TRUST THE PROCESS
I have talked innumerable times about the Craft of Writing and how much respect I have for it. It seems, however, I have not delved into details as much, choosing instead to describe various aspects of the craft.
There are many genres and countless writing teachers with varying approaches. It is the same for any discipline: cooking with various cuisines and schools; martial arts; philosophies and religions. Therefore, I do not feel it necessary to discuss what I find important as a writer or go into great length on how I approach writing a novel or poem or play.
What is necessary is that writers find the style of craft that works for them, makes them feel comfortable, and allows them to progress and improve. To that end, we are all on the same path, though it might be parallel.
From that point of discovery, that revelation (single or over a period of time), it is vital to trust the process you have created or determined for yourself. Naturally, the real world alters many aspects, places predicaments and alternate paths before you. A family emergency, a change of house or job, an addition to or loss in your life. For me, returning to writing, to the craft of writing, to the process, is like re-centering my life, getting me back on track.
For the last four months, I have been contributing regularly to this blog. One post allowed me to formulate a concrete list of Works in Progress. Some were active; others I wanted to be. Because of that, I made submissions of two of the pieces to various publishers. Visualizing the WIP allowed me to focus on them.
I am reading daily, mostly at my lunch break at work, and, when I’m not writing, at night. It is the fuel that runs the engine. While I am making plans toward retirement, I feel a growing sensation of creative energy that needs expression and outlet. So, if it’s not at my desk, it’s in the kitchen.
It has taken me 60 years to become who I am. I do not know where I am in this process. But I continue to trust the development and growth, and am happy to continue down the path.
