If you remember the days of your college English composition class, then the next few paragraphs will be a gentle reminder of the content. But if you’re like me and it’s been some years, this refresher can be a kick-start to improving your writing.
Pre-writing
The pre-writing step is essential to the writing process. It’s where inspiration and information come together through ideas, research, organizing and planning. In essence, setting a foundation or guide for your work. Here is where an outline of the plot and character development occurs.
Drafting/Writing
This is where the magic begins. All the wonderful spin of words and details about the character and plot are written in a rough draft. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just a matter of getting it all down on paper or screen.
Editing/Revising
In this step, a review of your work takes place. This comes by reviewing what you’ve written to correct spelling and grammar, clarify any plot holes, and so forth. Enlisting the assistance of an editor and beta readers gives a “fresh eyes approach” to ensure your work is free of errors and interesting to your proposed audience.
Publishing
Once your work is complete, you’re ready to submit your manuscript to literary agents or self-publish.
For more information on the writing process, check out LifeRich Publishing (a part of the Reader’s Digest brand) or Dana Hinders’ post on LoveToKnow.
Melanie V. Logan 
Naturally, this has always been my process before I did any serious writing. I’ve been blessed with the notion to write. Ladies Prism is coming soon to romance the world. Scotian Breeze is the movement. Treasure Words, Collect Figures is the company. History in the making; stay tuned.
Thanks for your response kbeezyisviral! Sounds like you have an interesting piece coming up.
I also follow the basic elements of writing on most occasions. However, there have been times when I didn’t, and the story flowed from my brain as I wrote. I didn’t know or plan what would happen to the characters or how the story would end. It was exciting almost like a book you just can’t stop reading.
Ladies Prism will change the world as we know it. I’ve been there too. Sometimes the words flow out so freely, there’s no need for any planning or formatting.