I'm a writer. And I'm always curious to hear about the writing process for other writers. Different situations might require something different, but what process do you use as a general rule when writing?
C.S. Lewis had imagined Mr. Tumnus standing at the lamppost in winter for years before ever writing The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I find my brain works in a similar fashion - I usually get a character or a scene. Sometimes, it takes a while for it to germinate.
For example, I had held onto the concepts for a couple of characters and a near-future setting for a number of years. I started finally writing it back in November after conducting some research with the help of ChatGPT.
I can sit down and push myself through writing when I need to - but I have to have inspiration to start something. Do you find that that is true for you?
Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2026 9:59 am
My process is very similar. I’ll usually think of a scene or an idea of an interesting character and jot them down. A couple years ago I decided to write a book about one of those scenes…which is now turning into a trilogy… and plans for more standalone books in that world. xd
I am not a person who can visualize, so I actually can’t see how a scene will play out in my mind. Once I start writing, it's like the world flows out from there. It’s similar when I’m drawing/painting. Getting things down is all a discovery process.
Because I’m new to writing, I’ve been learning what processes work for me. For instance, I started writing my outlines like a play. Just enough room to discover the story, without the need for extensive dialog/scene development.
I try to use Chatgpt for research or as a sounding board for my ideas. It’s helpful to get feedback on what works from a literary standpoint, and how to build the frameworks I want to work within. For instance, I don’t know much about how to write underlying politics, and Chat helps me to understand what to consider, like societal needs, infrastructure, etc… once I understand the frameworks that affect what I want to write about I can start coming up with ideas that create tension in my story. It really is an expedient research tool, but I take everything it says with a grain of salt as well.
May I ask what kind of story you’re writing? ^^
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Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2026 10:24 am
Elora Lore
My process is very similar. I’ll usually think of a scene or an idea of an interesting character and jot them down. A couple years ago I decided to write a book about one of those scenes…which is now turning into a trilogy… and plans for more standalone books in that world. xd
I am not a person who can visualize, so I actually can’t see how a scene will play out in my mind. Once I start writing, it's like the world flows out from there. It’s similar when I’m drawing/painting. Getting things down is all a discovery process.
Because I’m new to writing, I’ve been learning what processes work for me. For instance, I started writing my outlines like a play. Just enough room to discover the story, without the need for extensive dialog/scene development.
I try to use Chatgpt for research or as a sounding board for my ideas. It’s helpful to get feedback on what works from a literary standpoint, and how to build the frameworks I want to work within. For instance, I don’t know much about how to write underlying politics, and Chat helps me to understand what to consider, like societal needs, infrastructure, etc… once I understand the frameworks that affect what I want to write about I can start coming up with ideas that create tension in my story. It really is an expedient research tool, but I take everything it says with a grain of salt as well.
May I ask what kind of story you’re writing? ^^
I'm strong on visualization. I can see things very clearly in my head, both before and as I'm writing.
I use ChatGPT mostly for worldbuilding - especially for my near-future story. Like you, what started as one story has become a trilogy. But I needed to know trends for climate change, the science of genetic selection, advancements in A.I., and so on, especially over decades since my story takes place in 2080.
I'll also use ChatGPT for image generation for my characters. It's nice to be able to get my characters - who have previously only existed in my head - in images. This is astounding for me because I've never been able to do it and I don't have the money to hire a super good artist.
While I usually write dark fantasy and horror, I've been writing a hard science fiction story that takes place over the course of 2080-2082. It's a near-future dystopian biopunk. My main character is a young woman who is part of a resistance organization. In this future, climate change, refugee crises, political turmoil, and corporate power over elections have all impacted the world. She lives in a city that was originally built to be a refugee city but has since become a hub for lots of elites.
Over the course of decades, genetic selection available to the wealthy gave them a distinct advantage. By 2080, inherited genetic advantage and inherited genetic disadvantage are the reality. My character is a "Nat" - no genetic selection, no augmentation, nothing. And she is a Christian who struggles with the moral dilemma of being in a resistance organization, in which she has to kill people, and being faithful to the teachings of Jesus.
Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2026 10:47 am
Scarlet_Teardrops
Elora Lore
My process is very similar. I’ll usually think of a scene or an idea of an interesting character and jot them down. A couple years ago I decided to write a book about one of those scenes…which is now turning into a trilogy… and plans for more standalone books in that world. xd
I am not a person who can visualize, so I actually can’t see how a scene will play out in my mind. Once I start writing, it's like the world flows out from there. It’s similar when I’m drawing/painting. Getting things down is all a discovery process.
Because I’m new to writing, I’ve been learning what processes work for me. For instance, I started writing my outlines like a play. Just enough room to discover the story, without the need for extensive dialog/scene development.
I try to use Chatgpt for research or as a sounding board for my ideas. It’s helpful to get feedback on what works from a literary standpoint, and how to build the frameworks I want to work within. For instance, I don’t know much about how to write underlying politics, and Chat helps me to understand what to consider, like societal needs, infrastructure, etc… once I understand the frameworks that affect what I want to write about I can start coming up with ideas that create tension in my story. It really is an expedient research tool, but I take everything it says with a grain of salt as well.
May I ask what kind of story you’re writing? ^^
I'm strong on visualization. I can see things very clearly in my head, both before and as I'm writing.
I use ChatGPT mostly for worldbuilding - especially for my near-future story. Like you, what started as one story has become a trilogy. But I needed to know trends for climate change, the science of genetic selection, advancements in A.I., and so on, especially over decades since my story takes place in 2080.
I'll also use ChatGPT for image generation for my characters. It's nice to be able to get my characters - who have previously only existed in my head - in images. This is astounding for me because I've never been able to do it and I don't have the money to hire a super good artist.
While I usually write dark fantasy and horror, I've been writing a hard science fiction story that takes place over the course of 2080-2082. It's a near-future dystopian biopunk. My main character is a young woman who is part of a resistance organization. In this future, climate change, refugee crises, political turmoil, and corporate power over elections have all impacted the world. She lives in a city that was originally built to be a refugee city but has since become a hub for lots of elites.
Over the course of decades, genetic selection available to the wealthy gave them a distinct advantage. By 2080, inherited genetic advantage and inherited genetic disadvantage are the reality. My character is a "Nat" - no genetic selection, no augmentation, nothing. And she is a Christian who struggles with the moral dilemma of being in a resistance organization, in which she has to kill people, and being faithful to the teachings of Jesus.
That’s awesome that you can visualize that well! I always thought that must be so helpful when trying to write scenes. I need to use reference images sweatdrop
Your story sounds really intriguing! I’m curious what choices Nat will make with her convictions. I don’t read much sci-fi (I think partially bc it’s hard to understand futuristic things when I don’t have visuals for them.) But I started reading C.S.Lewis’ Space trilogy and I am really enjoying it so far.
The idea of trans-humanism in your story is interesting. It’s definitely where the world seems to be heading if the Lord tarries. Have you ever heard of John Lennox? He’s fascinating to listen to on the topic from a Christian perspective.
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Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2026 2:58 pm
Elora Lore
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Elora Lore
My process is very similar. I’ll usually think of a scene or an idea of an interesting character and jot them down. A couple years ago I decided to write a book about one of those scenes…which is now turning into a trilogy… and plans for more standalone books in that world. xd
I am not a person who can visualize, so I actually can’t see how a scene will play out in my mind. Once I start writing, it's like the world flows out from there. It’s similar when I’m drawing/painting. Getting things down is all a discovery process.
Because I’m new to writing, I’ve been learning what processes work for me. For instance, I started writing my outlines like a play. Just enough room to discover the story, without the need for extensive dialog/scene development.
I try to use Chatgpt for research or as a sounding board for my ideas. It’s helpful to get feedback on what works from a literary standpoint, and how to build the frameworks I want to work within. For instance, I don’t know much about how to write underlying politics, and Chat helps me to understand what to consider, like societal needs, infrastructure, etc… once I understand the frameworks that affect what I want to write about I can start coming up with ideas that create tension in my story. It really is an expedient research tool, but I take everything it says with a grain of salt as well.
May I ask what kind of story you’re writing? ^^
I'm strong on visualization. I can see things very clearly in my head, both before and as I'm writing.
I use ChatGPT mostly for worldbuilding - especially for my near-future story. Like you, what started as one story has become a trilogy. But I needed to know trends for climate change, the science of genetic selection, advancements in A.I., and so on, especially over decades since my story takes place in 2080.
I'll also use ChatGPT for image generation for my characters. It's nice to be able to get my characters - who have previously only existed in my head - in images. This is astounding for me because I've never been able to do it and I don't have the money to hire a super good artist.
While I usually write dark fantasy and horror, I've been writing a hard science fiction story that takes place over the course of 2080-2082. It's a near-future dystopian biopunk. My main character is a young woman who is part of a resistance organization. In this future, climate change, refugee crises, political turmoil, and corporate power over elections have all impacted the world. She lives in a city that was originally built to be a refugee city but has since become a hub for lots of elites.
Over the course of decades, genetic selection available to the wealthy gave them a distinct advantage. By 2080, inherited genetic advantage and inherited genetic disadvantage are the reality. My character is a "Nat" - no genetic selection, no augmentation, nothing. And she is a Christian who struggles with the moral dilemma of being in a resistance organization, in which she has to kill people, and being faithful to the teachings of Jesus.
That’s awesome that you can visualize that well! I always thought that must be so helpful when trying to write scenes. I need to use reference images sweatdrop
Your story sounds really intriguing! I’m curious what choices Nat will make with her convictions. I don’t read much sci-fi (I think partially bc it’s hard to understand futuristic things when I don’t have visuals for them.) But I started reading C.S.Lewis’ Space trilogy and I am really enjoying it so far.
The idea of trans-humanism in your story is interesting. It’s definitely where the world seems to be heading if the Lord tarries. Have you ever heard of John Lennox? He’s fascinating to listen to on the topic from a Christian perspective.
Oh yes. I have great respect for John Lennox!
I'd be willing to tell you more about my story in PM if you want. I don't want to share too much in a forum because I'm very protective of my creative properties. But I'd be willing to share with you. I'm well into the trilogy. I have over 300 pages between the stories, with the bulk of the pages in Book One and Book Three. And I have the outlines and thematic elements well-established at this point. I don't usually work with outlines, so I have something more akin to a flexible outline that gives me a structural idea but also isn't set in stone.
I've read Lewis' Out of the Silent Planet. Haven't read the other two. Much prefer Narnia.
Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2026 9:39 am
Scarlet_Teardrops
Elora Lore
Scarlet_Teardrops
Elora Lore
My process is very similar. I’ll usually think of a scene or an idea of an interesting character and jot them down. A couple years ago I decided to write a book about one of those scenes…which is now turning into a trilogy… and plans for more standalone books in that world. xd
I am not a person who can visualize, so I actually can’t see how a scene will play out in my mind. Once I start writing, it's like the world flows out from there. It’s similar when I’m drawing/painting. Getting things down is all a discovery process.
Because I’m new to writing, I’ve been learning what processes work for me. For instance, I started writing my outlines like a play. Just enough room to discover the story, without the need for extensive dialog/scene development.
I try to use Chatgpt for research or as a sounding board for my ideas. It’s helpful to get feedback on what works from a literary standpoint, and how to build the frameworks I want to work within. For instance, I don’t know much about how to write underlying politics, and Chat helps me to understand what to consider, like societal needs, infrastructure, etc… once I understand the frameworks that affect what I want to write about I can start coming up with ideas that create tension in my story. It really is an expedient research tool, but I take everything it says with a grain of salt as well.
May I ask what kind of story you’re writing? ^^
I'm strong on visualization. I can see things very clearly in my head, both before and as I'm writing.
I use ChatGPT mostly for worldbuilding - especially for my near-future story. Like you, what started as one story has become a trilogy. But I needed to know trends for climate change, the science of genetic selection, advancements in A.I., and so on, especially over decades since my story takes place in 2080.
I'll also use ChatGPT for image generation for my characters. It's nice to be able to get my characters - who have previously only existed in my head - in images. This is astounding for me because I've never been able to do it and I don't have the money to hire a super good artist.
While I usually write dark fantasy and horror, I've been writing a hard science fiction story that takes place over the course of 2080-2082. It's a near-future dystopian biopunk. My main character is a young woman who is part of a resistance organization. In this future, climate change, refugee crises, political turmoil, and corporate power over elections have all impacted the world. She lives in a city that was originally built to be a refugee city but has since become a hub for lots of elites.
Over the course of decades, genetic selection available to the wealthy gave them a distinct advantage. By 2080, inherited genetic advantage and inherited genetic disadvantage are the reality. My character is a "Nat" - no genetic selection, no augmentation, nothing. And she is a Christian who struggles with the moral dilemma of being in a resistance organization, in which she has to kill people, and being faithful to the teachings of Jesus.
That’s awesome that you can visualize that well! I always thought that must be so helpful when trying to write scenes. I need to use reference images sweatdrop
Your story sounds really intriguing! I’m curious what choices Nat will make with her convictions. I don’t read much sci-fi (I think partially bc it’s hard to understand futuristic things when I don’t have visuals for them.) But I started reading C.S.Lewis’ Space trilogy and I am really enjoying it so far.
The idea of trans-humanism in your story is interesting. It’s definitely where the world seems to be heading if the Lord tarries. Have you ever heard of John Lennox? He’s fascinating to listen to on the topic from a Christian perspective.
Oh yes. I have great respect for John Lennox!
I'd be willing to tell you more about my story in PM if you want. I don't want to share too much in a forum because I'm very protective of my creative properties. But I'd be willing to share with you. I'm well into the trilogy. I have over 300 pages between the stories, with the bulk of the pages in Book One and Book Three. And I have the outlines and thematic elements well-established at this point. I don't usually work with outlines, so I have something more akin to a flexible outline that gives me a structural idea but also isn't set in stone.
I've read Lewis' Out of the Silent Planet. Haven't read the other two. Much prefer Narnia.
John Lennox is a gem! And I'm with you there, I also prefer Narnia. When I was in high school we did a play of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe and I was cast as Mr. Tumnus, so I have an especially soft spot for that lil faun. hehe
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Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2026 12:01 pm
Elora Lore
John Lennox is a gem! And I'm with you there, I also prefer Narnia. When I was in high school we did a play of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe and I was cast as Mr. Tumnus, so I have an especially soft spot for that lil faun. hehe
Did you ever watch his debate with Richard Dawkins? If so, what did you think of it?
Do you have a favorite from the Narnia series? My favorite is The Silver Chair. In fact, one of my deeply personal mottos is from the book: "I'm on Aslan's side, even if there is no Aslan".
Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2026 5:40 pm
Scarlet_Teardrops
Elora Lore
John Lennox is a gem! And I'm with you there, I also prefer Narnia. When I was in high school we did a play of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe and I was cast as Mr. Tumnus, so I have an especially soft spot for that lil faun. hehe
Did you ever watch his debate with Richard Dawkins? If so, what did you think of it?
Do you have a favorite from the Narnia series? My favorite is The Silver Chair. In fact, one of my deeply personal mottos is from the book: "I'm on Aslan's side, even if there is no Aslan".
I did see that debate, it was actually one of the first videos I ever sent my husband before we were even dating! The fact that he actually watched it and gave his response was impressive to me.
The Silver Chair is a good one! My favorite quote from it is when Jill is with Aslan at the stream:
“Are you not thirsty?” said the Lion. “I’m dying of thirst,” said Jill. “Then drink,” said the Lion. “May I — could I — would you mind going away while I do?” said Jill. The Lion answered this only by a look and a very low growl. …The delicious rippling noise of the stream was driving her nearly frantic. “Will you promise not to – do anything to me, if I do come?” said Jill. “I make no promise,” said the Lion. …“I daren’t come and drink,” said Jill. “Then you will die of thirst,” said the Lion. “Oh dear!” said Jill, coming another step nearer. “I suppose I must go and look for another stream then.” “There is no other stream,” said the Lion.
I’m torn between The Horse & His Boy and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. The arc of Eustace Scrubb is one of my all time faves. One of my favorite singers Sarah Sparks actually made a Narnia album (which is brilliant beginning to end) and one of the songs is about Eustace & Aslan at the water.
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Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2026 6:17 pm
Elora Lore
I did see that debate, it was actually one of the first videos I ever sent my husband before we were even dating! The fact that he actually watched it and gave his response was impressive to me.
The Silver Chair is a good one! My favorite quote from it is when Jill is with Aslan at the stream:
“Are you not thirsty?” said the Lion. “I’m dying of thirst,” said Jill. “Then drink,” said the Lion. “May I — could I — would you mind going away while I do?” said Jill. The Lion answered this only by a look and a very low growl. …The delicious rippling noise of the stream was driving her nearly frantic. “Will you promise not to – do anything to me, if I do come?” said Jill. “I make no promise,” said the Lion. …“I daren’t come and drink,” said Jill. “Then you will die of thirst,” said the Lion. “Oh dear!” said Jill, coming another step nearer. “I suppose I must go and look for another stream then.” “There is no other stream,” said the Lion.
I’m torn between The Horse & His Boy and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. The arc of Eustace Scrubb is one of my all time faves. One of my favorite singers Sarah Sparks actually made a Narnia album (which is brilliant beginning to end) and one of the songs is about Eustace & Aslan at the water.
Voyage of the Dawn Treader is definitely my second favorite. I was displeased with the treatment it was given in the film. The baptism of Eustace was completely cut out. There is an explicit baptism in there and it was completely missing.
I also don't like Jadis continuously showing up post-Wardrobe (in the films).
Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2026 7:10 pm
I didn’t watch the films past the first because it seemed like they just wanted to turn it into kids action films. However the old BBC series? *chefs kiss*
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Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2026 10:27 am
Elora Lore
I didn’t watch the films past the first because it seemed like they just wanted to turn it into kids action films. However the old BBC series? *chefs kiss*
I'll have to check that out! It's pretty good, then? I've seen old LOTR cartoons and they're...okay.
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2026 6:29 pm
Scarlet_Teardrops
Elora Lore
I didn’t watch the films past the first because it seemed like they just wanted to turn it into kids action films. However the old BBC series? *chefs kiss*
I'll have to check that out! It's pretty good, then? I've seen old LOTR cartoons and they're...okay.
I grew up on them, and I remember them to be a lot closer to the books than the recent movies. Although from what I recall they only did a few adaptations. The Silver Chair is one of them however. 3nodding
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