I also love finding out about how other people make their work--from the nuts and bolts of the writing process (Do you outline? Do you compose in a single or double-spaced doc?) to questions like: Do you read other novels while writing your own? Do you listen to music while writing? Do you ever re-read your own previously published work to get in the zone? Do you “dress” for writing, or is it pajamas and old jumpers for the win?
I'd like to learn to outline, and be more of a planner - I tend to think as I write, and I find it very, very hard to do outlines and proposals and do a 'big picture breakdown'. I like double spacing, and a lot of calm space on the page.
If I'm working on a first draft, I'll mostly reread novels I'm already familiar with. Mainly, for comfort, but also to dig into something known, and try to understand how the author is making magic (all of the work I missed when I was simply gobbling up the story!)
Most of the time I listen to BBC Radio 3 (UK classical station) or something on Spotify like 'chill Beethoven radio'. I'm in a bit of a bossa nova groove at the moment but sometimes I have to take a break. After writing to that this morning, I started to feel as though I was trapped in an hotel lobby waiting to check in.
I try not to go back and read old work, because it can throw me off a bit. There are moments when it's hugely comforting to think 'Huh, this isn't bad!' And sometimes I need to do a bit of a recap, and my own 'previously on Daisy novel' BUT I try to limit this because this is how you write one perfect first chapter, and no other chapters.
And I WISH I was a dresser upper. I chaired an event with Dawn O'Porter, who writes in full hair and make up (she is extremely glam). I am a neurodivergent lady, and quickly become distracted and frustrated by any clothes that pinch, rub or itch. SOMETIMES (once a year) I work in my gym clothes and go to the gym afterwards. I try to take a shower, but if I'm feeling write-y, I need to get to my desk as quickly as possible and if I start to dry my hair, I might lose momentum! I do tend to write first, and do everything else afterwards. Sometimes I'll shower and try to make myself look a bit more pulled together after I've written, which feels like a nice break in the day.
She is ! Life is funny because after that episode I listened to Daisy is careering. I listened to you're booked but I wasn't keen on that topic at the time. Then I 'discovered' you again through Emma on Substack. Now I'm obsessed with your substack AND podcast 😊
As usual, I love this post, Daisy, for so many reasons--its hopefulness, its honesty, its making of space for community and being all in this together. And I can't wait for Pity Party!!!
Thank you so much Donna! Katherine May wrote a wonderful post about making space, and how it's as important as making time, I've been thinking about it a lot! X
I also love finding out about how other people make their work--from the nuts and bolts of the writing process (Do you outline? Do you compose in a single or double-spaced doc?) to questions like: Do you read other novels while writing your own? Do you listen to music while writing? Do you ever re-read your own previously published work to get in the zone? Do you “dress” for writing, or is it pajamas and old jumpers for the win?
I LOVE these questions. Here are my answers!
I'd like to learn to outline, and be more of a planner - I tend to think as I write, and I find it very, very hard to do outlines and proposals and do a 'big picture breakdown'. I like double spacing, and a lot of calm space on the page.
If I'm working on a first draft, I'll mostly reread novels I'm already familiar with. Mainly, for comfort, but also to dig into something known, and try to understand how the author is making magic (all of the work I missed when I was simply gobbling up the story!)
Most of the time I listen to BBC Radio 3 (UK classical station) or something on Spotify like 'chill Beethoven radio'. I'm in a bit of a bossa nova groove at the moment but sometimes I have to take a break. After writing to that this morning, I started to feel as though I was trapped in an hotel lobby waiting to check in.
I try not to go back and read old work, because it can throw me off a bit. There are moments when it's hugely comforting to think 'Huh, this isn't bad!' And sometimes I need to do a bit of a recap, and my own 'previously on Daisy novel' BUT I try to limit this because this is how you write one perfect first chapter, and no other chapters.
And I WISH I was a dresser upper. I chaired an event with Dawn O'Porter, who writes in full hair and make up (she is extremely glam). I am a neurodivergent lady, and quickly become distracted and frustrated by any clothes that pinch, rub or itch. SOMETIMES (once a year) I work in my gym clothes and go to the gym afterwards. I try to take a shower, but if I'm feeling write-y, I need to get to my desk as quickly as possible and if I start to dry my hair, I might lose momentum! I do tend to write first, and do everything else afterwards. Sometimes I'll shower and try to make myself look a bit more pulled together after I've written, which feels like a nice break in the day.
❤️
That's all I have to say. I'm very glad to have stumbled accross your work (through your episode on the ctrl alt delete podcast a while back !).
Oh, Claire, that’s so lovely to hear, thank you! I LOVED that podcast, Emma is wonderful! X
She is ! Life is funny because after that episode I listened to Daisy is careering. I listened to you're booked but I wasn't keen on that topic at the time. Then I 'discovered' you again through Emma on Substack. Now I'm obsessed with your substack AND podcast 😊
As usual, I love this post, Daisy, for so many reasons--its hopefulness, its honesty, its making of space for community and being all in this together. And I can't wait for Pity Party!!!
Thank you so much Donna! Katherine May wrote a wonderful post about making space, and how it's as important as making time, I've been thinking about it a lot! X
This looks amazing... now to find the time to do it as I’m sure it’ll be wonderful
Oooh, are you thinking of joining the next Write Like A Reader? I would LOVE that! X
Yes! Just figuring out timings!
Inspiring as always 🙌 so excited to see what this year brings for you and us all x
Brilliant truth telling as always my lovely Xx
Thanks Nick! (Now I want a Bounty for breakfast...) X