My Writing Process*

*Applies to primarily to papers; to fiction to a much lesser extent.

1. Come up with idea, based on contemplating the parameters of the assignment for a period of time no less than several days. The idea must be perfect in every respect.
   
2. Acquire various library books, photocopied articles, etc., pertaining to idea. Strew them over desk and floor surrounding desk. Attack the photocopies with highlighters (although never, ever highlight anything else).
   
3. Come up with brilliant title. The title must be in the format of "Clever bit, colon, explanation of clever bit and the purpose of the paper." There can be no progress until the clever bit is clever, and the explanation explains something.
   
4. Start writing. Pause constantly, sometimes between each sentence, to talk on AIM, trawl news sites, read LJ, etc. These so-called "distractions" very important to cleanse the palate for continued writing. Or something.
   
5. Notice silence. Start playing music in iTunes. Generally either set to random play or use the Art of the Fugue playlist.
   
6. Notice that music is suddenly getting on my nerves. Turn it off.
   
7. Agonize over every word. Find it impossible to move on until each sentence is perfect.
   
8. Continue to be "distracted."
   
9. Complain to my ex-boyfriend about any and all aspects of the paper and/or my writing that are upsetting to me.
   
10. Divide time between distractions and writing. Occasionally derive inspiration from distractions.
    
11. Reach conclusion. By this time, generally hate the paper with the power of a thousand fiery suns, and if didn't before, certainly do once start summarizing it for readers who do not pay attention.
    
12. Finish paper. Do not look at it again for a reasonable period of time.

My roommate, who is a dramatic writing major, has an even more interesting writing process which involves playing Yahoo Games and calling her mother at all hours of the night in order to bitch to her about whatever is wrong with her script or paper. Or possibly to have existential crises and threaten to drop out of school. It all works out in the end, however. It helps that her mom is quite cool.

My Writing Process*

*Applies to primarily to papers; to fiction to a much lesser extent.

1. Come up with idea, based on contemplating the parameters of the assignment for a period of time no less than several days. The idea must be perfect in every respect.
   
2. Acquire various library books, photocopied articles, etc., pertaining to idea. Strew them over desk and floor surrounding desk. Attack the photocopies with highlighters (although never, ever highlight anything else).
   
3. Come up with brilliant title. The title must be in the format of "Clever bit, colon, explanation of clever bit and the purpose of the paper." There can be no progress until the clever bit is clever, and the explanation explains something.
   
4. Start writing. Pause constantly, sometimes between each sentence, to talk on AIM, trawl news sites, read LJ, etc. These so-called "distractions" very important to cleanse the palate for continued writing. Or something.
   
5. Notice silence. Start playing music in iTunes. Generally either set to random play or use the Art of the Fugue playlist.
   
6. Notice that music is suddenly getting on my nerves. Turn it off.
   
7. Agonize over every word. Find it impossible to move on until each sentence is perfect.
   
8. Continue to be "distracted."
   
9. Complain to my ex-boyfriend about any and all aspects of the paper and/or my writing that are upsetting to me.
   
10. Divide time between distractions and writing. Occasionally derive inspiration from distractions.
    
11. Reach conclusion. By this time, generally hate the paper with the power of a thousand fiery suns, and if didn't before, certainly do once start summarizing it for readers who do not pay attention.
    
12. Finish paper. Do not look at it again for a reasonable period of time.

My roommate, who is a dramatic writing major, has an even more interesting writing process which involves playing Yahoo Games and calling her mother at all hours of the night in order to bitch to her about whatever is wrong with her script or paper. Or possibly to have existential crises and threaten to drop out of school. It all works out in the end, however. It helps that her mom is quite cool.