The Writer's Process: Getting Your Brain in Gear

by Anne H. Janzer

Do you know your best writing process? Do you trust it?

Writing isn’t a single skill—it combines mental processes and activities ranging from idea generation to polishing and publishing. It’s a process that may look slightly different for each of us.

The strongest writers develop and trust a process that works for them at every stage of the work.

When we ignore the process, we get stuck—waiting for inspiration or beating ourselves up for not finding the time to write.

This book guides you through understanding your own best process, whether you’re creating prose or poetry, and whether you write for work, school, fun, or profit.

Master the Inner Game of Writing

The Writer’s Process combines the proven practices of successful authors with cognitive science research about how our minds work.

In these pages, you’ll

Why waiting for inspiration doesn’t work (and how to build creativity into your writing life)Strategies for making time to write in a busy, interrupt-driven lifeHow to get over the initial anxiety of the blank page and make reliable progressWhat to do if writer’s block shows upFind out why so many writers have found this award-winning book helped them improve their creativity and productivity—and then get started on your own best process.

The Writer's Process is a Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Silver Medal winner. It is part of The Writer's Process Series.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Psychology, Business, Self Help, Reference

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2016

About the author

Anne Janzer is a writer, author, and business writing coach with a background in business and marketing.

She loves talking with writers about the process of writing, and is fascinated by cognitive science.

Reviews

[Emma Sea · Rating 1 out of 5]

wow, this was a whole lot thinner than i was expecting, more like an online article expanded into a book. If you are familiar with the Pomodoro technique, Flow, the Marshmallow Experiment, a growth mindset vs.a fixed mindset, and Polyani's concepts of indwelling and incubation, then you do not need this book. Color me disappointed.

[Marie Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I am in the middle of writing my fifth book and found "The Writer's Process" to be intriguing as well as useful! It is not about how to write a good sentence or even how to write a good story, but rather it covers exactly what the subtitle says: "Getting your brain in gear". The author cites case studies and examples from behavioral psychology in a fascinating and comprehensive manner, then applies the principles specifically to the mind of the writer.

I found most of the processes described as familiar to what I went through to write my own books. I just never knew what name to give them, and I certainly did not think they were processes that could be consciously controlled! This book arms you with the knowledge of what your mind is doing and why, and what you can do to switch gears between the two "personalities" that make you a writer. Not only that, it helps you understand these personalities enough to get them working together for your writing project.

Some of the information is common sense such as, stay off the internet if you want to get any work done. But with case studies and research to back up each piece of advice, one cannot help but begin to take these things more seriously. I recommend this book!

[Nicholas Kotar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, excellent intro to the writer's process. Some excellent tips and suggestions, as well as a good survey of the recent research on how the brain works and how to maximize productivity and creative flow.

[Jennifer S. Alderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Writer’s Process is an essential resource for novice and experienced writers of fiction and non-fiction. In this book, Anne Janzer explains what is going on inside the writer’s brain and how this affects the creative process, thereby allowing you to recreate scenarios that encourage creativity, no matter what your own home or work situation is.

Her book is clearly the result of extensive research into the functioning of the brain and how it reacts to certain stimulus (or the lack thereof). The concise and easy to understand tips she provides show writers how they can best harness its power to improve their own creative processes and thus their writing.

Many of techniques discussed I’ve come across before, but Anne Janzer goes deeper, explaining why they work and how your brain is being triggered. I love this kind of book precisely because it is based on fact and not pure intuition.

For me personally, reading The Writer’s Process has been a freeing experience. Many of the techniques recommended to enhance productivity I did intuitively – letting ideas incubate or allowing my mind to wander when working out plot developments – but felt guilty about, as I thought I was ‘wasting’ my precious writing time. Now I know it’s all part of the process!

Authors who are preparing to write their first book may not yet truly understand all of the steps one inevitably goes through, but it will give them a good road map to follow. For those who’ve gone through the process at least once, or are currently in the middle of drafting, it’s gratifying to finally understand why some techniques are conducive to creative writing, and others are better suited to research and revision.

I already know that I’ll be browsing through various chapters again, using it as a reference as I continue drafting my third novel. The Table of Contents is well defined making it easy to skip to the chapters or sections relevant to your point in the creative process.

I wish I’d read this book while writing my first novel, it would have save me a lot of trial and error, as well as guilt! I would recommend this book to writers of any genre or level, and believe it would make an excellent textbook for a writing course at university level.

[Joyce Reynolds-Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third book of New Year's Eve! This reference is a handy little book for most writers to have on their shelf. Janzer looks at all steps of the writing process with handy recommendations for all stages whether you're writing a blog post or a book. Her comparison of the drafting process of a book to the process of baking bread is a particularly apt metaphor that she uses well.

While I read it all the way through, I plan to keep it readily available for occasional review as needed when thinking about process. Recommended.

[Terri · Rating 1 out of 5]

No. This is an insulting book. There are far better writing books. You'll get more from reading the psychology and drawing your own conclusions. This is shallow and cursory. DNF at 15%, barely into part one.

Here is the paragraph that ejected me from this waste of time:

"Consider the tortured novelist, forever toiling in obscurity on a manuscript that never finds its way into readers’ hands. This writer lives almost solely in the domain of the Muse (the intuitive and impulsive), without the discipline of the Scribe."

Consider, author, that 'tortured' is a harmful cliché and you are an awful human for putting it here.

Consider that obscurity is not damming for many writers. MANY writers.

Consider that a if there's a manuscript, writing is happening, which means both your scribe and your muse 'characters' are at work BY YOUR OWN DEFINITIONS, thus contradicting the last sentence. Did you edit this at all? You conflated writing and being published. They are not simultaneous, nor are they at all the same thing, and here is where I will never read anything you write ever again.

The more I think about this, the angrier I get.

[tappkalina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rereading material.

[Rod Raglin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Writer's Process more validation than revelation.


I came to this book, The Writer's Process, Getting Your Brain in Gear, with extreme
prejudice. I find it hard to believe creativity can be taught. After reading Anne Janzer's book I still feel that way, but she's made me believe that creativity can be nurtured and maybe even enhanced.

Janzer's approach is scientific and it's backed by experts in the field of psychology and cognitive study. But understanding the mental process doesn't tell us how to activate it. What the author sets about to do is "label groups of mental processes that we can activate when needed."

The book is divided into three parts.

The first part, The Inner Gears describes how the brain works using the term Scribe for areas of focus, discipline and writing craft. Processes like intuition, creativity and empathy are the domain of The Muse.

The second part, The Process, Start to Finish, sets forth and elaborates on the seven steps of the writing process beginning with research and ending with publication. The chapter on Revision in itself is worth the price of the book.

Part three, Writers in the World, has some practical advice on how to address problems all writers face including finding time to write, dealing with criticism, and working through writer's block.

If you're a creative person, specifically a writer, you're likely incorporating many of the suggestions Janzer puts forth in The Writer's Process. If that's the case this book will not be so much revelation as a validation.

And what's wrong with that?

[StarMan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average or slightly above for books on the writing. Addresses the general steps/process and mindset the author recommends in creating a book, rather than tons of hard-set rules, grammar tips, etc.

Probably deserves 3.5 or more stars, unless you've already read several books on the craft of writing.

[Rubina G Gomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explains the science behind the art of Writing. This boo made so much sense to me. It made me realise that I can approach writing in a more calm and friendly manner. I don't need to struggle with my writing.
Absolutely loved this book! Highly recommend it to all fellow writers!

[Eric Beaty · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re stuck spinning your wheels in a novel, story, or other writing project, you need this book. Here’s why.

This has one of the most logical, most practical strategies for the entire writing process. From research to outlining/structure to drafting to revision—and everything in between.

(Note: This book doesn’t cover grammar, punctuation, and similar writing topics. Rather, it’s a guide for overcoming the hurdles writers often encounter while working on a writing project.)

I was so thrilled at the possibilities of using the 7-step system that I blasted through reading this book in a matter of days, and I don’t consider this a short book.

Being an INFJ personality type myself, I have trouble with procrastinating and perfectionism. I can usually start a project with no problem but often have difficulty finishing it. Now, with the strategies presented in The Writer’s Process, I can finally see a ray of hope at the end of the tunnel.

I rate this as one of the top writing books I’ve ever read, and I’m confident you’ll find it so helpful you will, too.

[Poornima Vijayashanker · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who writes a lot, I am always on the look out for ways to improve my productivity and meet deadlines while still producing high quality content. This book opened my eyes up to a framework that I had been practicing inconsistently over the past 10+ years. Now that Janzer has distilled it into a framework, I see the importance of practicing it consistently. Having it as a framework also makes it easy to share with other writers and editors, especially those who are less experienced or don't have a process in place.

I also struggled with understanding why a particular post or book resonated with readers more so than others, and Janzer's pointing out the importance of revising for reader's flow make it clear to me. She mentions several biases and problems writers need to be wary of in their writing, and how to spot them.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book provides Anne Janzer's seven-step process for writing ... including dealing with writer's block.

In essence, she maintains that writing tasks are broken into two "buckets," some of which belong to the Muse (ideas, plots, etc.) and some of which belong to the Scribe (writing and editing). When these two parts of the author's mind are working together properly, Janzer calls it "being in Flow."

What she said made sense, in the same way that right brain/left brain theories make sense. Thus, her advice for times when the Muse deserts us is to do some Scribe work. When the Scribe isn't working, be available for the Muse to take over.

Sensible advice in a small package.

[Cathy Ferringo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked that she talks about her research and sources,plus offers suggestions on what books to read for more information on it. I got clear ideas on how to develop my own process.

This isn't a book about how to organize the book itself or how to write it, its about the lifestyle and process flow for writers.

I liked the explanation and overview of her 7 step writing process:

1 - research
2- create the book proposal
3 - incubate the book
4 - create the 1st draft
5 - rest before revision
6 - revise
7 - publish

I'm glad I read it (listened to audiobook version).

[Sarah Brousseau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! Definitely one I will keep nearby on my Kobo whenever I need a reminder that it's ok to write all over the place, at your own pace, but to keep a vigilant schedule and keep in mind the end goal: a finished book. Also great for any writing process really, justifying how the brain works between the Scribe and the Muse. Hopefully, with these all in mind, by the end of the year I'll have freestyled half way through a novel! Very well put and organized.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational; recommended, mostly for beginners. Some great tips throughout; many are familiar & found in other works on writing, willpower, and motivation. (I appreciate that the author credits source material & offers resources.) Great writing recommendations, for beginning writers especially; & reminders for the more experienced; in a compact, relatively quick read.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the advice in this, it was very useful and encouraging.

[Paula · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bland. Too generalized. It felt as though this was a magazine article turned into a book--lots of repetition.

[Sarah Granger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is different from every other book I’ve read bout strategies and tactics for writers to hone our processes because it’s taking the majority of the information and lessons in the book straight from cognitive science.

“The Writer’s Process” covers the importance of writing environment, focus, flow, and lack of distractions based on research. It also covers why deadlines work, and it provides step by step guidance on how to manage your time and space for optimal success. Sections on research, outlining, writing and revising remind writers at every level of experience how critical each part of the process is, and not to rush it.

A great read for all writers!

[Katrina Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made sense of my muddled process

With seven steps and a bread analogy this book showed me how to make sense of the writing process and gave me direction for making sense of the 20,000 words I've collected. To the point and practical!

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the course of my writing career, I've come to find studies on behavorial psychology invaluable to my growth as a writer. Efficiency, focus and self-care/forgiveness are crucial to what often feels like the Sisyphean task of writing a long piece of fiction.

The Writer's Process is such an important addition to my bookshelf, and to my list of recommended writing resources, because it directly ties research on behavioral psychology to the writing process, and the writer's life, rather than treating it tangentially as so many other books and thought leaders do.

The language is accessible, the tone relaxed and not at all preachy. Furthermore, you can refer to this book as a resource, diving into specific chapters and sub-sections as you need them, rather than needing to consume it in linear fashion.

Any writer out there who has struggled to create, and to push through moments of low morale, or stunted momentum, would benefit from Janzer's book.

[Kalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm nerdy about all systems and processes, so to read a book on the writing process was such a fun treat! Part 1 and Part 3 were excellent—I highlighted almost everything in those sections—but Part 2 needed just a little more oomph. It sounded very impersonal and informational, rather than the inspirational prose I enjoyed at the beginning and wish had continued throughout the middle.

Overall, I highly recommend every writer and want-to-be writer have a copy of The Writer's Process on their bookshelf. You'll learn more than how to establish writing habits, you'll also get a peek into the phycology behind writing so you can approach writer's block in a completely new and unique way—one that won't have you staring at a blank screen for long!

[Hashim Alsughayer · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are some good and helpful points in the book that may benefit writers. Although just after a few chapters in it the book, repetition becomes a huge problem.

I arrived to the conclusion, after reading many books about writing, that you can't write a book about writing. Each writer has his own way or method of writing. Never generalize the craft as each writer is unique with both his writing methods and the approach he chooses to take with it.

[Laura Vogt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is hard for me to rate.

For myself, I'd give it 2-stars. Most of Janzer's concepts and ideas, I already employ. So, there wasn't much fodder for me, besides a foundation of research to support my already-existent process.

I'd recommend this book to a writer who struggles with structuring their workflow. The book does provide what the blurb offers. So, therefore... 4 stars?

[Benjamin Thomas]

One of the best

I love this book! One of best writing books I've read all year. I nearly highlighted the whole thing! The seven step process, research, book reference, inspiration, experience and cognitive science blend are invaluable. Thanks Anne!

[Danny Aldham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of ‘The Writer’s Process’ by Anne H. Janzer.
Sometimes writers need affirmation that we are on the right track. Although we are climbing a mountain, alone, we need to hear that others have done it before and that it can be done. The trail is poorly marked, or we wander off on what seems interesting tracks (and maybe easier), so we are often bushwhacking, hacking at undergrowth, while knowing there must be an easier way.
Janzer has climbed this mountain before and has left some markers. It is great to hear that the plan I have developed by myself seems to line up close to the seven steps Janzer outlines. In a nutshell, she gives an enjoyable process that both non-fiction and fiction writers can use to guide their writing.
I had intuitively known that my mind has a task oriented structured supervisor. As a project manager for over twenty years, this guy runs the show. Anne Janzer calls him ‘The Scribe’.
But I also have a day dreamer. The reader, the hiker, the fisherman who can sit contemplating a stream or lake for hours. A guy who loves mountains and books, stories, and people. Character and setting. Words, language, dialog. History. This guy Janzer calls ‘The Muse’.
Putting these gut felt abstract ideas into a coherent form was an ah-ha moment. And learning how to corral, feed, and direct the Muse, and get that part to work in concert with the Scribe, was the best gift from this book.
Primarily directed to non-fiction writers, I think this process works for both fiction and non-fiction writers. There is good writing in both camps, and they are not so dissimilar.
For writers who are struggling with moving projects forward, this is a well-recommended guide. Five stars.
#writingCommunity #amwriting #writerslife #Writers #Authors @goodreads #bookreviews
http://www.aldham.net/wordpress/2024/...

[Zeshan Syed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing, like any other mental activity, is a task demanding focus and creativity. And the purpose of this book is to create a mental model that enables one to identify those systems so that they could enhance their writing process.


The book borrows concepts from a number of cognitive science books, most prominently Thinking Fast and Slow. The basic premise of the book is to identify two thinking models, the Muse (thinker) and the Scribe (writer). Both of these models have a limited set of mental resources, which is why they must coordinate in order to maintain productivity, sanity and balance.


It talks about the various psychological states that writers experience in a day. Based on the state there are specific tasks they can perform so as to stay productive and keep moving towards their goal (completing their story/book). Using these concepts she also imparts techniques to tackle challenges like the dreaded writer's block, or the daunting blank page. She formulates a 7 step writing process that if applied correctly could propel the writer into a state of flow, that is the optimum mental state when the Muse and the Scribe are well coordinated and could churn up some brilliant ideas.


Though a writing book, the concepts and techniques mentioned in it can be applied directly to other walks of life, be it art, software development, marketing etc. 


I highly recommend this book for any information worker or for curious people anxious to understand the vagaries of their personality over the course of a day, including emotional judgements and ego depletion.

[Raluca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was a good guide for those like me who don't even know where to start. I'm a chaotic person and a chaotic writer and that's why it took me so long to even realize that I liked writing and if I put a little more effort into it, I could end up with a finished product and even have others read what I wrote. Of course, that I am a long way off, but it's a good start to learn where to begin and how to organize and find what best works for me. There were also insightful tips on revising and proofreading, which I am not a fan of, but must do anyhow. I think I will slowly build up to eventually really being proud of what I come up with. It's not about publishing necessarily, although that is the dream, isn't it? But writing should be fun, should be passionate. I write because it helps me get things out, helps me analyze myself and understand what I am going through. I recommend writing, even if it's just in a journal. I enjoy it when my friends read what I give them. I do write for them, but most of all I write for myself. So why bother with the structure when just a few people are going to read it? Well for one, I like to improve and no matter what I write about, I would like to write well. Second of all, I am writing for myself now. But who knows in the future..I might change my mind one day. All things will come in their due time. At least this is what I believe in and it has not failed me so far.

[S.S. Scott | Romance Author and Fiction Story Coach · Rating 5 out of 5]

The idea was put into my head this past winter of writing a book about the editing process. I've written fiction off and on since I was in sixth grade, but the idea of putting together a nonfiction book had never appealed to me. The great thing about Janzer's book is less her focus on writing a nonfiction book and more about her focus on the process of writing itself. Practical tips, insightful anecdotes, and a genuine desire to help burgeoning writers create their best work using *both* parts of their brains, "The Writer's Process" takes you through a seven-step process from researching through publishing. I lost count of how many page marker stickers I used, let alone the underlining and marginal comments I made for future references. This will be a book I go back to again and again for each portion of the book I'm definitely now committed to writing.

[Kiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book won't 100% be for all readers, but it is a wonderful resource for writers needing a shake up from their current writing practices that aren't working, or writers that are new to consistent, professional writing.
I won't use everything in this book, but it is something that I know I am going to come back to again and again while working on pieces to get new ideas when I don't know what to do next. It has recommendations for getting started, persisting and completing writing projects, as well as exploring the understanding of different areas of our writing practice, their value, and how to maximise.
I would recommend this to any writer that is struggling with structuring their time or with procrastination.
It absolutely helped me reframe the way that I look at writing.