Tuesday’s Writing Update

In the world of writing, every author has their unique process—a ritual that guides them through the vast and often daunting landscape of their imagination. For me, this process is best captured by the slow, purposeful movements of a caterpillar, a creature small in stature but immense in its perseverance.

Rethinking Progress: The Caterpillar’s Lesson

Much like a caterpillar makes its way through the leaves, my writing day begins with a backward glance. Each morning, I start by revisiting the last scene I drafted the day before. This isn’t just about editing or refining; it’s about reconnecting with the flow of the narrative, re-immersing myself in the world I’m crafting. I comb through the words, tweaking and tuning, ensuring that each sentence leads seamlessly into the next. I also read aloud to reacquaint myself with the flow and sound of the words on the scene. Only then do I feel ready to move forward.

This method might seem like taking a step back, and for those who are adamant about not editing while drafting this probably sounds like a big faux pas, but there’s wisdom in the caterpillar’s approach. By inching back slightly, it secures its grip, ensuring that each forward motion is grounded and stable. Similarly, revisiting previous sections not only enhances the continuity of the story but also strengthens my understanding of the characters and plot, ensuring that each new word is built on a more solid foundation.

Moving Forward: Writing New Scenes

Once the path behind me is clear and certain, I turn my gaze forward. This is where the caterpillar’s forward motion comes into play—slow, yes, but undeniably forward. With the previous scene polished and vivid in my mind, the journey ahead becomes clearer. Now, looking at a blank page is not daunting because words are rushing through my brain, urging me to write them down. Thus, the new territory of my narrative opens up, and the words just burst through. This part of my day is about creation, about extending the world I’ve returned to each morning, and about pushing the boundaries of my story just a little further.

Why It Works: The Benefits of the Caterpillar Approach

This method, which I like to call “Drafting Like a Caterpillar,” offers several benefits:

• Consistency in Tone and Plot: By continuously reviewing the preceding segments of my story, I maintain a consistent tone and ensure plot continuity, which are crucial for building a coherent world.
• Enhanced Creativity: Re-reading recent work primes my mind, allowing me to dive deeper into creative problem-solving and plot development.
• Motivation and Confidence: Starting the day with editing is less daunting than facing a blank page. It builds confidence as I start with improving something already written before tackling new content.

In essence, the caterpillar teaches us that progress isn’t always linear and that sometimes, a small step back is a strategic move forward. In the grand scheme of drafting a novel, where every word counts and every line has the weight of the narrative behind it, my caterpillar-like drafting ensures that the story moves in the right direction—steadily forward, with purpose and intent.

So, to my fellow writers, consider the humble caterpillar: it may not be the swiftest, but it achieves its transformation with determination and a clear understanding of the path it needs to take. Maybe, in our writing, we could all use a little of that caterpillar wisdom. What do you think?