The infinite methods of the writing process

What is their writing routine? What do they do when they’re in a funk? These are the questions writers know best

By: Apurva Bhat

The writer’s process in a nutshell – if only it were that easy. (Suzy Hazelwood/Pexels)

Each writer has their own working pattern. Some write in chaos, while others prefer silence. Some have a disciplined routine and some can’t get themselves to produce content unless they have a deadline staring them in the face.

Starting is the hardest part for me. My journey began in 2018 with informal, personal pieces. I’d experience an emotion, type it out in my Notes app and put it up on Instagram.

In 2020, I decided to major in journalism for my undergraduate degree. As someone who is now in the program, I feel that I’ve somehow lost the practice of writing daily (how ironic). I’m not entirely sure what the reasons behind this are; perhaps it was the pandemic or that I don’t know what my niche is or that I still haven’t figured out what routine works best for me.

There are writers, such as Haley Sengsavanh, a third-year journalism student at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), who are methodical. She thrives in a decluttered environment with outlines she can refer to and all of her content available in one, single document. “I need to be alone when I write,” she said.

Similarly, TMU third-year journalism student Isabella Monaco also needs space away from people and noise in order to accelerate her writing process. While countless students find sitting in a coffee shop with a laptop, lo-fi music and a matcha latte will always do the trick, Monaco would rather stay away from the hustle and bustle.

I, however, am the exact opposite of Sengsavanh and Monaco. I work in what could be described as using unstructured and flexible methodologies. My work is usually not in one single document or even saved in the same folder. Similar to how you solve a jigsaw puzzle, I write bits and pieces sporadically, not knowing exactly how it’s going to look in the end, but eventually, they find their way together.

Based in the U.K., Sanika Shah is a travel blogger who founded Saunter with Sanika during the pandemic. She describes herself as a “chaotic writer.”

“I know the structure I’d like to follow: introduction, body, attractions to visit, things I liked or disliked,” said Shah. “At the same time, I don’t have everything in one spot. I’ll feel an emotion about something and write it down. I’ll get ideas of a topic and note it somewhere.” 

For Shah, creating a personal connection with her work is essential. She said there isn’t a formula to the process. “It’s not like math where one plus one equals two.”

And rightfully so. We can’t categorize writers into certain types — our styles change with time and our practices can be a combination of various routines, whether it’s finding a quiet spot to place your thoughts onto paper or immersing yourself in the busiest environment in order to get yourself in a productive mood. 

“Sometimes you’re procrastinating and going for a walk but sometimes that walk is a part of the writing process,” she said.

Damian Rogers, a poet who teaches creative writing at TMU, says that several writers put immense pressure on themselves to produce the perfect piece.

“Most people that are creative face some resistance to create,” said Rogers.

This subconscious urge to create phenomenal work can sometimes lead to writer’s block. Most writers have, at some point in their journey, faced the urge to simply not write. Sharing the stories you create is an extremely vulnerable process, one that can be extremely draining.

Somewhere and somehow, the reader can sense exactly who you are through your words, which is a vulnerable process. It becomes even harder when the work you so passionately put out there doesn’t receive the recognition or appreciation it deserves— or rather recognition that feels proportionate to the time and resources invested into it.

Rogers, who has published three books, including her poignant memoir An Alphabet for Joanna: A Portrait of My Mother in 26 Fragments, said that before attending grad school, she believed established writers wouldn't struggle with insecurities surrounding their process.

“When I met and spoke with [the writers], I realized it’s far from true,” she said. “A part of me was distressed but also, it's a very normal, human thing to feel unsure of yourself.”

She elaborated, saying it’s truly about embracing the fact that the process is slightly messy and that, sometimes, we need extra time for ourselves to create. 

“Sometimes you’re procrastinating and going for a walk but sometimes that walk is a part of the writing process,” she said.

Monaco finds that reading other people’s work and talking with friends helps her get out of a block. While Shah tries working from the middle instead of starting with the introduction to get the process started. Rogers recommends taking breaks and, as simple as it may sound, sometimes even tricking herself to not feel self-conscious.

“Try to create a practice where you go back to those incomplete works you’ve created – return to your pile or files of paper and work,” said Rogers. “You’d be surprised by how much a little time away from something gives you perspective on what to do next.”