A Goodreads user asked Jennifer A. Nielsen:

I always haven't loved writing and I wonder what your writing process is?

Jennifer A. Nielsen Hello! For me, every book is different, but in general, it goes in this order:

A) Come up with the concept and a rough plot outline.
B) Do any necessary research.
C) Work on finding the characters, getting to know them.
D) Do some test writing, sample scenes, false starts.
E) Create an outline. For me, it's a guideline, not set in stone.
F) Write a really awful first draft.
G-X) Revise until it's less awful
Y) Send to the editor for notes
Z) Repeat steps G-X until we reach final draft.

The thing to remember about writing is that if you love the topic, it can (and should) be fun, but there is always some work involved. Keep going. The fun parts of writing always make the work part of writing worth it.

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