Writing Process

Learning what writing process works best for you can help you write more easily and make better use of scarce writing time. My writing process courses and mentoring services will lead you to a better understanding of your own writing process.

Please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss your needs.

Many thanks,

      ... Jon

Your Writing Process: Learning What Works For You [W1]

Some writers compose in their underwear. Others can work only with a #3 pencil on shirt cardboard. And one, Kent Haruf, insists on being blindfolded before starting to peck out his draft on an old manual typewriter. The blindfold, he maintains, prevents him from cheating-and from editing as he writes.

All this is to suggest that there are as many writing processes as there are writers. The trick isn't to find the one best process; it's to find the one that works best for you.

At what time of day are you most productive? Do you need an outline before you can work on a draft, or do you need to complete a draft before you can do an outline? Do you work better in silence, or with music in the background? Coffee before, during, or after your writing session-or not at all? We'll be discussing these and similar issues during our time together.

Knowing what writing process works best for you can help you make the best use of limited writing time. It is this understanding that I hope to convey during our time together.

Fees

Hourly rates, with a minimum fee of $100.

 

Maintaining the Momentum: Where to Go After Your First Book [W2]

In development. To be added to the web site soon.

 

Writing and Time Management [W4]

Most writers-myself included-have only a limited amount of time in which to ply their trade. Unfortunately, all too many writers have little or no idea how to make the best use of that limited time. The result is that these writers get far less done than they otherwise could.

Some of the key considerations here include: the time of day at which you work most efficiently and creatively, the maximum amount you can produce in a day, the maximum amount you can produce working every day, the physical space in which you write, your tolerance for background noise while writing, special rules for those working on book-length projects, overcoming resistance from family members, and stimulants, food, and all that good stuff. We'll also talk about how to make writing an integral part of your daily routine, writing in longhand vs. writing on a computer, and much more.

Quite simply, this is all about learning what works best for you

Whether in private or small-group sessions or in larger workshops, I'll show you how to monitor your own writing process to allow you to achieve maximum efficiency and get that all-important first draft out ASAP.

I am also prepared to offer this workshop to businesses, NGOs, or non-profit organizations. Please phone or e-mail me for information about writing and time management workshops in a business or non-profit setting, or to discuss rates.

Fees

Hourly rates for private and small-group sessions. Workshops (up to 10 participants): $300 per half-day, or $550 per full day (7.5 hours), plus all expenses. Somewhat higher rates if there are more than 10 participants. All workshop participants receive a free evaluation of the efficiency of their writing process within one month after the workshop.

 

The Writer's Resources: Building Up Your Toolkit [W5]

In development. To be added to the web site soon.