The Power of Cyclic Writing: A Game-Changing Approach for Authors
I used to think writing and editing were two separate tasks.
First, you write the messy first draft, let it sit for a while, then come back with fresh eyes and start editing. That’s the conventional wisdom, right?
But then I came across Dean Wesley Smith’s concept of 'cyclic writing,' and it completely changed the way I approach my work.
Cyclic writing is a method where you edit as you go. Instead of racing to the end of a sloppy first draft and then spending months fixing it, you loop back frequently—reworking and refining each section before moving forward. It’s a continuous cycle of writing and editing, allowing the story to take shape organically and eliminating the need for extensive rewrites.
The first time I tried cyclic writing, I was skeptical. Wouldn’t it slow me down? Wouldn’t I get stuck in an endless loop of self-editing? But to my surprise, it did the opposite. It freed me. I stopped worrying about getting everything perfect in the first go and instead focused on making each scene better with each pass. I would write a few hundred words, then go back and smooth them out, adjusting dialogue, fixing pacing, and ensuring the characters stayed true to themselves. By the time I reached the end of the book, I already had a polished manuscript.
What’s ‘cyclic writing?’
‘Cyclic writing’ is more than just writing—it also includes 'cyclic editing.'
This involves writing 500 to 750 words in one sprint and then immediately going back to edit them. During this pass, you clean up your writing, fix mistakes, remove inefficient sentences, and address inconsistencies in your story or article.
Then, you move on to the next section and repeat the process. This method results in a cleaner draft and significantly reduces the amount of editing required at the end of your first draft.
Why cyclic writing works?
One of the biggest advantages of cyclic writing is that it keeps you deeply engaged in your story. There’s no awkward transition from drafting to editing because you’re always immersed in the world of your book. It also helps prevent plot holes and inconsistencies because you’re constantly revisiting and refining as you go.
Traditional writing methods often involve pushing through a first draft no matter how rough, followed by a long and sometimes overwhelming revision process. This can lead to frustration, burnout, and a loss of enthusiasm for the project. Cyclic writing, on the other hand, allows for an ongoing refinement process that ensures you stay excited about your work.
Another unexpected benefit? It made writing more fun. Instead of dreading revisions, I found joy in tweaking and shaping my words as I progressed. My writing felt alive, evolving naturally instead of feeling like a rigid, step-by-step process.
How to implement cyclic writing in your process?
If you’ve ever struggled with the traditional drafting and editing approach, I highly recommend trying cyclic writing. Here’s how you can incorporate it into your workflow:
Write in small sections – Instead of pushing through an entire chapter without looking back, write 500 to 750 words, then cycle back over them. Check for flow, sentence structure, and clarity before moving forward.
Refine dialogue and character voice early – Since dialogue plays a crucial role in storytelling, cyclic writing helps you refine conversations as they happen, making them more natural and engaging.
Fix pacing and transitions on the go – Ever read a book where the pacing feels off? With cyclic writing, you can catch those issues early and adjust accordingly.
Avoid over-editing – The key is to make small improvements with each pass, not to obsess over perfection. Move forward once the section feels stronger, knowing you can refine it again later if needed.
Trust your instincts – Writers often hesitate to move forward because they feel their work isn’t good enough. Cyclic writing builds confidence because each section gets better as you write, reducing the need for endless rewrites.
The impact of cyclic writing on my work.
Since adopting cyclic writing, I’ve noticed a huge improvement in both my productivity and the quality of my work. My books come together faster because I don’t have to overhaul entire sections after completing a draft. My characters feel more authentic because I spend time refining their voices in real-time. And most importantly, writing feels less like a chore and more like an enjoyable, creative process.
Cyclic writing has also helped me maintain momentum. With traditional drafting, it’s easy to lose enthusiasm for a project when faced with a massive, unpolished manuscript. But with this method, I stay connected to my story throughout the process, making it easier to finish books without feeling overwhelmed.
Should You Try Cyclic Writing?
If you’ve ever felt bogged down by traditional drafting and editing, cyclic writing might be the answer. Start small—write a paragraph or a page, then go back and improve it before moving forward. See how it feels. You might just find, as I did, that it makes the entire process smoother, faster, and more enjoyable.
Dean Wesley Smith’s approach challenges conventional wisdom, but for me, it has been a game-changer. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned about writing, it’s that there’s no one right way—only the way that works best for you.
Give cyclic writing a shot, and you might just discover a method that makes your writing stronger, your process smoother, and your books better from the very first draft.
Exciting topic this Wednesday: "The Magic of Collaboration & Cross-Promotion." I’ll be unpacking it in detail—see you there!
That’s all from me today.
As always, thanks for reading.
Interesting. I find that I do this organically but tried to follow traditional advice and just bought rough the first draft. That didn’t work for me so I want back to what felt more natural.