Re: How I handle it

> That sounds like a lot of work, Mel, but glad it works for you. That's
> sort of a research to paper approach. Lots of good writers use that
> approach.

There's two types of writers, and it's hard for one type to use the other's mode. The majority of writers are like you, who have an inner voice directing them. I can't tell you how many times I've sat on panels with people who talk about how their characters come to life and direct the plots and dialogues!

Man, I wish I could have that happen!

But when you write with Momus-Interruptis ("Mooooooooooooooommmmmmmmmm! The cat just barfed on the carpet!" "Moooooooooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....."), the outline way is the only way you can write and keep your sanity!

> Personally, I have an entirely different way of writing. I learn about the
> topic I wish to write on, examine different angles and possibilities and
> then I leave it alone. Generally, within a short time (2 hours to 2 days
> or so) I suddenly have this overwhelming urge to write...and I do. It
> comes out nearly perfect and I have little or no rewriting to do. Love the
> way my brain just pulls it all together.

What a treat it must be to write like that! I think that most writers operate that way.

> I tried the 'little steps' approach and swallowed all the stuff Writer's
> Digest School was teaching at the time. I wrote some of the worst drivel
> of my life and almost quit writing forever because my creativity just
> dried up. Had to really work hard to UNlearn the 'writing is hard' mindset
> and get back to writing naturally. Sometimes one just has to go with what
> works for the individual.

SO true! The outline method was the only way I could get anything coherent and productive done. I figured I'd talk about my method just in case there were others out there who sat down at the keyboard and could only feel the desperation and the need and hadn't a CLUE what to do with it!