Everyone has their own process for writing. You won’t know what yours is until you start writing. Once you figure it out, don’t let anyone talk you out of it.
You’ve probably read a lot of books about writing, maybe even been to some writing conferences or workshops. Every writer has a particular way of approaching writing. But just because she can teach a class about it doesn’t mean that you should follow it.
<gasp!>
Writing is a creative process. Emphasis on process. Every mind is wired differently. While the mechanics are the same for everyone, the process is as varied as the individual. Read about writing. Take classes about writing, but when it comes to actually writing a book, approach it the way you buy a purse. Big or little? Satchel or shoulder bag? Messenger or clutch? It depends, of course, on what you want it to do: hold everything, hold nothing; make a statement, blend in. Do you want one that matches everything or one that goes with absolutely nothing at all?
Once you buy it, how do you organize it? With an organizer that holds everything so you can move it from one purse to another? Or maybe you organizer is the purse and you change the cover that goes around it? (No, it is not the same thing.) Do you zip your wallet into the little pocket inside or maybe your purse actually is the wallet! Or maybe you’re a tote person and you just toss everything you might possibly need inside (you’ll sort it all out once you get there).
The one thing a woman absolutely will not do is re-organize someone else’s purse. Right? ‘Cause what the heck — ! Even if it doesn’t look organized to you, it does to her. And try as you might, someone else’s idea of organized just doesn’t work for you, does it? I mean, maybe for a little while, but not forever.
So there you are. It’s nice to take a tour of someone else’s purse and sometimes you do learn something. (Okay, so burgundy leather and tan shoes? That’s something I might consider! Or, going on a trip and need free hands? Next time I’ll bring a messenger bag. Or one of those cute little backpacks.) But make yourself a promise that you’ll take what works and you’ll leave the rest. Are we good?