoughts bullet style. I usually go away from it at that point to allow everything to marinate inside my head for a tad longer.
In a day (or two), I come back to the idea and begin typing. I nearly always edit as I type. I also like to use a number of photos (because I love taking pictures!) so I also often create portions of the narrative around my photos. Since I always have more photos than needed for a post, I tend to make collages often. I do my best to edit photos down to the best of the best before I begin writing though. My photos also help me to shape the flow of the post.
After I have written (while editing) and inserted all photos, I go back and read through everything about 2-3 times checking for grammar and sentence structure more than content in these final edits. I usually determine a title at this point. For some reason, titles are an aspect where I really struggle...so I save it to the end. When I believe everything looks good, I preview the post and read through it once more as it will appear. Occasionally, I will make a few cosmetic edits. For example, if there is one solitary word at the end of a paragraph I may try to adjust the text for better symmetry. I don't always pay attention to those type of things, but if they catch my eye then I will try to fix them.
Finally, I am ready to hit publish. I love the feeling I get each time I push that button. Even if the post is short or simple, I enjoy knowing that my hard work in putting it together is now available for others to view.
What is your writing process??
Any tips or tricks you use??
Andrea :)
That's a much more impressive process than I have--I really like how you use photos to "shape the flow of the post." (I typically search through my iPhone library trying to find something--anything--to fit into it). I have a journal on my nightstand with a whole section dedicated to blog post ideas, which is very helpful.
ReplyDeleteI love how deliberate your process is! Mine is so sporadic I should probably be taking notes right now. Haha.
ReplyDeleteI agree about hitting that publish button, though. It is a GREAT feeling :)
Thanks for joining us again, Andrea!
-Shelly
I like how methodical you are about writing/blogging. I feel like I'm always in a rush and my words don't always feel well thought out. I need to slow down and get back into a writing groove where I can express myself the way I want to!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your process and for linking up with us, friend! xo