Writing is not as easy as most people tend to think, but you can be a great writer with practice and knowledge. Every person has their writing process that comes naturally as a routine. It is helpful when you have your writing process, especially when you have to tackle a challenging piece. However, we will the discuss basic steps that help create a personal writing process:
Step 1: The Idea
It would be best if you had an idea as to what to write. When you have no idea, you’re probably not going to write anything. People get ideas in different ways, including reading, inspiration from routines, childhood memories, dreams, imagination, or research. Find your idea and build on it by researching and brainstorming, sort your ideas, to form stories. You can make notes since they can also be helpful in your next story.
Step 2: Writing
Once you have formed an idea and done your research around it, you can pitch or write. Since it’s your first draft, don’t dwell too much on your grammar or word count. It’s also okay if you stray off the topic. It is even common for the best writers to produce numerous drafts before they complete their manuscript. Eliminate potential distractions and find the best location and time to write.
Step 3: Revision
During the revision, your story can change. You can add storylines or even ideas. You can also rearrange it by changing its sequence or having some events come in a different order. You might need to remove and replace passages that don’t fit well.
Step 4: Editing
Editing involves checking grammar, repetition, spelling, and clarity. It’s a detailed process, and if you feel you might not do it well, you can seek professional help. No one would wish to read anything full of mistakes. Editing is a very crucial step.
Step 5: Publishing
Your manuscript is now ready for publishing. Send it to the publisher and remember to follow up after a week or within days. You’re free to move on to another publication if you don’t hear from your first one after following up more than twice.
Once you’ve published your manuscript, it’s worth celebrating. However, if your plan is to get more readers, you’ll have to market your work or get professionals who can help.