Introduction
For me, writing isn’t just a creative outlet—it’s a way of staying connected to what matters most: curiosity, comfort, and imagination. I write Gentle Sci-Fi, a genre I’ve come to define as warm, quirky, and light-hearted science fiction. Over time, I’ve shaped a writing process that’s sustainable, health-conscious, and rooted in personal experience. I don’t chase productivity hacks or push myself to write for hours. Instead, I’ve learned to build stories gently—from old ideas, quiet observations, and structured bursts of creativity. Here’s what a sustainable process for Gentle Sci-Fi looks like.
1. From Sparks to Signposts
Most of my stories begin with an idea from the past—something that didn’t go anywhere at the time, but keeps tapping me on the shoulder. Sometimes I’ll combine a few different sparks into something new. These inspirations come from everyday life: a social media post, a moment in conversation, a memory. They all go into a document I call Story Ideas Central, which I’ve kept for years.
When an idea’s ready to grow into a real project, I move it into Scrivener. That’s where I develop what I call my story signposts: the opening image, closing image, character arc, and theme or message. These four anchors keep me grounded without boxing me in. I’m a discovery writer at heart, but I’ve learned I need just enough structure to avoid getting lost—or stuck.
Before I started using signposts, I struggled to finish stories. My endings felt rushed, or didn’t arrive at all. But now, even when I’m following my instincts, I’ve got a destination in mind. That small shift—writing from a personal framework—has changed everything.
2. Writing in a Way That Works for Me
I used to write in the mornings, but I’ve since reserved that time for appointments and chores. Now, my most productive time is in the afternoon, which includes my Me Time—a protected block for creative work, rest, or anything that helps me recharge. I’ve learned the hard way that scheduling over this time leads to burnout and resentment.
Instead of pushing myself to write for long periods, I use the Reminders app on my Apple devices to track my projects. Each one gets a five-minute task per day. That’s it. Just five minutes. Some days I keep going, other days I stop. But that gentle rhythm adds up—and more importantly, it respects my energy levels and health.
My favourite places to write are my studio (the Creationarium) and my bed. They’re quiet, soft, and comfortable—exactly the kind of space I need to feel like myself. I write on my laptop or phone, and keep things digital to avoid paper clutter. Over the years, I’ve discovered that small adjustments to my environment make a big difference in how the writing flows.
3. Evolving My Voice and Protecting the Process
I think of my writing voice as plot-driven and clear, with short and simple sentences. I avoid overly detailed description unless it’s vital to the story. That’s partly a stylistic choice, and partly because I want the reader to feel ease and space when reading—like they’ve been invited into a gentle, quirky world that doesn’t demand too much of them.
That ease also applies to how I handle feedback. I never share my work until the first draft is done. I’ve had experiences where early critique derailed the entire shape of a story—especially the ending. Now, I trust myself to finish first, then bring in trusted readers or my editor. My revisions tend to be light: clarifying language, improving pacing, or adding texture when needed.
Some parts of writing still feel hard, like character development or nailing a satisfying ending. But I’ve come to accept those challenges as part of the journey. What’s changed is how I approach them—with tools like story signposts, and routines that respect my capacity. For me, writing from lived experience—not just imaginative worlds—is what makes my stories feel honest and alive.
Conclusion
Writing Gentle Sci-Fi has helped me rewrite how I relate to creativity itself. I’ve stopped chasing perfection or productivity. I’ve let go of “shoulds” and started honouring what actually works for me: old ideas with new life, five quiet minutes at a time, and a process that feels as gentle as the stories I want to tell. If you’re finding your own way as a writer, I hope this glimpse into my process reminds you that it’s okay to go slow—and that sometimes, the gentlest methods create the most lasting stories.
By ChatGPT