How Do You Write?

There has to be a secret to becoming a published, best selling author. Right? Something simple. All a person has to do is this particular thing, and it's off to the New York Times Bestseller List.

I'm guessing that is the thought behind some of the questions raised at the many writing workshops I've attended. Especially among the folks who suddenly got a bee in their bonnet to write a novel.

One of these queries is:  "How do you write?" Most authors today compose on a computer -- laptops likely taking the lead over desktops any more. But some highly successful authors are known for writing the first draft long hand on a pad of legal paper. One or two highly successful romance writers dictate their novels.

Of course, the method of putting words together isn't nearly as significant as character development and creating a satisfying story arc.

So how do I write?

I've settled into a pattern of handwriting the initial draft with a fine point Pentel RSVP ballpoint pen (black) on college ruled binder paper (since narrow ruled is impossible to find). I edit as I enter the longhand version on my desktop computer. I print out and punch holes in the completed pages and add them to a 3-ring binder. I read over the printed version and edit again (red fine point Pentel RSVP ballpoint). These changes are added to the computer draft and I may or may not print out the new version to save paper and ink. If there are extensive edits and additions I'll print out the section again. In this manner a messy first draft accumulates in the binder.

Of course, this is after I've done all the preparatory work. This time out (my most successful effort to date) I have a plot outline/beat sheet of sorts to remind me where I am in the story as I scribble along.