The art of writing is different for everyone and has changed over time with the advancement of technology. The goal is the same for each us - to tell the story that consumes us.
What is your writing process? Do you prefer to write pen to paper, use a vintage typewriter, or type on a laptop? Do you have to set a mood or can you work when you need to?
I would like to share my writing process with you. I am a type on my laptop kind of girl and tend to write by scene. A lot of my story ideas come from dreams I've had and if I am still thinking about them days after, I know it is something I should hold onto. I keep track of ideas in my phone's Notes app. You just never know when an idea will hit you!
Sometimes the characters automatically come to me, names and all. Other times I have to marinate on it - think about my character idea, spend some time on Nameberry.com looking at names and meanings, and think more on the story itself. I eventually piece it all together, but I definitely take my time doing so.
When I sit down to write, I can't do it in total silence. I prefer to have music playing in the background as I do draw inspiration from it. I can see a character(s) in a scene and match it to the music which I find helpful. I also have been known to write with the tv on and music going! I wish I could say I never get distracted but that's simply not true.
I think one of the biggest hurdles is making time to write. It's something constantly in the back of your mind that you know you need to do but it just doesn't happen. I'm bad about this myself but have been making more of an effort to define time throughout the week designated for writing.
Before I begin writing a new section, I always read what I have written during the previous session. I may even go further back and read over everything to ensure that the story is flowing and progressing. I make edits while I do this. I also go back and read the whole story from the beginning along the way just to make sure I'm still on track. I know the story very well as I journey on!
In the end, I hope I have written and developed a story you can get lost in, characters you can relate to, and something you can take away. I believe that is a great mark for any book!