Summary: We've got a couple of very different writing styles represented here at SPP. I (Johnny) write from end in one draft... and only then, once the entire thing is done and I can tell what it's actually supposed to be "about," can I go back and do edits and rewriting. Dave and Sean can't do the same, because their work usually doesn't precisely end so much as it leaves readers on a cliffhanger and keeps them waiting until the next episode. They write like TV writers, and I write like a more traditional novelist. But even on top of that, Sean and Dave write FAST, like at breakneck speed. I write slow. They're largely driven by plot, and I've always tried to start with characters and a situation and see what happens. None of these approaches are correct. There is no "correct" way to write. But each has their pros and cons, and your task as a writer is to figure out which one works for you. And really, the correct strategy is ultimately the one that keeps you writing... keeps you putting words down on the page. Not to spoil the incredible suspense we're know for here at the Self Publishing Podcast, but I actually discovered recently that something Dave and Sean are doing is something I should incorporate into my own process. It's something I didn't realize was missing, and something that -- now that I see it -- has revolutionized my writing. (You'll have to listen to find out.) In this episode, we tackle several common "writing process" questions, such as: How many drafts should you write? When should you edit (correcting errors making technical adjustments), when should you redraft (moving sentences around and refining your story), and when should you rewrite entirely (taking the essential idea that was in the first draft and then completely rewriting the scene from scratch)? SPOILER: It depends. Should you take a break between drafts of a work? If so, how long... and why is it beneficial? How do you get characters to "do things," and break through story paralysis? How do the different types of writing we do require different disciplines, different writing schedules and plans and methods? We also took a voicemail question from Bill, who asked about the best way to get his already-written book into an electronic format. There's a lot of detail to our answer, but the short version is that we highly suggest using Scrivener (aff). If you have a question for us, give us a call! We love it when people leave us questions. It makes us feel warm and fuzzy. You can call and leave us a question at 641-715-3900 EXT 406770.
