Updated April 2026 to include section on Writing Environment and remove redundant photos.
As if all the other things I’ve done haven’t been daunting enough, this is the most
Looking at a blank page can be scary. Hopefully
Regardless, I’ve done so much legwork by this point that hopefully
I know many people have different methods, but for me, I usually always work linearly from my outline. I find it easier to be flexible while I write, which I’ll get to in a second. Some people jump around and write the scenes that they want to start with, and go from there. Try them both out (I actually haven’t tried nonlinear writing ever) and see which one works for you.
When I start to write, I write to finish. I’m not expecting the stuff I write to be the best I’ve ever written. Right now, I’m writing to get the ideas on paper. I’m learning the characters.
Writing Environment
Before you get started writing, finding the best place to write can have a big effect on your writing. If you feel comfortable with your environment, the words seem to flow.
Not having to worry about things like syncing, notifications, and other clutter on the screen allows you to focus on what you’re writing. Some authors might like seeing icons, options, and data on the screen, while others might dread looking at it. So, find something that works for you.
When I wrote this back in 2018, I had been writing in Scrivener, a writing app that lets you break down longer writing projects into smaller sections. You can also reduce all the distractions on your screen, which many writers find better.
As my life changed and I found myself writing more as I watched my children, I needed to move to a writing app that worked between all my Apple devices better. I moved to Ulysses and have found an even better writing environment for myself.
I’ve even developed a Kanban productivity flow to keep my writing projects organized.
You might prefer writing with pen and paper to get ideas on the page, or you might use a standard word processor, like Microsoft Word, but I strongly recommend finding something that works for you.
For me, I like seeing my words on a dark page, with my outline visible.
Characters
Every time I write, I’m always surprised that the characters will take me to places I never really thought they would.
All the plotting and planning that I’ve done doesn’t go out the window but might go to someplace unexpected. I don’t let this get to me either. Just because the characters don’t go where I want them to, I usually find that they’ll take me to a place that might have been better than I thought.
If it doesn’t take me to a place that I like, I don’t erase it either. I just try to find a way to get the characters back to where I wanted them to go. Can I make something in the plot happen to steer them back where I need them to go, turns into a challenge.
Notes
While I’m going, I usually try to leave myself notes. I’ll erase a line or paragraph if it has gone off topic, but usually, I just leave myself notes about something I might want to change on my next go around.
If I’ve made progress through a couple of chapters and I decide that I need something set up in a chapter that I’ve already done, I’ll leave myself a note right there. Once I finish the chapter, I’ll try to go back and make a note to add the thing into the spot I want it, but I won’t add it in yet. I’ll save that for the next pass.
The main objective right now is to finish.
Finishing
Finishing is the hardest part of writing. That’s why I don’t stop and change things. I plow on through to make it to the finish line.
Again, I’m not trying to write the best prose ever. I’m trying to get the words on paper so that I can go back in and sculpt the words how I want them.
Another thing I’m not really doing, and something that I learned from reading Stephen King’s On Writing, is that I’m not really looking to deal with symbolism or anything too under the surface. Again, that stuff will get saved for a later date.
Last minute tips
I really think that this is the hardest part of the process. It can be very daunting, but the main thing is to finish. I really like Scrivener here so that I can break my document up into smaller sections. This way, the entire piece isn’t in front of me every time I open the document.
So try to keep things small. Give yourself goals.
The last tip I’ll give, give yourself a word or page goal, depending on your piece. Giving yourself a deadline helps as well. That way you know how much you need to do every day. If you get behind, you can catch up, but getting ahead gives you a great feeling.
If you’ve made it to this part, I wish you good luck and plenty of fun. Don’t let the size of your project scare you. Keep writing!
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