This thread will be geared more toward the writing process, whereas the other threads in Creative Writing or more about Genres and similar scenes that pop up more than others. In this thread it's all about discussing what your writing process is, what you focus on first and how you expand from your initial thought. The thread should also include links and videos, be it 'How To Write..." or Authors and Screenwriters just talking about their craft that you can get some inspiration from. So, let's get writing!!

With that out of the way, for those that write, what's your process? What do you start with first? Do you create characters first? Do you come up with the plot or story idea first?  For me, more often than not, a random scene will flash before me at which time I will write it down verbatim from scene descriptions, action, dialog and the characters that make up the scene. Once it's on paper I will start fleshing out who the characters are first before I even go into creating their Bio's or background profiles. If there is still something there that interest me after that, that's when I start to work out the plot details and write what the story is.

So how do you approach your stories?

I know zero about this subject... so I got nothing to offer except interest and open ears.

I took this as how seasoned folks would write. I don't believe I've written any stories. I write all the time but in the technical sense. I write here, but off of opinion, not necessarily developing a linear path. And I learned a great deal about writing in college.

I just didn't think that kind of writing was related to authors, screenwriters, etc, that have a mission... a story to tell.

Uh, sooooo I get royalities on the book deal, screenplay and of course Johnny Depp will play me... right?

Meanwhile, Aaron Eckhardt will play me!