There’s stages of writing for me. Many stages.
Until I have a good number of chapters written, it’s a free for all. Seriously, I couldn’t tell you what the story was about at that point, could go anywhere. I just follow my characters through their world.
Then things start to settle, sort of, I still wouldn’t commit to a “this story is about …” but the writing is becoming a little easier.
You all know by now that I see stories as video in my mind, and when I read I see the images created by the words.
(I find it fascinating that I see a story but God help anyone who suggests I watch a video to show me how to fix something. Nope! No way, no how. I like words not videos.)

Currently, I am in the midst of The Rush.
And I’m loving it.
It’s the easiest part of a first draft (for me). Things are twisting and coming together. There are still surprises but I can see the possibilities when it comes to the final few chapters. I don’t know which way it will go but I can see more than before.
When I hit this phase … the story moves faster than before, the word count climbs quickly and I don’t want to stop writing. This is the stage where I could tell you what the story is about. I won’t but I could.

The Movie — the first scene plays in my head.
The Following — I write forward, following what I can see.
The Trudge — around 25K, when showing up takes more effort.
The Unfolding — each written piece reveals the next piece.
The Rush — around 60K, when the story gains speed and takes over.
The Landing — following the film all the way to its ending.

“The Movie → The Following → The Trudge → The Unfolding → The Rush → The Landing”

My writing process is discovery led. And once the story really takes hold there’s no looking back.
Meanwhile, I’ve got a story to write. So, I’ll be in Pages if you want me. 🙂