Re-Reading and Re-Reading…
My process is always changing, but recently I returned to an old part of my process that I had lost. For a few years, my attention span got so bad that I could not do as much re-reading of my WIP that I did once.
After awhile, I forgot it had ever been my process.
But I’ve picked it up again. I tend to start reading (and editing/tweaking) at the very beginning every morning. And then I add words until my brain starts jumping around and can only write fragments. I take a break, then I start re-reading at the beginning of the chapter I’m on or the previous chapter.
Whew, it’s a lot of re-reading.
I hope it’s making a better story. It is making my daily word count higher. I’m starting to think that lots of reading, whether it’s my WIP or other writers’ books, sorta exercises my own writing muscle.
On another note, I am two days away from the anniversary of my life as a full-time writer on the road (or stopped in the desert, LOL). I suppose that calls for a special post.
Is there anything in particular I should include in my anniversary post? Any questions I should answer? And does your process change? Have you ever forgotten, then returned, to elements of your old process?
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Natasha Fondren is a writer traveling the U.S. in a camper with her four cats. She is currently enjoying the lizards and desert heat in Arizona.
I typically always start my day by rereading and making little changes to the stuff I did the day before. congrats on your anniversary.
Oh cool, Charles! Yeah, I love the tweaking, honestly.
I have to say that my art process has changed quite a bit & I really haven’t ever gone back to old processes. I keep talking about doing so, but never actually do. I don’t know if I really “feel” it anymore, y’know?
Lana, I have been, lately, especially since I wrote faster then.
My name is Kathy. I am a re-reader.
Habitual. Every time I open the WIP I return to where I left off, and then I scroll up to look at the dozen or more pages written days before. I used to think it was a horrible habit and big time waster. But, now I find that it refreshes the memory and helps me move forward.
For you anniversary blog you should include how the move affected your writing schedule. It must have been a big change of routine. I know when I moved last year the new environment impacted my writing – I stopped working on the WIP entirely. But, I also moved at the beginning of the Fall semester, which meant college papers taking precedence over all else.
I probably go back to the beginning at least three or four times a week, and back about 8,000 words on the other days.
I find it interesting that it’s basically taken you this year to rediscover the process that works for you. Isn’t it crazy how disruptive a big change can be?
I’d like to hear about the things — joys, etc — that you’ve experienced that you didn’t expect. The little surprises.
Totally, Melanie! It’s a whole new rhythm. Hmmm, will think on that!
I love that you continue to reinvent your creative process, Natasha! It sounds like what you’re doing is really working for you. I am very inspired that you are so disciplined and are finding ways to be more productive and strengthen your “concentration muscle”.
BRAVA!!! 
Awww, thank you, Darcy! I’m trying! I wouldn’t call myself disciplined yet, but I’m trying!
Oh, and as for your “anniversary post”…I would love to just hear your retrospective on the year – how you’ve grown, changed, become more happy/healthy/relaxed, regrets (if any!), and what you’re looking forward to in the coming year. Yeah, that pretty much covers everything!! LOL
Thanks, Darcy! That helped! I wasn’t sure what I was going to write about.
I’ve been so sporatic with my writing lately, that I wouldn’t know what the heck was happening in my WIP if I didn’t reread! It’s a movie, so I practically have to reread the whole thing.
I’m so proud of you! Just think – you make your living as a writer. Seriously, how many people can say that? I’m really looking forward to your post tomorrow!
Robin, I’m not sporadic, but my memory is so bad that I’m the same way!
LOL, I’d say I only make half a living as a writer, but it’s all my living!
Wow, my work process tends to change fairly often, depending upon whatever’s going on in my life at the moment. Sometimes I’m writing 3,000 words a day, other times I’m writing 250 words a day. I rarely go back and read my WIP, except for the last few graphs when picking up again, until I’ve finished the first draft. I usually work on only one project at a time, but sometimes I’ll break up working on a novel or novella with a side trip to write or edit a short story. Once spent two and a half years straight working only on a fantasy trilogy, and it burnt me out on fantasy for a while.
Ty, it is variable, isn’t it? That’s amazing… I wish I had the memory so I didn’t have to go back and re-read so much.
Wow! A fantasy trilogy! I’m trying to write one here, soon. I’m scared!