One of the questions I am often asked is, “What is the best way to write?”
Well …
I knew a writer who wrote his books paragraph by paragraph on index cards. Then he organized those cards to create his narratives.
I know a writer who told me she doesn’t set down one word until she has worked out the whole plot. It sometimes takes her years to do that.
I know a writer who begins to write without having the foggiest idea where he is going.
I know a writer who told me she couldn’t begin a book until she knew the last sentence.
I know a writer who insists he must start his writing day at four AM.
I knew a writer who wrote all his books on yellow pads in pencil, and then had his wife type out the manuscripts, after which he read the book for the first time.
I know a writer who refuses to use a computer because, he says, it makes his books too long.
A writer told me she can barely write her name with a pen, being so used to a computer.
I knew of a writer who dictated all his novels to a secretary.
I knew a writer who told me his best writing took place in a neighborhood McDonald’s booth.
I knew a writer whose writing place was a closet.
And another writer who wrote on his kitchen table.
What is the best way to write? Whatever works for you.