Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
When I was in my final year of highschool, I wrote a science-fiction/comedy. It was influenced by my favourite stories at the time - Star Wars, Doctor Who, Blake's 7, Asimov and many others. It took me a year to write and filled 210 hand-typed pages. I only ever let my best friend read it. She was quite miffed that I killed off her favourite character. I only recently found out that my brother had read it too. I really should try to find it, but that means braving the shed.
What is your writing process?
I have notebooks all over the house and in my bag. When I get an idea, I try to write down as much as I can. These notes get filed into a box for future reference. I waver between handwriting the manuscript in one of my notebooks or typing it into Scrivener. For shorter stories (under 24,000 words) I write the entire first draft before I review it. With a book length manuscript, I write a chapter or two, then review. My first draft is a 'splurge' or freewriting exercise - everything goes down on the page. If I am unsure about a word or fact, I put down all my options, so not to lose the flow of the words. However, sometimes the perfectionist in me will insist that I have to do that research before I continue. I have a few trusty beta readers who helps me with obvious errors, repeats or very loose ends. I belong to a writers' group (which includes published authors and editors) who help me with rewrites and suggestions.
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