" If you’re like me, the real first draft is the one you write in your head and I find that easiest to do when moving around." -- this is partly why I walk. I compose in my head, then, I sit down and write, and it just comes out. The best pieces I've written have been written in a short time sitting, but a long time walking.
My process (every writer loves talking about this) is, get up early, write a bit, then walk, then write a lot, if I have something to say.
I couldn't write without my walks, and vice-versa.
I've done my best "writing" while I'm walking around doing other things. It's when things become most clear. Then it's just a matter of getting it on paper.
I wish I'd seen this either a year before or a year after I wrote my dissertation--either as a useful guide, or as an interesting point of comparison for how somebody else did it.
SATN kicks ass and is in a place of pride on my bookshelf, so I'm looking forward to buying whatever this is.
This is all quite useful advice. I'm definitely on the manic-binge side lock-yourself-in-a-room side of the equation, and it's probably why I've never attempted a book length project. That's not sustainable beyond op-eds and longform type stuff.
I am also a once-the-first-draft-is-done-everything-is-comparatively-easy guy. And I think the thing that helped me the most within your Step 4 is to try to literally never hit the delete key. There's such a temptation to start perfecting paragraphs and sentences while writing that it invariably gets in the way of getting the ideas from brain to paper, in my experience. And since I'm the type for whom the rough draft--any rough draft---is the big hurdle, I find eliminating the urge to working on edit while writing that draft is crucial.
Thanks for writing this out, Nate! It's always interesting to see others' processes. I'm mostly writing fiction right now, but I do have a non-fiction book floating around in my head that I've had real trouble committing to. Maybe I'll try some of your process tips to see if they work for me! Also, walking/running for the win, though I usually do it in the evening, and while I'm doing it I brainstorm my scenes for the next day. :)
A suuuuuuper detailed outline of all the concepts rattling around in my hand and then a lot of 4-8 hour long writing sessions is how I get the first draft finished. IT is a grind! I am excited for the new book!
" If you’re like me, the real first draft is the one you write in your head and I find that easiest to do when moving around." -- this is partly why I walk. I compose in my head, then, I sit down and write, and it just comes out. The best pieces I've written have been written in a short time sitting, but a long time walking.
My process (every writer loves talking about this) is, get up early, write a bit, then walk, then write a lot, if I have something to say.
I couldn't write without my walks, and vice-versa.
I've done my best "writing" while I'm walking around doing other things. It's when things become most clear. Then it's just a matter of getting it on paper.
Sometimes it’s really tricky getting in the zone to write but once I’m there it’s like floating on air. Does that make sense?
So to get there lots of things need to be right. It needs to be quiet- in my mind and in the room. A short mindfulness session before can really help.
Also, if I go for a walk beforehand and think about the subject that can really help the thoughts start to arrange themselves.
I wish I'd seen this either a year before or a year after I wrote my dissertation--either as a useful guide, or as an interesting point of comparison for how somebody else did it.
SATN kicks ass and is in a place of pride on my bookshelf, so I'm looking forward to buying whatever this is.
This is all quite useful advice. I'm definitely on the manic-binge side lock-yourself-in-a-room side of the equation, and it's probably why I've never attempted a book length project. That's not sustainable beyond op-eds and longform type stuff.
I am also a once-the-first-draft-is-done-everything-is-comparatively-easy guy. And I think the thing that helped me the most within your Step 4 is to try to literally never hit the delete key. There's such a temptation to start perfecting paragraphs and sentences while writing that it invariably gets in the way of getting the ideas from brain to paper, in my experience. And since I'm the type for whom the rough draft--any rough draft---is the big hurdle, I find eliminating the urge to working on edit while writing that draft is crucial.
Fascinating insight into a specific writing process.
Frankly, this seems pretty similar to Hemingway's stated writing process
Lovely post, thank you! Not a writer, but I've had similar struggles with my art and I'm going to adapt this strategy for my studio time.
Thanks for writing this out, Nate! It's always interesting to see others' processes. I'm mostly writing fiction right now, but I do have a non-fiction book floating around in my head that I've had real trouble committing to. Maybe I'll try some of your process tips to see if they work for me! Also, walking/running for the win, though I usually do it in the evening, and while I'm doing it I brainstorm my scenes for the next day. :)
A suuuuuuper detailed outline of all the concepts rattling around in my hand and then a lot of 4-8 hour long writing sessions is how I get the first draft finished. IT is a grind! I am excited for the new book!