I've been thinking a lot lately about my writing technique. It's something readers are always interested in and I love to read the same about other writers, so I thought I'd share a bit with you.

Here's a little secret I've never told anyone - my articles, um, I only write one draft. Just one. What I write is what I turn in and I've rarely been edited. I've had more than 100 articles published in the last six years and nearly every single one is a first draft.

Imagine how humbling it was for me when I began seriously pursuing publication in fiction. My first drafts sucked. They were lifeless. A total mess. But I didn't quit. No, I revised and revised and revised and revised.

My revisions consisted of mainly of tweaking content. As an experienced journalist, I don't make a lot of intentional grammar mistakes. I do take liberties with grammar occasionally and so far, the agents I've spoken to understand what I'm doing and why I'm doing it. One went so far as to compliment it, telling me that's where my writing voices lies. I found that very interesting...but I digress...

Do you remember those physiology books that have clear plastic pages, each one with a new layer of the body? I always found them fascinating - and that's exactly how I look at my writing.

First drafts, in fiction, are like laying down the basic bones. Then, as I revise, I add layers and layers to the book. I don't know if it's my inexperience as a writer, or just my technique, but my books grow in word count as I revise. Each sweep I make has a particular goal in mind, whether it's story or description or characterization. I'm not good at doing everything at once, though I did notice in my current WIP (which is my second complete novel) that I was able to combine more of these into the first draft. Once I've added everything I feel needs to be added, then I make a sweeping revision pass to cut out all the unnecessary junk.

So, there's my process. You should use the exact same techniques as me.

Wait! What? If you believe that, then you really need to reevaluate your commitment to becoming an author. Writing is intensely personal. No one writes or revises in the same way. You can read all you want about how other authors do it, but until you figure out what works best for you you're just an imitator.

Be yourself. Find your unique voice. Don't be discouraged because it will come in time. Practice doesn't make perfect, but it does lead you to discover what works for you.

Don't forget to visit my last post and enter for a chance to win a copy of The Writing & Critique Group Survival Guide by Becky Levine!!!! Good luck!

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