My Process of Writing

This image was created by WIX AI with a few prompts from me, Elsie King.

The image certainly represents the way I write. I have two desks, piles of books, notepads and pots of pens. I usually write first thing in the morning so work in my dressing gown and have messy bed hair. When I rise I get myself a large mug of coffee, drink a glass of hot water and then sit at my computer desk and settle for the morning.

My first task is to check my emails. I delete the unwanted one and try to read, respond and file those I want to keep. My email accounts are nearly as messy as my desk. Sometimes I get around to unsubscribing too.

Second task is to write my list of things to do for the day. I don't know about you, but the physical task of writing a to do list helps me focus. I tick off the items as they are completed. If they don't get done they get a X and are shifted to the next day. (If I remember)

Then it's on for the major project for the day. This may be a novel, a short story or some other creative project. Sometimes it's a task like critiquing a friends work or judging a contest but usually its a novel. Prior to writing new words I read through the previous day's writing and do an initial edit. A good way of getting back into the scene. I'm currently working on Chapter 16 of my novel, The Greek Heiress. Recently a friend prompted me to write more in May, so I've upped the word count and make sure I do between 500 and 1000 words daily. I write for 2 - 4 hours most days and set an alarm so I walk every 45 minutes. It's so easy to get lost in in the writing and suffer for it later.

I love writing the first draft of a novel it's the best type of writing for me. When the plot unfolds and the characters start taking over, it's magical. I also love the research, but maybe will talk about that process for the next post.

Cheers Elsie.