I have a Grand Unified Theory of Writing Problems.
It explains most problems I’ve heard people report.
The theory is this: there are discrete stages to the writing process, and most if not all problems can usefully be explained by conflating stages, or proceeding out of order.
When I write a blog post on tasshin.com, here are the stages in my writing process:
- Idea
- Gathering Notes / Questions / Theses
- Outlining
- Drafting
- Soliciting Content Feedback
- Revising
- Soliciting Editing Feedback
- Final Polishing
- Publishing
- Distributing
Each of those steps has discrete sub-steps.
If I proceed through all these stages, in this order, then I can reliably produce excellent content that I’m proud of.
Trying to draft before U’ve had an idea, gathered your notes, or made an outline is called “staring at a blank page.” No wonder this is hard!
Trying to revise without having received feedback on the content is hard.
U might need different stages.
I recently saw an excellent alternative stage model, specifically for fiction: Matt Bell’s three stage model, covered in his book Refuse to be Done.
In any case, I’ve found considering what stages I tend to go through with my writing process valuable, and U might, too.