The Process

I totally absconded with this survey from Sex Scenes At Starbucks. I thought it seemed interesting, and I'm really interested in seeing in what y'all say when you borrow and re-post it (as I hope you will).

If you asked 50 writers to describe their “writing processes,” you’d probably get 75 different responses. Some writers stick to a set of inviolable rules, others “meander across the meadow,” while others invoke voodoo dolls and incense, heavy on the incense (substitute “alcohol” for “incense” as required).

I have never invoked a voodoo doll in my writing process. Though, I can't deny, I do sort of meander at times.

Do you write daily or whenever you can grab a chance?

I grab a chance. I try to write daily, but that's usually not how things work out. Yes, darn it, I'm inadequate.

Are you an outliner or a “seat-of-the-pantser”?

I'm pretty much an outliner (though they're loose outlines), though I don't deny that I'm not above following an idea to the end of the rainbow.

Do you revise as you go or do you plow through?

I tend to plow through and then come back. Sure, I sometimes duck back and make notes, but I like to get to the end of the deal before taking it all apart.

Do you write what you want or what you think has a shot of selling?

I'm a lot better at writing what I want to write, mainly because I haven't the foggiest how to determine what sells. But, as the wall I'm currently looking at says, "Be real to yourself and everything else will follow." I'm going to run with that.

Do you listen to music when you write?

Yeah, pretty much always. I listen to music always. Well, not always music. Sometimes, The West Wing or shows involving the investigation of violent murders. Because, I'm like that.

Now, my merry-men, please go forth. Recreate the survey so I can know more interesting things about you. Enjoy. :-)