Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
I like listening to famous authors tell about their writing process, because they're all different. Here are a few examples I've collected, with my reaction. Lee Child says he writes a book once and allows his editor to make a few suggestions for changes, but only two or three. I could never operate this way, being one who needs feedback. If it works for him, great. Mark Billingham says his process often involves lying on the couch staring at the ceiling for long periods of time. I can relate to that, although if you're a regular reader, you know I'm more likely to take a walk when I need to think things through. Robert Barnard said he simply began writing and went where the story led him. He admitted he sometimes ended up stuck but said it was like climbing a mountain. You might come to a spot where you can climb no farther, but looking around, you see where you've been and where you need to go. That's most like my process. I simply cannot p...