My Writing Process

My friend Jess  invited me to take part in this series where bloggers are sharing their own personal writing process. You can read more about the tour as well as Jess's post by clicking HERE. 

What am I working on? 

I have a few things going...The thing that I'm most excited about is that I'm writing from my heart more. I've taken some time most mornings to get some important words out.  I'm writing posts as the ideas come to me and scheduling them ahead of time. They're all inspired by Scripture and quite a few are further inspired by someone else who wrote from their time in God's Word. 

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I've never felt that my writing was that different from anyone else's. The thing that sets mine apart is that it is mine. It's written from my perspective, in my voice, and it is fueled by my own walk with God. What I have to say isn't new, but I've been learning that it is mine to say. 

*no timer here...My brother graciously snapped this one for me.*

 Why do I write what I do?

When I really write it's because I've seen something that I want to help others see. There is a life and there are passions behind this kind of sharing.

 How does your writing process work?

My writing process itself is always different. If I'm blogging I usually sit down, crank out a post, read it a few times, pick pictures to go with it, and then read it a few more times. Anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours later and the post is live. 

As I mentioned earlier, I've spent more time in concentrated writing lately which has resulted in some posts being scheduled as much as two weeks in advance. These posts will be put together slower and will receive a bit more editing.

This blog only ever sees a portion of what I write. I have folders and notebooks and journals and scraps of paper and word documents keeping track of the rest of my writing. 

Almost all of my writing begins on a scrap of paper. I think this started back in elementary school with those brainstorming exercises my teachers had us do before writing an essay. 

If my goal is to produce a longer piece, I collect books that I need to read or that have influenced my thoughts on the particular subject. If I'm writing something biographical, I print any articles or letters that may be helpful. 

That scrap of paper and those resources find their way onto index cards and an outline (sometimes on paper and sometimes in a word document) is formed. 

From there a rough draft is produced, usually in one sitting. Getting that rough draft out is my favorite part. If you're a writer, you know that THOSE words can leave you trembling and uneasy because they are like letting out the biggest, longest, deepest breath. 

I let the draft sit for a few days and then my next favorite part begins. I've always loved editing because of the polished result it can bring. 

Editing leads to a piece that is ready to be shared and that's when you just have to let it go. 

Whatever and wherever I am writing there are a few things that are always the same. If it's going to be good, I have to be alone in a quiet room or with other people who are writing too. There is no music. The only sounds are those coming from a distance. 

So, that's what goes on behind the scenes of Through * For * By. 

What is YOUR writing process like?

Oh, and the tour isn't over yet..

My friend Amy is also taking a turn today!

Monica @ Prince Snow Farm

Next Thursday, Monica at Prince Snow Farm will be posting. I discovered her blog years ago and have always loved popping over for visits! She has an amazing garden and sometimes she even posts about the Cape Cod area. You'll have to look around her blog while you're there to read her post next Thursday!

Happy Writing!