THREE-STEP WRITING PROCESS

Step One: Before you begin to write your story or article, decide what your primary purpose is. The first step in the writing process is to state your Theme in one word. Then state it in one sentence. Do this for short pieces and devotionals, for stories and articles, as well as for books. Each point must support the main theme. Do not deviate from your premise. This is the main problem with the majority of articles that are rejected. The writer tries to tell too many stories in one article.
Next, create a Preliminary Outline before you write one word of your story. After your outline is complete, finish the first stage of writing your article, which is to develop your idea into a full page. This is accomplished by using the analytical, or critical, side of your brain.

Step Two: Wait a few days before you begin the second step of the writing process which is to write the First Rough Draft. As you begin, let the theme and supporting ideas form in your mind.

Now, write your story or article. Turn off the critical side of your brain and turn on the creative side. Let the words flow onto the paper. Don't get hung up in spelling, punctuation, or phraseology; just write whatever comes into your mind. Get everything down on paper you can think of regarding your subject. You may end up with enough material for several articles, but don't worry about that when you are writing this first draft.

Step Three: Before you pick up your manuscript, wait a few days for it to cool. Then you are ready to begin the third step of the writing process—Editing Your Own Work. This is the most important step and where you will spend most of your time.

Read through your draft quickly for an overview. Make a mark in the margin where it doesn't flow smoothly. Make sure your outline and theme sentence support what you have written. Ask yourself the twelve evaluation questions. Then do a line-by-line editing, checking grammar, punctuation, and word usage.

What makes a published writer is a willingness to go through this process step-by-step. 

For the past 20 years, Susan Titus Osborn has directed the Christian Communicator Manuscript Critique Service where she leads a staff of 18 editors. Susan has authored 30 books, including Wounded by Words, co-authored by Jeenie Gordon and Karen Kosman. Her latest book, Too Soon to Say Goodbye, also co-authored by Jeenie Gordon and Karen Kosman, was released January, 2010 by New Hope Publishers. Susan is a member of the CLASS staff, the Advanced Christian Writers and Speakers (AWSA), and CAN INC. As an author, she represents New Hope Publishers and B&H Publishing Group. Susan lives in Fullerton, California, with her husband Dick. They have five grown children, 12 grandkids, and one great-grandson. Contact Susan at Susanosb@aol.com Her website is http://www.Christiancommunicator.com