How to Approach the Creative Writing Process

Expect (and Welcome) Chaos - Rarely, if ever, following the linear format you were taught in school, the writing process is the very picture of chaos and disorder. This, in itself, is not the problem; how we tend to fight this aspect of the writing process is. Embrace the inherent messiness of writing: Follow the story when it takes you in an unexpected direction, see where it leads. Jump around in your narrative, write the ending before you even consider the exposition, experiment with POVs. Never be afraid to flail away at a project. It's not going to (nor is it supposed to) come out all polished and refined. That's what revising and editing is for!

Make Writing a Daily Pursuit

If you haven't already, turn writing into a habit, an extension of your everyday life. This takes the sting out of the act of conjuring a story from thin air and, just as importantly, it builds the momentum needed to carry on with a project. If you wander too far from your story, you'll find it harder to stay in the groove and the whole thing could grind to a halt if you let it.

Develop a Degree of Detachment from the End Result

The writing process is called a "process" for a reason, you know. It's the journey that matters; you will arrive at your destination in good time, so don't worry about it yet.

Throw Your Whole Self into Your Work

Though "writing" seems like a passive activity, it is actually anything but! Think about it: When you write dialogue, you play it through your head, screaming or whispering in your characters voice. When your leading lady goes up against her worst fear, you're right there, doing battle with it alongside her. It is a process which demands and thrives on passion, so give it all you've got.

Lower Your Expectations

Your word output might fall short of your goal. Your finished story might not replicate your grand vision. You might not be the next Stephen King. And you know what: That's okay. It's all well and good to strive for success, but not if doing the best you can fails to measure up to unrealistic expectations.

Treat Writing Like a Career

Yes, even if you're a beginner or not yet published. Writers often suffer a lack of motivation and passion when writing is viewed as a "hobby". Likewise, we can lose traction when we view it as a "job" or a "chore". By treating it as a "career", we get the best of both worlds: a path to fulfillment, both personal and professional. Not only will this step increase your chances of being published, but it also makes you more willing to brave the writing process and more likely to persevere.