Stages in the Writing Process - An Overview for Indie Authors

Source: http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/writing/secondary/writingprocess.html

I've taught business writing at a local college for the last six years. It has given me an opportunity to  appreciate the process of writing since it is a complete mystery to most people. Most experts will tell you writing should be done in stages. While the names and numbers of these stages vary, I've listed the most common ones below.

Pre-Writing (25% of Your Time)

For non-fiction works, this is when you:

• Analyze your Target Audience
• Anticipate their Response

Some fiction writers waste too much time waiting for "inspiration". They wait for the "right" story to come along.  However, if you understand your target market you will never run out of ideas.

I'll give you and easy example. Joss Whedon has repeatedly discussed coming up with the idea of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He was tired of seeing women in horror films portrayed as helpless victims. He wanted to see one kick butt.

So how does this relate to target markets? In many ways it all comes down to you. You know that old saying "write what you know?" If you're ever stuck for ideas ask these question;

• What kind of stories do I like?
• What did I like about those stories?
• What did I hate about those stories?
• What would make them better?

If you're trying to write for a target group you don't belong to (e.g. middle grade or YA), make sure you truly understand their needs and wants before you writing

Writing (25% of Your Time)

To be clear, "writing" has several stages. For my students, I break it into three basic categories:

• Research
• Organize
• Compose

Research includes worldbuilding as well as historical/factual research. I have a tendency to spend too much time worldbuilding. Remember ,most readers care more about story and character than worldbuilding. That's why they're reading a novel and not an almanac.

Organizing may include a detailed outline or a simple bullet points of key scenes and themes.

Composing refers to completing your first draft. The best advice I can give you is to power and just get it done. Too many authors waste time looking for perfection in their first draft. For most of us it's simply not possible. The real artistry comes in revision and editing, not the composition.

Revising/Editing (50% of Your Time)

And here's the hardest part. Most people have no clue how to properly revise or edit their work. Over the next few months, I'll provide helpful tips on how to properly edit your story or novel.


Links:
The Writing Process:  Target towards Public School Audience but a concise reintroduction
Perfection Your Writing Process   Focused on University Papers but very helpful.