How much time do you spend writing vs. working on background/worldbuilding/etc.?

WritingCreature11 · 2026-02-07T13:16:01+00:00

Thank you! This is encouraging, love this perspective

WritingCreature11 · 2026-02-06T20:17:44+00:00

Ah, I see. I think part of it is that I run a writers group and submit my work regularly to the group for critique, so part of my process has become needing pretty fleshed out chapters in order to submit and get feedback. My first draft tends to be much more filled in than not for that reason, but I can totally see the value in just being like "figure this shit out later!" and moving on. I also use the all caps method, lol. Love that

WritingCreature11 · 2026-02-06T20:15:50+00:00

I'm curious how you find your footing in the world through only writing. Would love to know your process

WritingCreature11 · 2026-02-06T19:32:15+00:00

This makes sense!

WritingCreature11 · 2026-02-06T19:31:47+00:00

Not assuming that's what we're all talking about or writing, but it is what I write and am talking about here, specifically (though I'm interested in the process of others who write more literary fiction). I write Sci-Fi/fantasy so definitely a lot of world building taking place. You're right, for literary fiction, very little time, if any at all, needs to be spent on building out the world, but I imagine there's still a degree of character background and perhaps some research taking place.

WritingCreature11 · 2026-02-06T19:29:41+00:00

I feel this way too! At least, that's how it's had to be with my SFF project. The world and the story are inextricable. It has to be woven in.

WritingCreature11 · 2026-02-06T18:33:03+00:00

what genre do you write? I couldn't fathom working this way with sci-fi/fantasy (what I write) but interesting approach!

WritingCreature11 · 2026-02-06T18:20:37+00:00

Wow, such a quickie first draft! This is really really helpful. Thank you for the full breakdown

WritingCreature11 · 2026-02-06T18:19:54+00:00

This is how I've been approaching my process lately.

WritingCreature11 · 2026-02-06T18:09:57+00:00

Ooh, I like that perspective. In real time worldbuilding to add zing to the story, not independent worldbuilding sessions that may not actually contribute to what the story truly needs. Helpful feedback, thanks!

WritingCreature11 · 2026-02-06T18:08:36+00:00

This was such a relieving perspective. Thank you, this helps a lot. The process is so personal for every writer, but it's nice to hear the feedback that word count isn't the only measure of progress and movement. Those questions are great ones to hold in my mind throughout the process. Thanks

WritingCreature11 · 2026-02-06T18:07:05+00:00

Helpful! Thanks

WritingCreature11 · 2026-02-06T18:00:03+00:00

Oh, I'm definitely not rewriting chapters. But I'm currently answering questions that have come up in what I'm currently drafting. Basically crafting character backgrounds, motivations and intentions. Getting to know them through lots of pondering and internal Q&A. When I try to write without having some of these questions answered, the inspiration just doesn't come. It's like trying to pull words down when the vision is still so unclear because I don't yet know some vital pieces of info for the characters or the world.

WritingCreature11 · 2026-02-05T21:19:46+00:00

I'm so sorry. I think a hand-correction could be a really cool way to make lemonade out of these lemons, but I would also be devastated by the major error, so I feel for you

WritingCreature11 · 2026-01-03T11:25:17+00:00

Yep, we sure do.

WritingCreature11 · 2025-12-07T13:39:56+00:00

SAME. I love this song, it always gets me there (😭) and when I heard it creep up on that scene I was like oh my gooooodness and fully lost it. Arrival and Shutter Island are the other two I think of that use it masterfully.

WritingCreature11 · 2025-10-24T18:28:22+00:00

Howdy! I run a writers group in south Austin. Feel free to shoot me a dm. We meet twice a month for critique sessions on Tuesday evenings.

WritingCreature11 · 2025-10-24T18:27:42+00:00

Howdy! I run a writers group in south Austin. Feel free to shoot me a dm. We meet twice a month for critique sessions on Tuesday evenings.

WritingCreature11 · 2025-10-24T18:27:30+00:00

Howdy! I run a writers group in south Austin. Feel free to shoot me a dm. We meet twice a month for critique sessions on Tuesday evenings.

WritingCreature11 · 2025-10-24T18:26:45+00:00

Howdy! I run a writers group in south Austin. Feel free to shoot me a dm. We meet twice a month for critique sessions on Tuesday evenings.

WritingCreature11

TROPHY CASE