1. Brainstorming/Idea Generation: Developing the initial concept, characters, plot points, setting, and themes. This might involve freewriting, mind mapping, outlining, or simply jotting down ideas.
2. Planning/Outlining: Structuring the story. This can range from a detailed outline with chapter summaries to a looser plan focusing on key plot points and character arcs. Some writers skip this stage entirely, preferring to discover the story as they write.
3. Drafting/Writing the First Draft: Getting the story down on paper (or screen). Focus is on generating content, not perfection. This stage is about getting the ideas out.
4. Revising/Editing: This is a crucial stage involving large-scale changes to the story's structure, plot, characters, and overall impact. It might involve adding, removing, or rearranging significant portions of the text.
5. Proofreading/Copyediting: Focusing on the finer points – grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence-level issues. This is about polishing the text to ensure clarity and accuracy.
It's important to note that these steps are iterative. Writers often revisit earlier stages as they progress. For example, they might discover a plot hole during revision that requires returning to the planning stage.