FFW- What is your writing process like? 9/16/11

As a rule almost, I hate the writing process, no matter what form it takes. The editing, multiple drafts, etc. Through most of my life, my writing process has consisted of only a few steps, depending on what happens when/if given a topic. I am a visual writer, and often "write" in charts, or in a brainstorm-style, and even now I as I type this into my blog from my notes in class, it is going from a visual flowchart-like style to a paragraph style (mostly due to the limitations of the computer & this blog).

When given a topic, I may be less than enthused about it, in which case I complain about it & tend to put off the assignment until the last possible moment, pulling something out of my arse at the last second. On the other hand, I may be excited, angry, etc. or simply inspired, in which case I immediately begin jotting down notes; fragmented thoughts in margins, on my body, etc. I most likely will not find these notes again, or even understand them if I do find them. I then use visuals to layout my idea(s) such as charts, bubbles, etc., and from there a haphazard outline may form. At this point, I tend to get very frustrated if it doesn't come together well, or in a way that I like it. [One thing to note is that although I'm aware that one does not always have to tell the truth, or reflect one's own perspective in a piece of writing, I have a very difficult time executing a piece of writing that does not reflect my own perspective. I think it might have something to do with the passion/inspiration bit.]

Here is where I give up on the idea of writing something amazing about a topic. If you couldn't guess, this is also where I get stuck a lot of times. I either have forgotten about the writing assignment, gotten too frustrated & left it be, or simply cannot fuel my arguments any longer. It won't usually be until an idea smacks me in the head during a shower, practice, etc. that I will continue writing again. Even then, I usually have completely changed my point of view on a topic. Coming round the bend, this is the point at which I turn in a piece of writing without much, if any, edits and a sigh of relief that it's over.



**An interesting note RE: the writing process**
I learned about the design process in my production class for theatre the other day, and my Professor, Jim Hart, mentioned that it works wonders when applied to the writing process. I thought I'd list the steps of the design process here:

1. Commitment
2. Analysis
3. Research
4. Incubation* 
5. Selection
6. Implementation
7. Evaluation**

*Especially important, no matter what one uses these steps for; also the most often skipped step.

**In the case of writing in college, it is typically the Professor that follows through with this step.