Thoughts On The Writing Process, And Beer
I’ve been paid paltry sums for a few of my articles over the years, but I’ve never made my living as a writer. With that being said, my ability to write has been a major contributing factor to just about everything I’ve ever done successfully. I’ve received a few compliments, and I have a general sense that I am a pretty good writer, but I have always struggled with the process. It is not something that comes to me easily or naturally.
It often takes me several days or weeks to formulate an idea before I ever sit down and commit the first words to paper. Even then, the process of putting my thoughts into words is a slow and arduous task. For every 5 minutes at the keyboard, I might spend 15 or 20 wandering around in circles searching for the perfect word or phrase. I frequently wake up in the middle of the night and rush to my computer before a fleeting thought is lost forever.
One of my problems is that I am a compulsive editor. Before I ever get the second paragraph written, I’ve reread and rewritten the first one at least 3 times. When the second paragraph finally takes shape, the process begins again from the start, and repeats itself ad nauseam. I’ve even been known to spend an entire day on a one page letter, but when I am finally finished I know it says precisely what I intended to say.
I’ve always wanted to write a novel, and I’ve been working on a storyline in my mind for years. The problem is that I cannot write dialogue that doesn’t sound like I’m the one talking. I also realize that my editing compulsion would prevent me from finishing anything over 100 pages in my lifetime.
Blogging should provide the perfect outlet for short bursts of creativity, but I’ve been known to spend two full days writing and rewriting a post before I’m satisfied. I’ve always liked the idea of having a regular column somewhere, but the one time I tried it, the looming deadlines kept me awake at night. I’m clearly not cut out to do this for a living, but I can’t imagine a job that didn’t allow me to use my writing skills in some form. I would love to hear from other folks out there on how you approach the process, and whether certain subjects or styles of writing come more naturally than others.
By now I’m sure you’re wondering what any of this has to do with beer. Nothing really, except for the fact that I’ve made some great online acquaintances over the past few months, and I figure a few of you out there probably enjoy a frosty cold beverage on occasion. If anyone is ever interested in getting a group of Roanoke area bloggers together to discuss technical issues, ways to increase readership, or any other topics of interest, please drop me a line. I will be happy to serve as the party organizer. It may take me a full day to put the invitations together, but when I am finished, they will say precisely what I intended to say.
Wow! I thought I was the only compulsive self-editor! I’m not a beer-drinker and, since my first retirement, I moved 35 miles from Roanoke, but I do venture into the “big city” occasionally.
Now a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. . . .
The problem on being a late-comer to a blog is that it takes quite a bit of work to find the time to read through older posts… and then you find some to which you feel like commenting well after the fact, as in this case, six months later.
My style is almost the reverse of yours. I will spend a few days thinking about topics and running over the basics in my head. However, when I actually sit down to post, it’s pretty much stream of consciousness. As such, I tend to use the phrase, “I digress” on a moderately regular basis or post things like ‘The U.S. Post Office as a benefit our taxes provide”.
As for the blogger outing, it’s an interesting idea. I, for one, would be interested, as my new blog is the first time I’ve posted regularly to a blog and actually had some sort of substance to it. Since I’m effectively new to the blogging scene, I’d love to learn more about the process, other programs to use for formatting and to discuss topics in general. I’m also not opposed to fermented fruit and/or grain products… I don’t drink often, but I do enjoy the relaxation of it from time to time.
Matt,
You must have been busy last night. When I looked at my page view stats this morning, it appears that someone read a lot of old posts.
The reason that I take so long to write anything is not that I have trouble formulating my thoughts. It’s actually more like a case of mild OCD. I just can’t stop editing until I’ve expressed myself as precisely and efficiently as possible.
I would be happy to join you for a cool beverage sometime, or we could try to organize another gathering. Someone else can take charge this time around.
I don’t know if it was so much ‘busy’ as ‘having ample free time after not having it in a long while’. I’ve been meaning to go back through older posts from before my time and I had an opportunity last night.
As for editting, I should do it more often… or, at the least, rereading my posts to make certain my facts are straight and that most of the post has some clarity to it. I’m rather over zealous when it comes to tapping that ’submit’ button.
I don’t see why we can’t see what other bloggers are up to and what times people have free, but I’m good either way with an outing. I’m not entirely certain who reads my blog, but I’ll slide a post up there in a bit. Given that every blogger I’ve read has children, it should be an interesting project trying to get a group together.