What steps do you take to get a writing project done?

photo credit: mandykoh

One day, many years ago, I was working in an office. The executives were having a meeting to discuss implementing some new procedures. It was a hot day and the conference room was small and crowded, so the door was open. As I passed by on my way to the filing room, I overheard my boss saying “Melissa can handle that. She’s very methodical.”

Methodical. I tried it on and decided yes, it fit. “I am methodical,” I declared, and went about my business.

And it was true, too. I was organized to a fault, always looking for systems and processes that would streamline the workflow and make business more efficient and therefore easier. Hell, my closet was organized by season, length, and color. I didn’t have to flip through my hangers to find an article of clothing. Everything was neatly filed in its place.

Writing gurus and mentors often want us to believe that there is one true process to writing. It usually goes something like this:

1. Brainstorm (and/or mind map