I did a lot of research into various writing practices for Episode 121 of Write Now with Sarah Werner, which came out last Wednesday.
I read about writers who wake up at 4:00 a.m. and writers who sleep in until noon. I read about writers who write every day and writers who don’t. I read about writers who outline and writers who write by the seat of their pants. I read about writers who insist on having a steady writing habit and writers who eschew schedules and hate obligations.
Here’s what I learned about writing practices and writing processes: there is no “right” or “wrong” way to create. Everyone does it differently, in the way that they need to for their unique brain, story, and circumstances.
Turns out, a “wrong” way of creating is often simply different than the process of the person labeling it as such. It may not conform with societal norms, or what we’ve learned a creator “should” do. (Oh, and if you’re writing your novel using the blood of puppies as ink or something, then that’s a wrong way to create. But hopefully, you are not doing this.)
Either way, how you write is relative — which, if you’re looking for a definitive answer regarding your own writing process, is extremely frustrating. But the truth is, you’re just going to have to experiment a little and find what works best for you.
Finally, keep in mind that a creative practice isn’t necessarily — or only — about creating your best work. Rather, it’s the discovery of how you can best integrate creativity into your life and become the creator you are meant to be.
Words & warmth,
Sarah