On Writing...

I've read several articles by famous authors...

About their writing process.

How do they get their novel out of their head onto the paper?

It seems to be different for everyone.

From extensive plotting and planning before the writing begins,

To just flying by the seat of their pants.

I'm more of a "Let the story tell itself" type of person.

I have a general idea of where I'm going,

But as I write, things happen naturally.

Often what happens is unexpected.

Sometimes I delete the new idea...

Sometimes I love it and it changes the direction I was going.

Sometimes I like it, but it doesn't fit where I put it.  

Maybe that should happen a little later on...

So I set that part aside to be pasted in another chapter.

I have found that I like to edit as I go.

Which is a bad thing.

And I'm trying to stop that.

It's not easy.  

I want it to be just right.

That's not a bad thing.

But it's not time for that yet!

I need to get the story onto the paper...

Then add the details and move things around.

So I struggle along.

Learning what my process is...

With stops and starts and start overs...

Until I finish...

Toni Morrison said:  "I wrote my first book because I wanted to read it." 

I want to read my book too...

And that inspires me to keep going!