My Writing Method
Questions, Steps and General Ideas About Writing
Writing stories starts with imagination. I started writing as a boy—my first story was fiction—and I’ve made writing my career. My essential approach is the same.
To create a story, in any format, whether a teaser, a book review or a novel, one must first choose to think. This means projecting the outcome and, as a corollary, its desired impact in advance. What do I want the writing to express? This is the most important question. Answering requires forethought combined with curiosity, wonder and a sense of wholeness. My other preliminary questions include: how could the writing proceed? What steps are likely to deliver the meaning in accordance with the format, topic and theme? What might the reader gain from the writing—insight, understanding, knowledge, inspiration, a reality check?—and what, if anything, ought he to do with the added value? This last question is not always necessary to answer, though it often helps. Imagining the story can be challenging. But forecasting the end point elucidates the proper starting point.
Over the years, I’ve worked with a variety of clients, including authors, editors, studios, executives, celebrities, filmmakers, businesses, charities, schools, presses and publishers. I identify the purpose and organize the writing in advance. In practical terms, I work with the customer to detect, apply and explore ideas in conferences, defining terms and clarifying standards and themes before the writing begins.
I frequently find it necessary during each investigation to teach history, media and writing exercises and lessons. Recently, a customer that contracted me to write asked me to train, instruct and guide company employees to improve their written and oral communication. I do this in a variety of ways—in one-on-one sessions, workshops and team conferences. I also use LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to frame, contextualize and foster each connection.
I contract to write non-fiction and fiction. Projects may include editing. I may be invited to guide the blueprint or layout, design, marketing, management and imaging. For samples and more information, visit my website and read my bio. Whether for fiction writing, or writing for hire, under contract or on assignment, such as writing for Autonomia, publications or individuals, my method is driven by the single-minded goal to produce value, primarily circulating around giving myself what I need to think. This means constantly striving to be at liberty to experience, discover and, above all, imagine, the story of life. In summary, writing—giving life to—a good story begins with living a good life.