[stylist] New writer's questions

[Bridgit Pollpeter]

Jim,

It's different for everyone, with a lot of factors contributing to each
process. And sometimes it takes trial and error to discover the best
process for yourself. In terms of process, I don't like to follow what
others do as this is as varied and unique to the individual as the
actual writing product is, but questions about technology or
informational material or other such info is definitely something I seek
out and find what others use for help.

Since you ask, though, I'll offer what suggestions and advice I can.

As a writer, what is your daily routine?
For me, it depends on the day and what I'm working on. I don't always
have time to work on a current project, or have another idea that's been
solidifying, and I need to take time to work it out. Like some, I don't
think it's necessary to write every day or if you don't it means
something, like you're not a "real" writer. When I do hit on
inspiration, I have to follow it through in the initial inspiration. If
I can't do this, I wait until I have time to just sit and write until
it's "out." As long as I keep ideas in my head, they literally stay
contained until I can work on them.

If you keep a journal, what do you use? I started a password protected
Word document, since I share a computer. Is there a better way?
I don't have to share a computer, so that isn't an issue. I have my
laptop I work on and of course I back everything up on my flash drive. I
keep saying I'm going to keep hard copies of work I like just in case,
but I haven't done this yet. I also don't journal, but I do keep records
of my ideas and anything I may want to use for a given idea.
If you don't want others reading your entries, keeping a password lock
on your documents is a good idea, but otherwise not necessary. As
mentioned, I do all my work on the computer, which seems the most
practical and logical thing if carrying a notebook and pencil isn't an
option. I use a Netbook laptop, which is compact and light, perfect to
lug around wherever I go; and it turns on and off quickly compared to
other laptops, though all technology is reaching a faster turn on point.
We have a desktop, two laptops and now my Netbook at home, but I only
use my Netbook these days, and it was significantly cheaper than either
laptop or the desktop. Not that you're in the market for a new computer,
but just wanted to mention it.

What reference materials on writing do you use, both online and offline?
I refer to the Elements of Style by Strunk and White for writing rules,
but I don't use other reference material except when researching
publications. I do read a lot, which helps me craft my own material. I
also just spent the last four years intensively studying and analyzing
so give me a few and I may be more helpful in suggesting writing
references! LOL
Also, as a writing major, we didn't use too many writing textbooks. We
read a lot of work by published authors and discussed, seeking style and
composition and what worked and what didn't. And of course, we wrote and
wrote and wrote. It's like anything- until you put theory into practice,
you'll never know how good you are, or grow as a writer.

If I only have a half hour a day to devote to moving forward in my
writing explorations, what is the best use of my time?
Again, this depends on how and when you work, and what your purpose is.
If you have a deadline to meet, obviously your energies have to be spent
catering to the deadline. If there's no deadline, but a project you're
eager to continue with, you have to figure out the best management of
your time as well. Try keeping pen and paper handy, and of course I use
this loosely, could also be slate and stylus or even digital recorder or
Victor Stream, so you can jot down notes and ideas. If you don't require
much sleep, night is a good time to write since there aren't usually as
many distractions, plus it's quiet at night. We all have different ways
in which we can manage, and not all ways work for everyone. It amazes me
that there are people who can crank out more than one full-length
manuscript a year. That's dedication. It's what makes sense for you and
what works.

Ultimately, as long as you're writing, whether it be daily or not, it's
good. I wouldn't suggest long breaks in between when you sit down to
write and the next time, but don't feel bad if it's not a daily thing.
If you wish to push past journaling especially if you want to submit for
publication, you'll want to sharpen and develop what form you wish to
publish in. Fiction- short story or novel? Nonfiction- personal essay
and memoir? Or academic in nature, or technical? What is the purpose at
the heart of any form you choose? These are important questions to
consider, and you'll want to study work by practitioners in any given
form to better understand how to craft your own work. One of the
biggest, but difficult tasks is to have multiple people read your work,
and be prepared for positive and negative feedback. Ultimately, it
becomes what makes sense to readers. You can find yourself rewriting and
editing pieces you personally like, but if readers don't get something
or respond accordingly, a author has to consider if they've truly
brought clarity and structure to their own writing.

I hope some of this helps, but my point is that you do what you need to
do. A lot of the writing process is based on what you do organically,
what is natural for you. I use to hear about writers using detailed
outlines and waking up everyday at the same time and writing for a
specific number of hours a day, and I worrried that I wasn't a good
enough writer because I didn't follow this type of process, but I
realized how and when we write has no bearing on talent, ability and
seriousness. That you're asking for how advice on the optimum process
shows you're serious about writing even if you don't have all the time
in the world for it.

Good luck. It's not always easy, but in the end, reading your own work
is a very satisfying feeling.


Sincerely,
Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
Read my blog at:
http://blogs.livewellnebraska.com/author/bpollpeter/
 
"History is not what happened; history is what was written down."
The Expected One- Kathleen McGowan

Message: 20
Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:51:49 -0400
From: "Homme, James" <james.homme at highmark.com>
To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [stylist] New Writers Questions
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	<AB5137F7193A8D49A42CA31303E3FDD57AC51CB0 at EXMB1.highmark.com>
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Hi,
When you turn 50, things start going, so I forget if I said what my
background is. I'm a computer geek, who has gone from being a very bad
writer to getting better at it, so I joined this list to explore what it
might be like to do freelance writing part time. As a former
professional musician, I know what to do daily to maintain and grow in
music, so Brenda's mention of a journal prompted me to ask this series
of questions.

As a writer, what is your daily routine?

If you keep a journal, what do you use? I started a password protected
Word document, since I share a computer. Is there a better way?

What reference materials on writing do you use, both online and offline?

If I only have a half hour a day to devote to moving forward in my
writing explorations, what is the best use of my time?

Thanks.

Jim

Jim Homme,
Usability Services,
Phone: 412-544-1810.