My writing process

Tone, knowing where to start, and dealing with writer’s block

I have never really had to think about my writing process before today. It has always been something I just do and has been inate within me.

Except today someone asked me, what is your creative process? What is your writing tone? How do you deal with writers block?

I have kept a journal for as long as I can remember. If a day is worth writing about - a day worth making permenant - it is a day worth living and loving. And every day should be of this standard.

I feel most inspired to write when I am really tuned into a person or a place. I notice all of my senses absorbing the sounds, smells; notice how that place or thing makes me feel. This then pours out of me via words on a page. This is why my tone is often so conversational, because my writing most of the time is a stream of consciousness. When my writing is read, I want the reader to share the feelings and senses I am experiencing.

When I am writing someone else’s story, I want you to know the diction of their voice, visualise the expression on their face, feel as though you are the one speaking with this person. When I am writing about a place, I want you to feel the weather, know the accent, be transported to the culture and atmosphere.

How do I deal with writer’s block? A blank page is my best friend. I simply start writing and notice where my mind wanders too. I have been journaling for so long, I feel like my brain has accumulated personal folders of prompts tucked away, permanently existing for when I need them.

And this collection is constantly being added to. I love to spend time outdoors, letting my mind be present, calm, and curious. Books, music, podcasts, overheard conversations all trigger new thoughts and questions for me to use as writing prompts. Media and new experiences are the input, and writing is the output.

But where do you start? How do you become a writer? The best way to become a writer is to just start writing.

Write for yourself. Write with no purpose. Write with no deadline or sense of expectation. Write because it feels good, not because it reads well.

Maybe use a conversation as your starting point, and transcribe the thoughts and ideas you stumbled across during the conversation.

If you are on Substack, I imagine you are already a writer, but have you ever questioned why you do it. I write because it helps me process my thoughts. Writing makes me more present, helps me tune into my senses, allows me to know my goals and passions better, makes me a more confident conversationalist, and highlights where I still have room for personal development.

Take a minute to pause and remind yourself why writing is so important to you. Ask, are there ways you can improve your writing process? How does your writing enhance your identity? Then, push yourself today to share your writing even if it is incomplete or imperfect. The world needs to hear your thoughts, ideas, and experiences. It may just be the inspiration another creator needs.