My writing process...

Just a few of my many composition books. Here is to old school writing!

If you follow me on instagram (@rkharringtonauthor), you might know that my writing process is a bit unorthodox, as well as ever changing. Different things work for different people, so you could say I'm downright eccentric.

You may be wondering, what is my process? I start with a dream, (or daydream) as I am sure all writer's do, but then from there everything feels very "choose your own adventure". I am the oft-maligned pantser, and even worse: I am also one to change my mind. Even if I think I have a scene mapped out in my head my characters may take me in a different direction. The best part? I write longhand, so that change in direction? It usually stays right where it is; rarely do I cross things out or start again.

Well, if my process is so odd, how did I get here? You might be surprised to hear this, but I started my writing journey with a story planner notebook, a full outline of every chapter (however clunky) and a computer. Already, you can see that it was a long road to get to no outline, composition notebooks, and my imagination. As an engineer by day, writer by night, my past self never would have guessed, but halfway through my clunky first half of my first draft of my first book, I was caught. Luckily for me, I found myself without my computer one day with a scene I just HAD to write. And once I started writing longhand, I never looked at my computer until the first draft was done.

Now, I am lucky enough to have an amazing husband who types up my chicken scratch, amazing editors (https://www.lebowitzanddaughter.com/), beta readers, and a strong technical writing background (for editing) to make sure my story is at its best! I am truly blessed to have a process that works for me (for now). What works for you? Let me know in the comments.