Every writer has their own process—whether you're creating deeply personal essays, research-based works, or thought-provoking memoirs. We all approach writing differently, and there’s a lot of value in sharing those unique processes. For this challenge, we want you to take a moment to reflect on how you write and share that journey with your fellow authors.

This challenge is all about pulling back the curtain on how you create your work. Here's how to organize your thoughts for an engaging look into your writing process:

1. Start with Inspiration

Where do your ideas come from? Is it through research, personal experience, or perhaps a curiosity about a specific topic? Explain what gets your creative wheels turning and how you choose what to write about.

Tip: If you find that music or certain environments help set the tone for your writing, reference Challenge #14: Create a Book-Themed Playlist and share how you set the mood for your work. Bonus points if your playlist includes the song that instantly turns you into a productivity machine.*

2. Organizing Your Thoughts (Or at Least Trying To)

Once an idea takes hold, how do you organize it? Do you outline your key points or dive straight in and figure it out as you go? For some writers, having a plan helps with clarity, while others prefer to let things unfold naturally. Describe your method for organizing your ideas—whether it’s detailed note-taking, creating mind maps, or writing freely and sorting later.

Tip: This is where Challenge #10 Create an Infographic can come in handy. If you use any visual methods to structure your work, explain how this helps you make sense of complex ideas—because let’s be honest, sometimes it’s all a blur until you map it out like a conspiracy board.

3. Writing Rituals and Routine (Or Lack Thereof)

What does your writing process look like on a daily or weekly basis? Do you set strict hours for writing, or do you work in spontaneous bursts? (And let’s not pretend we don’t all have those days where pretending to write is most of the writing process.) Whether you’re highly organized or embrace the chaos—we won't judge!—share your routine. Whether it's writing every day or saving up your energy for long writing sessions, it’s all part of the process. 

Tip: If you like sharing small snippets of your work-in-progress, Challenge #12: Offer a Sneak Peek could be a perfect reference. Explain how showing a preview helps keep you accountable or get early feedback.

4. Tackling Writer’s Block (Also Known as: “What Now?”)

Writer’s block happens to all of us at some point. Share how you handle it when the words just aren’t flowing. Do you take a break, change up your environment, or push through the block with freewriting? Or do you swear the universe is conspiring against you, make a snack, and hope for a miracle? Your approach to overcoming challenges can inspire others who might be stuck in their own writing process.

5. Revising and Polishing (The Fun Part, Right?)

Once the first draft is done, how do you approach revision? Do you edit as you go, or let it sit for a while before returning with fresh eyes? Share your tips for refining and polishing your work, whether it’s through multiple drafts, getting feedback from others, or working with a professional editor. (And hey, we’ve all had that “What was I even trying to say here?” moment.)

Tip: Feedback is crucial! You could reference Challenge #15: Attend a Virtual Networking Event and mention how connecting with others for critique or collaboration helps you improve your writing.

6. Final Touches (That Magical “It’s Done” Moment)

How do you know when your work is ready? (Spoiler: it’s never really done, but we eventually have to let go.) Share how you polish your work and make those last-minute tweaks before declaring it ready for the world. Whether you’re a perfectionist or more of a "good enough" kind of writer, your finishing touches are what brings everything together.

Why This Challenge Matters

Your writing process is part of what makes you a unique author, and sharing it with others can spark new ideas and approaches. Every writer has their own way of getting words onto the page, and by explaining yours, you might just help another author find what works for them—or at least feel better about their mid-writing snack breaks. Whether you're highly organized or prefer a more intuitive approach, your process matters.

So, get ready to share your story behind the writing. Dive into this challenge, and let others see how you bring your ideas to life—snacks, rituals, and all! 

Happy writing!

Tag us @redthreadbooks #RTAuthorChall so we can share & celebrate your work. You do not have to do this alone. 

Did you miss the earlier challenges? Check:

Author Challenge #15: Attend a Virtual Networking Event