Insight into a Writing Process

 
Writing is like dieting. Every method does not work the same for every person. Each writer needs to forge their path and use the strategies that worked for them.
 
 My insight into my process was enlightening. As a reader, I am fascinated by the plot, and I wonder, “How did they do that so smoothly?”.
I want my readers to get to know the interesting facts about my writing process.  Here are ten things you didn’t know about me as a writer.
 
1.  I write with music on in the background.  It seems to set a peaceful ambiance to my office.  I listen to the instrumental guitar, piano, cello, and violin.  My current radio station on Pandora is Jim Brickman.  I also enjoy instrumental folk music and gospel.
 
2. At night, I think through scenes and plan out what I want to write the next day.  I see certain events and try to understand the scene from different points of view.
 
3. My characters are so real to me that I often feel their emotions. I confess that I have cried while writing certain scenes.  I also laugh out loud at the antics of some of the characters.
 
4.  I write in chronological order.  I sometimes will flashback to a pivotal scene when I am telling the back story.  The story works through the seasons and by the calendar as events unfold.
 
5. I write what I like to read.  I love historical romance.  I love the different periods and history.  The relationships bring the past to life.
 
6.  I enjoy the research for a historical period, especially fashion, jewelry, and inventions. 
 
7.  I am guilty of editing as I type.  I have to work on getting the story down on paper or into the computer.  Just write and then come back and edit.  It is hard, but the next edit makes the story much stronger. 
 
8.  When it comes to my writing tools of choice, I chose legal pads, notebooks, and three-ring binders.  My weapon of choice is Uni-Ball pens, fine or medium point in gel or ink.  I write on a Mac desktop or laptop.  I also love a good blank book for quotes.
 
9.  Sometimes the story comes so fast that I can’t type fast enough.  A writing binge is comparable to a runner’s high.  The story seems to pour to the page, and you feel alive from your head to your toes with creativity.  I love that feeling.
 
10.  Goals.  I have learned to set small goals, baby steps to complete every day to live my life as a writer.  I have missed deadlines and finished some goals ahead of schedule. Every day, I work towards goals, big and small.
 
I hope by reading these insights into my writing process, you were able to find a nugget of an idea to try for yourself.  Take the time to write about your writing process and learn something new about yourself as a writer.  Insight brings wisdom.
 
​
Julie M. Granger
 
P.S.  Leave me a comment.  It is exciting to hear from readers, especially if they find one of your suggestions helpful. Look forward to hearing from my readers.