Every writer has their own writing process. Some can be simple and some can be very complicated. I consider mine rather simple, but it is a process. There are many pieces that go into plotting a book or story. Here is my process:

First comes the Idea.

For me, an idea usually strikes when I’m in the middle of another story. Annoying right? I usually take a break and write that story down so I don’t forget it. I’ll right down the basics before I continue with my other project. Most of my story ideas will probably never make it beyond an idea, but if I really feel passionate about an idea, I’ll get to work. After the idea strikes or I finish whatever project I was working on, I’ll revisit the idea and see if it’s any good.

If it is, I move on to what I call Basic Plotting. I usually ask myself three questions: What is the story? Who are the characters? And where is it set? This step doesn’t usually take long. This is where I figure out the basic plot of the story, who the characters are going to be–their names, how they look, etr.–and where will the story be set–what the world look like.

Then I move on to Deep Plotting. This is where you dig deep. I ask questions and try to focus on one thing at a time. I ask myself: what drives the main character (MC) to act? What drives him/her? What is her/his story? Who is the villain? What do they want/need? You focus on each and every detail. Each and every character. You come up with important scenes and write them down how you want them to go. This step can be very tiring and very difficult, but it’s worth it.

After I finish plotting my book, I move onto Outlining. This is where I write down what I want to happen and when. It’s basically a timeline.

After the outlining is finished, I begin to actually Write. This is the longest step in the process. It takes a lot of time, energy and commitment. And don’t be afraid to rewrite the outline. With my current project, Rain and Wave, I have rewritten my outline at least three times. It’s totally okay to rewrite. Sometimes you have to rethink the entire plot so the story makes since. Perseverance and commitment help me get through it, even if I feel like giving up. Even when I get writers-block, I’ll force myself to even write a little bit. All I have to do is start writing, and I’ll get back into the rhythm. Listening to music also helps me a lot. I listen to a lot of film scores and stuff like that. It helps to motivate me because, with the music in the background, I can picture the scenes I’m writing. I will start writing and see where it takes me.

The last, and hardest, step in my writing process is Editing. Personally, this is my least favorite stage. This is where I reread my book and tear it apart. I delete things I don’t like, add some more details or scenes, fix characters, etc. It’s grueling work. The first draft turns into the second draft then I’ll edit it some more and write the third draft. It goes on until I have a book that I think is good enough.

After that, well we’ll see where it goes beyond that. I haven’t reached the Publishing stage, yet. I hope to soon.

That is my writing process. And, like I said at the beginning, every writer has a different process. It all depends on what works best for an individual writer.