Writing check-up

Hello, friends!

Today I'll encourage you to build a small writing habit to remember whenever creating a new story.

I call it… a WRITING CHECK-UP.

The longer and more sophisticated your story is, the more helpful this habit will be, so I really recommend using it.

Let's have a look at what this check-up even is! 

“WHY SHOULD I DO THAT?”

While it doesn't have to be the case for everyone, for me personally writing is a big part of me and it influences me every day. It can be emotionally challenging, it can influence your whole day - that's why it's so important to keep those things under control.

That's one thing. Another thing is the need to improve as a writer. You shouldn't stagnate - there are always things you can work on to improve the quality of your work and, well, grow as a person.

This method can be also helpful in a writing block to point out the possible reasons why you can't progress in your writing.

Writing check-ups is a perfect method for a reflection. It focuses on your relationship with the story you're working on while also highlighting all the things you need to improve or pay more attention to.

HOW DO I DO THE CHECK-UP?

After you're done with creating the “backbone” of your new story, ask yourself the following questions, note them down somewhere you won't forget and revisit while writing the story to remind yourself what the answers were. Perhaps you'll find they changed through time - a wonderful place to stop and reflect on them.

It's a good tool to observe your writing journey and your improvement in writing skills.

Try to answer them with full honesty and no judgment, it's a tool to help you, not to push you down.

° What are the strengths of the story?

° What do you think are the story’s weaker spots?

° What is challenging for you in writing this story?

° What are things in your writing that could get better?

° What new and exciting things does the story bring?

° What's inspiring about the story?

° What influence could the story have on people?

° What is particularly rewarding and entertaining for you in writing this story?

° How does writing this story make you feel?

° What are some things you improved in since the last check-up?

° How satisfied are you with your work right now? Did your answer change through time? Why?

° Do you remember about work hygiene? Do you follow the advice you agreed to incorporate in your writing?

° Are your basic needs met when you're about to write?

Do those check-ups every now and then as long as you're writing the story.

I personally did it three times in the case of a 500-page long story, but I wish I did them more often :-)

~ Shell