The Process is There is No Process: Exploring Multiple Approaches to Writing
The diverse methods that fuel successful writing, from discipline to discovery
I’m often asked about my writing process. I have a new book coming out in January 2025, and by some measures it will be my sixth. Between the books and the chapters I’ve contributed to anthologies, the reports I write for clients, the articles I write, and so much more, it is true that I write a lot. But I find the question about my process to be a humorous one, because, well, I don’t have a process. That is to say, I don’t have one. Not a singular writing process. Instead, I adopt different techniques to balance the need to keep my writing skills sharp and my relationship to writing fresh.
So what does my writing process look like?
The best approach varies. I know it’s not a very satisfying answer, but it’s true.
But it depends on whether I’m in the middle of a big writing project, or trying to think of big new ideas, or trying to satisfy a creative instinct, or… you get the idea.
The Many Faces of My Writing Process
The gist is, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. My process varies depending on the project, my mood, and the circumstances. Let me take you through the different ways I approach writing. Maybe something I share here will help you in how you approach your own writing.
The Disciplined Approach: Writing as a Job
When faced with deadlines, I channel the wisdom of Stephen King: “sit your butt in a chair and write.” Maya Angelou was also a butt-in-chair writer. This disciplined approach treats writing as a job. You show up, you put in the hours, and you produce.
For longer projects like books or research papers, I find it invaluable to maintain an outline. It serves as a roadmap, allowing me to easily pick up where I left off in previous writing sessions.
The Friendly Approach: Writing as a Companion
Between major projects, I often treat writing as an old friend. I revisit drafts, exploring ideas and playing with words. This relaxed approach allows creativity to flow naturally, without the pressure of deadlines.
The Invitational Approach: Writing as Inspiration
Sometimes, I want writing to feel like an invitation. Or perhaps better said, I want to extend an invitation to writing to come and visit me. When my expressive well begins to run dry, I read. My reading process — which is a discussion unto itself — is designed to stir my mind and connect ideas. This almost always reignites my writing spark.
The Investigative Approach: Writing as Discovery
Occasionally, I approach writing as an investigation. I start with curiosity, eager to explore my thoughts on a subject. The act of writing becomes a journey of discovery, revealing perspectives I hadn’t considered before.
This approach often sparks insights that are useful enough to turn into big projects — and once I begin a big project, we go right back around to the ‘sit in the chair and write’ approach.
Conclusion
There’s no single “correct” writing process. The key is to find what works for you in different situations. Whether you’re treating writing as a job, a friend, an invitation, or an investigation, the important thing is to keep writing. Your process may evolve over time, and that’s perfectly okay. Embrace the flexibility and find joy in the various approaches to your craft.
Thank you for reading. Please “applaud” if you enjoyed this piece, found it interesting, or in any way meaningful. And feel free to share widely.
Kate O’Neill, founder of KO Insights, is a writer, speaker, and thinker focused on helping humanity prepare for an increasingly change-filled future, and on making technology better for business and for humans. Her newest book is What Matters Next: A Guide to Making Human-Friendly Tech Decisions (coming in January 2025).
