Exploring Methods Writers Use to Bring Their Ideas to Life

A Guide to Finding Your Unique Writing Process

For the longest time, I thought I was the only writer who had trouble wrangling those fleeting ideas and turning them into compelling narratives—or informative blog posts, as I hope this one to be. The more I’ve read and written, the more I’ve realized that everyone goes through it. Something so simple as your writing method can either put up more walls or knock down the ones that exist. It all depends on the writer and how their mind works. In today’s article, we’ll explore the various techniques writers employ to express their ideas on paper, and I’ll give examples of each and discuss how they affect the writing experience.

The Traditional Pen and Paper Method

Pen and paper is the oldest and most tactile writing method, at least in this writer’s opinion. When using pen and paper, your thoughts can go from your mind to the paper with very little resistance outside of any self-imposed barriers that might exist. Writers who choose to write by hand often do so because they prefer a more deliberate pace that allows them to contemplate each of their words carefully. Personally, I like to pick up a fountain pen like my Lamy Safari and write stream-of-consciousness pieces when I find myself blocked. I’m left-handed, so my pen has a left-handed nib. I’ve linked it above in case you want to check it out. I find writing by hand slows down the process and allows me to think because I’m forced to slow down my brain to allow my hand to keep pace. 

Example of the Pen and Paper Method in Practice

Imagine if you will, you’re a poet sitting at a desk, scribbling your verses into a leather-bound notebook. The pen scratches against the paper, mirroring the cadence of your thoughts. If you’re a novelist, putting pen to paper in the traditional sense might involve sketching character outlines or jotting down plot ideas. John Steinbeck famously wrote entire manuscripts by hand. Personally, I find putting pen to paper to be a great way to get my creative juices flowing when I’m in a rut. It’s hard to put into words, even for a writer. But there’s something about the tactile feel of a pen in my hand that turns off the internal filter that often impedes my creativity.

Impact on the Writing Process

Detail-oriented writers, or writers who prefer older forms of writing like me, often benefit and even prefer the pen and paper method. However, it may not work as well for those who need to work quickly or become overwhelmed by physical clutter. I spend most of my mornings with a cup of coffee and a notebook, writing anything that comes to mind as it comes. It frees my mind for whatever project I’m working on that day. I’ll cover freewriting later on in the article.

Typing on a Keyboard

In today’s age, the keyboard has become one of the most used tools in a writer’s toolkit. Typing directly into a word processing program from a tablet or computer, as I am doing now, has become the go-to method for many if not most writers.This direct approach offers speed, convenience, and the ability to edit on the fly. It is worth noting, however, that capability wasn’t always there. Before the computer came something with no electricity, with no sort of connection. Modern computers owe their lineage to the typewriter.

As I mentioned in a previous article the idea for which came thanks to the YouTube algorithm, I’ve been following a fellow named Joe Van Cleave on YouTube since November 2023. Joe is an avid typewriter user and pen collector. Though I don’t see myself as a good enough typist to effectively use a typewriter as part of my workflow—I’ve made several errors that I’ve corrected in this paragraph alone that supports that theory—I do share Joe’s love of fountain pens and other office supplies. I’ve linked Joe’s YouTube channel above and will provide a link to the first article I wrote that mentions him here. Whether you use a mechanical typewriter or a mechanical keyboard with your computer, typing has become a staple in writing workflows across mediums and genres.

Examples of Keyboard Use

I am not a screenwriter, and therefore I have not used Final Draft, but I know many screenwriters who swear by it. As a novelist, essayist, or even a blogger like me, Google Docs is a great place to write, revise, and share work in real time. I’m using it now to draft this post. As I mentioned above, however, computer keyboards would not be what they are without their mechanical predecessors.

I am nowhere near a good enough typist to justify using a typewriter even for drafting. That doesn’t make them any less interesting to me. I began following Joe Van Cleave in November of 2023 on YouTube. I mentioned this in more detail in this article regarding the YouTube algorithm and how it can inspire a writer. I’ll provide a link to that article in case you’re interested. I’ll also link Joe’s YouTube channel in case you’re interested in that. He’s an excellent speaker and his passion for typewriters, fountain pens, and other office supplies is clear in his videos. He does a great job of describing the parallels between typing and the creative process and has made a significant impact on my process in the same way writing to paper has changed my drafting process. 

The Voice-to-Text Method

For some writers, me included, the ideas race faster than our fingers can keep up. For those of us whose brains work faster than our hands, voice typing has been a game changer. Though you may draw some looks if you use this technology in a park or coffee shop, it’s a great tool if you think out loud like I do sometimes. With voice typing, which is integrated into most well-known word processors now—I use it with Google Docs all the time—those out loud thoughts can turn into words on a page. Your words can flow freely and without the barriers of traditional mechanics.

Example of the Voice-to-Text Method in Practice

Though I haven’t done it in a while due to being in a house full of people who would either be constantly thinking I’m talking to them, or worse talking to myself, voice typing is a game changer if you have a lot of ideas in your head but can’t seem to get them on paper. I found it handy when I started doing my daily stream-of-consciousness writing, as sometimes it was easier to speak my thoughts rather than write them. Since most of us who use it do so because we talk faster than we can type or write, voice to text technology speeds up the process, especially if you’re more of a verbal thinker.

Impact of Voice to Text on the Writing Process

The voice-to-text method is best suited for verbal thinkers or writers who feel their process is inhibited by typing. I especially like it for brainstorming. Sometimes, when I’m stuck with an idea in my head and I’m not sure how to deal with it, I open a blank document, just like this one started out as, turn on voice typing, and just start talking. More times than not, I end up with some sort of idea, or at least the beginnings of one. Sometimes, all it takes to combat writer’s block is to literally talk it out. 

Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is a method ideally suited for visual and nonlinear thinkers. I will admit that isn’t me. I am more auditory when I learn or think. I think of things as I speak them or hear them and remember the same way. But for the visual thinker, mind mapping is essentially creating a diagram in your head that visually connects ideas. This often begins with a central concept and branches out later into related topics.

Example of Mind Mapping

Let’s say you’re a crime writer using the mind mapping method. You might start with the word “murder” or whatever word describes the type of crime that is in your mind for the story, and let your mind draw its own parallels. You might, for example, take the word “murder” and from it derive the word “motive” or the phrase “murder weapon.” Each new word is a new concept, and each concept is a new idea. Before you know it, you’ve got yourself a story.

Impact of Mind Mapping on the Writing Process

Mind mapping is ideal for writers who might struggle with linear story structure or who prefer to organize their ideas visually. This method helps uncover connections that might not show themselves easily in a traditional outline. However, it may not be suitable for writers who prefer text-based or other visual methods, are overwhelmed by complex diagrams, or, like me, prefer a more auditory approach. 

Freewriting

Freewriting, sometimes referred to as stream-of-consciousness writing, is one of my favorite methods of expression and idea generation. It involves setting aside a set amount of time for writing without stopping to edit at any time. The goal of a freewriting session is to let your ideas flow without inhibitions or filters, throwing perfectionism out the window.

Example of Freewriting

I’ll use myself as an example for this one. I own a Kindle Scribe that my parents got me for Christmas last year, one of the many supportive acknowledgements of my writing passion from my family. I use it not only for reading but also for notes, journaling, and idea generation. Many mornings, I’ve sat with my Scribe and a cup of coffee, scribbling away in an attempt to turn the thoughts swirling in my head into some sort of idea. Sometimes I start with a theme, sometimes I don’t. It depends on what’s on my mind or if I have a sliver of an idea to use. Later, after I’ve woken up and my mind is clear, I sift through all the ideas hoping to find a little gold.

Impact of Freewriting on the Writing Process

Freewriting, as I alluded to above, is my go-to cure for writer’s block. My battles with writer’s block usually stem from mental barriers—many of which are self-imposed. Freewriting allows me to break down those barriers through spontaneous creative thought. Freewriting encourages you to be creative and spontaneous, but the trade-off is more editing in the long run. I’ll take that exchange any day of the week. After all, you can’t edit a blank page.

Bullet Journaling

Some writers find clarity in a structured page—or pile of pages—of notes. Bullet journaling involves organizing lists of ideas, often using symbols or categories to easily organize and navigate between them. This method is popular for outlining or brainstorming. Not exactly something a lifelong pantser like me would benefit from, but I thought it bore mentioning for those who might find it useful. If I were a nonfiction writer—aside from blogging, of course—bullet journaling might be a way I’d organize my ideas in combination with a mind mapping strategy. Non-fiction, after all, is one genre in which it is a good idea to know where you're going and what you’re talking about.

Example of Bullet Journaling

As a non-fiction writer, even if you are a pantser like me when you’re writing fiction, it’s a good idea to know what you’re going to say and when you’re going to say it. In these cases, you can use bullet journaling as a way to create a list of chapter headings and add bullet points—hence bullet journaling—beneath each heading to summarize key points. The visual simplicity helps the writer spot gaps in their argument or areas needed elaboration. I have considered using this method for my blogging. There have been many times I’ve finished a section of a post and wondered, “What else can I put here? It feels like something’s missing.” From what I’ve learned about bullet journaling in researching this article, it may be beneficial even for a diehard pantser.

Impact of Bullet Journaling on the Writing Process

If you’re a methodical, visually focused writer who likes to keep things concise, bullet journaling might be for you. It’s excellent for planning or combating writer’s block, but it might not be sufficient for extensive world-building or complex plots. 

Collaborative Writing

Some writers thrive on interaction, the ability to share ideas with others. For those writers, collaborative writing can be a useful and powerful tool. This is a perfect use case for a program such as Google Docs. It wallows for seamless sharing among your writing partners, editor, or publisher. Sharing ideas and drafts among your team allows for almost instant feedback and varying perspectives, thus enriching the creative process. 

Example of Collaborative Writing

As I often do in these situations, I’ll use myself as an example. Writing in Google Docs allows me to share my writing with anyone I wish. I have shared many of my drafts with friends this way, and it has given me the confidence to share my writing with everyone. Collaborative writing and sharing has shaped this blog into what it is. As much as my foolish pride will sometimes want me to say I did it on my own, there are many people behind the scenes who have helped me immensely, even if they don’t know it.

Impact of Collaborative Writing on the Writing Process 

Collaboration is a huge benefit to writers who feel isolated or value others' input. It is a great way to hone your craft and refine ideas. Conversely, it can be challenging for those who prefer to work alone—like me for example—or who struggle with making compromises. I collaborate with fellow writers and book enthusiasts to get feedback on things that I’ve written. Though I must admit I fall into the category of people who struggle with making compromises between their work and what actually works, I value the feedback and advice I’ve gotten from people. As with anything, it’s all a part of the process.

Combining Methods

In all fairness, as great as these writing methods are, I don’t think there is one writer who uses just one without the others. I find, as will most writers, I imagine, that a blend of each of these methods makes up their ideal process. The order and way each are implemented depends on the writer. Someone writing a novel, for example, might brainstorm with a mind map, draft a chapter with their voice, and send the draft to others via email or Google Docs for feedback to refine it. The key to success is flexibility. 

The right method ultimately depends on who you are as a writer and how your mind works. Are you an old soul with a fountain pen or typewriter? Or are you a tech-savvy writer dictating notes into your smartphone before clicking away at your laptop keyboard? I would love to hear your thoughts. Leave them in the comment section below or drop me a message in my email or via my blog’s contact form. I’d love to hear from you.