The 8 Stages of The Writing Process
Whatever you are writing – from a blog to a book – you will go through eight distinct stages in the process.
They are:
- Preparation
- Percolation
- Planning
- Drafting
- Shaping/Ordering
- Deepening
- Editing
- Completing.
Producing a piece of writing is never a linear endeavour and the eight stages don’t operate as separately from each other as putting them into a list might imply. But understanding the shape and order of the process is crucial for writers.
Not knowing what stage you are in can lead to confusion, frustration, despair and ultimately, throwing the work aside.
I have seen so many writers who start to edit or judge their writing (stage 7) when they are only in the or first draft (stage 4), or even the germination (stage 2), point in the process — and thereby strangle their work before giving it full form.
Each stage has its own distinct tasks, rewards and demands.
I will explore each of the stages in detail over eight individual posts.
First up: Preparation
my problem is getting started after 4yrs.I can write a short poem…but prose eludes me.
Mmm, interesting. I look forward to reading about each stage in more detail over the coming days.
@ Jacqui. I would guess that, when it comes to your prose, you may be heading straight for stage 4 – drafting – before giving enough time and attention to the preceding stages. A short poem can arrive, as if fully sprung, onto the page — and we think there was no germination or preparation or planning. In truth, what has happened is that stages 1 to 3 have happened subconsciously. A longer piece of prose won’t allow you to do that. If you consciously work through stages 1 to 3 (see tomorrow and days following), you should find stage 4 happens automatically.
@ Iseult – welcome to the site, Iseult. Look forward to your feedback.
Editing as number 7, that’s brilliant. As you say, all too easy to get lured into that too early. And you’ve completely left out ’sharing with the family to see what they think’ – very wise. Can’t wait for more, Orna!
Hi Rosemary. You’re right, I’m not a fan of asking friends or family for feedback, as they generally (and wisely!) operate from a policy of love you = love your work.
[...] the stages of writing process. Any piece of writing moves through distinct, though not always separate, phases. I have seen so many writers who start to edit or judge their writing (stage 7) when they are only [...]
Great post!!
Fascinating approach. I, too, look forward to reading more…
Thank you.
[...] My favourites below: Understand the stages of writing process. Any piece of writing moves through distinct, though not always separate, phases. I have seen so many writers who start to edit or judge their writing (stage 7) when they are only [...]
I’m in the drafting stage. I do numbers 6, 7 and 8 together. I always write the first draft as if it’s the final draft, IOW that I’ll hit print and send it off. Of course I will make changes (deepening, etc.), but I don’t intentionally leave “stuff” to be fixed or crafted later. This makes me write tighter and stay on track. Great post to make us writers think!
[...] the stages of writing process. Any piece of writing moves through distinct, though not always separate, phases. I have seen so many writers who start to edit or judge their writing (stage 7) when they are only [...]
[...] the stages of writing process. Any piece of writing moves through distinct, though not always separate, phases. I have seen so many writers who start to edit or judge their writing (stage 7) when they are only [...]
Not that I’m totally impressed, but this is a lot more than I expected when I stumpled upon a link on Furl telling that the info here is awesome. Thanks.
@ Six Pack – you’re welcome. will hope to totally impress next time