How I Write My Stories: The Journey of Crafting a Book By: Emily Jameson

Writing a book is an adventure. It’s a journey that starts with a spark of an idea and grows into something much larger than I could have ever imagined. As an author, I often get asked about my process—how I write my stories, how I craft characters, or where I find my inspiration. In this post, I’ll share a behind-the-scenes look at my writing journey, from the first seed of an idea to the final pages of a completed manuscript.

The Seed of Inspiration

Every story starts with a single thought. For me, it usually begins as a question or a "what if" moment. It could be as simple as “What if a character had to make the most difficult decision of their life?” or “What if the world was different in a way that only a few people knew about?” Sometimes, it’s a scene that pops into my head, or even just a small detail that feels important.

I always carry a notebook with me, because inspiration can strike at any moment. Whether I’m on a walk, having coffee with a friend, or even watching a movie, I jot down my thoughts and ideas. It’s like collecting little pieces of a puzzle that will eventually fit together to form a story.

Building the World and Characters

Once I have the core idea, the next step is to build the world in which my characters will live. If I’m writing contemporary fiction, this might mean simply fleshing out the setting—describing the town, the weather, the culture. But if I’m working on a fantasy or historical novel, world-building becomes an intricate and exciting process. I have to think about everything: the geography, the politics, the history, and the way people interact in this world.

I also begin developing my characters. For me, this is one of the most fun parts of writing. I start with the basics: What do they look like? What motivates them? What are their fears and dreams? But as the story progresses, I dig deeper into who they are as people. I ask myself questions like, “What does this character want more than anything?” or “What is their biggest regret?” Sometimes, a character will surprise me as they evolve, and their actions in the story will push the plot in unexpected directions.

Outlining vs. Pantsing: Finding My Balance

The biggest question every writer faces is whether they should outline their story or dive in without a plan, a method known as "pantsing" (writing by the seat of your pants). I’ve tried both approaches, and I’ve found that a hybrid of the two works best for me.

I usually start with a rough outline, just to have a sense of the major beats in the story. I know where the story begins, where it needs to go, and the general arc I want my characters to follow. But I also leave room for flexibility. Sometimes, the story takes unexpected turns, and I have to allow my characters to lead the way. They often know more about where the story should go than I do!

That said, I also make sure to have a clear ending in mind. While I enjoy letting the story unfold organically, knowing the destination helps me steer the narrative in the right direction.

The First Draft: Writing Without Judging

The first draft is always a mess. I’ve learned not to be precious about it. The goal is to get the words down on paper, even if they’re not perfect. I give myself permission to write badly and to explore the story without self-criticism. At this stage, I focus on moving forward, not perfection.

I try to write consistently, whether it’s every day or a few times a week. Some days, the words flow easily, and other days, it feels like pulling teeth. But I keep going, because I know that no story ever gets finished by waiting for the perfect words to come. The important part is to get through the first draft.

Rewriting: The Magic Happens Here

Once the first draft is complete, the real work begins. This is when I dive into the process of revision, which can be both exhilarating and exhausting. I read through the manuscript, sometimes multiple times, and start fine-tuning the plot, character arcs, pacing, and dialogue.

This is where the magic happens—when the story comes alive. I might realize that certain plot points don’t work or that a character’s motivations need to be deepened. Sometimes I’ll add new scenes, cut unnecessary ones, or rewrite entire chapters. It’s a process of discovery, and I find that this is where the real heart of the story emerges.

I also share the manuscript with trusted beta readers—people who give me honest, constructive feedback. Their insights help me see areas that need improvement and remind me of parts that are working well. Writing is a solitary endeavor, but feedback from others is invaluable in making the story

Editing: Polishing the Gem

After the rewrites come the edits. This is when I focus on the technical aspects—grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and flow. I’ll read the manuscript out loud to catch awkward phrases and repetitive words. At this stage, I’m less focused on the big picture and more on the details.

Editing can be grueling, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. It’s like polishing a gem until it shines. The manuscript becomes tighter, more coherent, and more engaging. I often spend weeks, even months, in this phase, making sure every sentence works in harmony with the rest of the book.

The Final Touches

Once I feel that the manuscript is as polished as it can be, I give it one last read-through. I also review the book cover, the title, and any additional elements that will help bring the story to life in the reader’s mind. This is when everything comes together, and I can finally say, “It’s done.”

Writing a book is a long, challenging, and sometimes frustrating process, but it’s also deeply fulfilling. Each stage—whether it’s brainstorming, drafting, or editing—is a chance to refine and perfect a story that I hope will resonate with readers.

At the end of the day, it’s not about following a strict formula. Every book has its own journey, and every writer has their own process. My approach may not work for everyone, but it’s what helps me bring my stories to life.

I’m always curious about other writers’ processes too—how do you write your stories? What’s your approach to storytelling? Let me know in the comments!