I’m finally starting to settle into my Spring semester of classes here at Georgia State University, which means syllabus week and the accompanying icebreakers it has to offer are finally out of the way. I’m now figuring out what’s going to be expected out of me throughout the upcoming months, and so far, I’m liking what I’m seeing for the most part. In my Business Writing course, one of the assignments given to us was to create a blog. As you probably know, I luckily already have one of those, one which is becoming quite established at this point. I’ve been told by my professor that I will be allowed to use this site, which is a nice bonus. Throughout my semester, I’m going to be posting academic-based pieces on this site explaining things like my process as a writer, how I decided to pursue an English degree, and other similar topics. Don’t worry, I’ll still be writing posts about the usual topics on a regular basis. Today, however, it’s all about how I sit down and turn my ideas into words ready for mental consumption. Let’s get into it.
Conventional wisdom (and practically everyone I’ve ever met) encourages us to approach writing in a very particular and replicable manner. That process includes brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising, peer reviewing, editing, and eventually reaching a polished and thoroughly examined final product. I generally don’t adhere to these literary conventions. I’ve grown to describe myself as a “lightning-in-a-bottle” writer, as I generally set the spark of an idea ablaze by sitting down in front of my computer and just letting the language flow through me. I edit as I go along, and never stress if the stream of consciousness runs dry for some reason, as I’m certain things will starting flowing agin soon. I’m not sure if these practices will eventually prove to be detrimental as there is no real stability in how I write, but so far, following this model has led me to better results than over-planning used to.
The details of my process and ideal writing environment are specific, however. I like to seclude myself to my room with my laptop, a candle lit, music playing, a glass of water (or other beverage of choice now that I’m twenty-one) nearby, and with red light surrounding me. Weirdly specific, I know. This environment is the most conducive to me being able to produce effective writing. I’m sure that each writer’s process varies, and that’s why I don’t like to prescribe my methods to others. Instead, I believe discovering one’s writing process should come from trial, error, and practice all while trying new things until settling into a comfortable routine. Maybe most things in life are like that.
Or maybe I’m crazy. Either way, I’ve found success and improvement through my current writing process, and have no plans to change it. Does your writing process vary from mine? What do you think of taking this sort of approach? Be sure to let me and the world know. Thanks for reading.
