Quote Originally Posted by Aesop
Well first I get an idea. Usually that just happens. I'll be doing something else and something will strike me about it and *poof!* an idea happens.

Once I have an idea I sit on it for a time. Let it stew in the back of my head for a few days/weeks before I ever put a word on paper. I expand on it and let the idea lead me to the story.

I never use outlines when I write. I shoot from the hip.

Mostly I'll write until the idea dries up for the session. Sometimes that's ten minutes sometimes it's a couple of hours. I self-correct grammar and spelling as I type; it's become such an automatic habit that it doesn't interrupt my flow.

Once the story is finished I use spell check on it and save it. Then I move on to something else for a day or two. After a bit of time I come back and read it. Try to correct anything the computer missed and change whatever wording or sentences I don't like.

I think that's about it.
that is basicly how everyone does it ---with the exceptions of using an outline.

I only use an outline for longer stories ---it is to help me keep up with the subjects and what is going on and in the end it helps with the story flow

on the short stories I have writen it is basicly the same except when it is finished and I have done spell check and grammar check once again I read the story and see if any more pops into my head about it ---usually I see something that does not quite flow right or could be better explained using the things we went over in level one ---I try to see and feel the things I wrote just from reading it again

Now the most important thing about this --is ------the story must please you. If when it is complete ---you are completely happy about it ----and each one you see as your best work ----then it is time to leave it alone---publish it or post it or what every you are going to do with it.


Others may have different opinions about your story ---they may not like it ---it may not flow to them ----they may find errors you missed ----

but all in all it does not matter ---as long as you are happy with it

you are after all writing for you ---not anyone else---that is the most important motivator----If you try to write for someone else --it is usually a forced effort---and you will not be satisfied by it.

now many of my intended short stories have turned out to be longer and I usually use my first draft as my outline----making notes on it ---using a highliter on it -----drawing on it ----but that is what works for me---