My writing process.
Believe it or not, I have a writing process. I know it’s taking me a really long time to get my work published, but during this extremely long time that I’ve been writing, I’ve developed a writing process that I’ll use for the rest of my books. I don’t recommend this for other people. It probably won’t work for anyone else other than me. You’re welcome to give it a try, though!
Step 1: Creating a New Folder on the Computer
The very first thing I do when I’m ready to create a new book is to create a new folder on my computer. I have a writing folder, which contains several folders for all of the genres I write in (Horror, Fantasy, Poetry, Erotica, Science Fiction, Children). Within those folders, I have folders for each book. I begin with the year I plan to release the book, followed by its title (2025 – Us Against Them). Finally, I create a Word document with the book title (Us Against Them.docx).
Step 2: Planning the Book
It’s now time to plan the book. I do this the old-fashioned way, with pen and paper. I use these very cheap Moleskine knockoffs. They do exactly what I need them to do and for a lot less than Moleskine.
I divide my notebook into the following sections:
Overview
Characters
Locations
Timeline
Research
General Outline
Chapter by Chapter Detailed Outline
“Brain Dumps”
I know what you’re thinking. I could just do this with Scrivener and Scrapple. And, you’re right, except I’ve already tried using Scrivener and Scrapple. Unfortunately, Scrivener and Scrapple just don’t work for me. I found them too distracting to use. Notebook and pen works much better for me. However, I do highly recommend Scrivener and Scrapple for planning your book. I just don’t recommend them for me!
After I’ve done all my planning and research, it’s time for the next step.
Step 3: Writing the First Draft
I return to my computer and open the Word document I created in Step 1. It’s time to write the first draft! I don’t pay any attention to typos or grammar mistakes. I just let the words flow onto the page. There will be editing later. I’m transferring the ideas in my notebook into my first draft on the computer.
Step 4: Edit the First Draft
Now it’s time to make the first draft look a little better. I go through and fix all of my typos and grammar mistakes. I also start organizing and arranging my draft to make it look something like a book, instead of the mess of words that it currently is. After I’ve finally made my draft look a little better, it’s time for the next step.
Step 5: Rewrite/Edit/Rewrite/Edit/Ad nauseam
This is the part that I hate the most about writing. Rewrite, edit, rewrite, edit, and on and on until you want to scream. This takes forever. This is why it takes me so long to get my books published. I get stuck in this step. Eventually, the final, polished draft emerges. And you can finally move on to the next step!
Step 6: Formatting
This is my favorite step because it is so easy! I use Kindle Create to format my books. I’m a KDP author, so that’s why I use Kindle Create. It’s free and it formats perfectly for Amazon’s specifications. You can certainly use other software, such as Atticus, Vellum, or Reedsy. If you want to be like me (I’m not sure that’s a good idea!), then you can follow these super-easy steps to format your book in Kindle Create.
Step 6.5: Using Kindle Create
Open up Kindle Create. Click on the “Create new” on the top and then “Choose” at the bottom of the screen. This is where you’ll pick the type of formatting you want. You’ll probably want to use the first option, “Reflowable.” Of course, you’ll want to choose the proper option if you’re not writing a regular book. They have formats for comics, kids, and print replica. Once you choose your desired option, click on “Continue.” This part is optional, but I always fill it in. This is where you enter information about your book (title, author name, and publisher). Click on “Choose File (.doc, .docx).” Choose your final, polished draft and wait a moment for your document to be imported into Kindle Create. Now you’ll see the layout of the book with Front Matter, Body, and Back Matter. If you used chapter and paragraph styles in your document, it should’ve imported correctly and you won’t have to make too many changes. Just click on the little plus sign in each section to add what you need. You can also change the book print settings and theme, if you so desire. You may also want to preview it before you export. Now, after you’ve done all that, you can now create the KPF files that are needed to upload to KDP. Wasn’t that easy?
Step 7: Upload to the Publisher
Now that I have my KPF files, I can upload them to KDP. I didn’t mention this before, but I tend to create my books in KDP well before I finish the manuscript. There are two reasons why I do that: (1) to get preorders going, and (2) when it’s time to publish, I only have to add the manuscript.
KDP allows you to also create paperback and hardcover editions of your Kindle version. You can get a free ISBN, though you can only use it for Amazon. You can also order a proof copy. I always do this to make sure that it looks okay before I authorize it for sale.
Step 8: Make Money
Just kidding! I don’t make any money from my books.