Introduction
Before I share my writing process, you might want to know how I think and work. If we are too different in our approaches, my process may not be helpful to you. In any case, you should see how we are different, so you know when to ignore me and when to lean in.
Who is John?
Here are a few statements that reflect on how I think, create, and work.
I am:
- A former scientist, engineer, and technical director, which means…
- Analytical, logical, organized, and…
- Process oriented.
- A full-time writer/editor/game designer, which means…
- Writing and editing for money, and…
- Focused on my profession as an author.
- A storyteller at heart, which means…
- Writing for other people’s enjoyment, and…
- (I was) an eternal frustration for my mother.
- A credited editor (for hire), which means…
- A good self-editor with a much-practiced process, and…
- Perpetually fighting with myself.
- An avid reader, which means…
- A fan of most genre fiction and literature, and…
- Always reading something fiction and something nonfiction.
What Does John Write?
Keeping with the format above.
I:
- Primarily write genre fiction, but with strong literary influences, which means…
- Think words matter and are what make fiction beautiful, and…
- Research words and their use.
- Write fiction with strong historical and/or scientific elements, which means…
- Think authenticity matters (though not exact accuracy), and…
- Research facts and etymology and terminology and…
What Does John Edit?
One more time and you’ll be through it.
I:
- Edit game rules and roleplaying supplements, which means…
- Know how to present information logically (this article excepted), and…
- Know how to follow a style guide.
- Don’t development edit for other fiction writers, which means…
- Focus on words, sentences, and paragraphs, but…
- Am a good beta reader.
- Only edit for existing clients, which means…
- Am not available to edit your book, and…
- Am not trying to sell you my services.
That’s probably good for now, but you will get more of a sense as you read more on the blog.
