John Baker’s Blog

What phases are involved in the creation of a text?
Lightbulb/Eureka moment: it might be a title, or a theme, or a character that ‘pops’ up from nowhere or at least, the sub-conscious. Often it’s a combination of different ideas or preoccupations that have been bubbling away in my brain.
Greenhousing: this is where I try to [...]

What phases are involved in the creation of a text?
When I started writing (short stories) I used to carry a notebook around and make endless notes: ideas for current works in progress; ideas for new stories; overheard conversations. I still carry a notebook but rarely make notes. They tend now to be from books [...]

What phases are involved in the creation of a text?
Before the creation of a text can begin I have to do a fair amount of work on research. This may involve visiting places to see what they look like, get a feeling for atmosphere, to see how people use their streets and squares, to see [...]

What phases are involved in the creation of a text?
I’ve had discussions like this with writer friends — there is the perception that we are divided into the planners and the dreamers, those who just let the story develop on its own. I think if you’re working on a novel, you need to incorporate [...]