Writing Process

Enjoying the process of writing is essential to a fulfilling writing life. The struggle to get an idea down on paper, to rework it and get it refined and then rework it again is what the writing process entails. It is this intense wrestling with words and sentences and paragraphs that the writer must find pleasure in if writing is to be a satisfying endeavor. The writer who finds this process painful and tends to avoid it is probably not well suited to the writing life. It's the practice of writing, the day-to-day molding and remolding of language that is the most meaningful part of the writing experience. Working a sentence or a phrase for hours or days on end is not tedious to committed writers; it's mastery, much like a sculptor reworks his clay until every detail is just right. The seeking of perfection in a turn of phrase or the right rhythm in a sentence is the artistry in writing. Abhorring this process means the writer does not truly enjoy writing, only the result the finished product will bring. Turning that around and learning instead to savor the process will provide a more profound writing experience and transform writing from a mundane activity to an art that you can truly enjoy.