I started writing as a young kid. Never stopped. Getting lost in my writing is how I survive. I'd be long gone by now if I didn't have something to write.
Writing is an exploration, a journey that meanders through creativity and imagination. It's not confined within templates or outlines, though such tools help. What truly matters is the process, the personal path a writer traverses to bring a story to life. This journey, unique to each writer, is where the essence of storytelling lives
I've spent a lifetime on process. How the puzzle fits. Figuring it out.
Discovering the Story's Soul
The process of writing is alchemy. As you write, as the ink flows, your story begins to breathe, evolving draft after draft. It's a magical transformation, one where your narrative gains autonomy, becoming a living entity with its own will.
It can be scary when a character suddenly turns left when you wanted them to turn right. This experience is the heart of writing's allure—it captivates and seduces, pulling you into a world where anything is possible, and the unexpected is the norm.
A writer's journey doesn't adhere to a map. It thrives on intuition, on the courage to explore untrodden paths. The significance lies not in the route chosen but in the act of reaching the destination. It's about recognizing the moment when your story has come into its own, has become whole, and knowing when to step back, to let go.
The Art of The End
Completing a story is a dance of restraint. It requires the writer to identify the point of culmination, where the narrative no longer needs embellishment, where further tampering would only detract from its essence. This moment is a rite of passage, signaling that it's time to withdraw and allow the story to stand on its own. Pens up!
The journey of writing is not just about creating but also about letting go. It's a testament to the writer's ability to recognize the story's autonomy, to honor its completion without succumbing to the temptation of endless revision. This act of releasing, of stepping away with hands off, is as crucial to storytelling as the very words that comprise it.
The end.
Some say the end is most important. I'd agree with that. I used to think you wrote a story backwards. But that not it. An end that surprises you is the most satisfying end. But the greatest skill a writer can have is recognizing when the end has come.
Works in life too.
The Continuous Cycle of Creation
Even as one story concludes, the spark of creation ignites anew. Writing is cyclical, a perpetual motion of crafting, discovering, and releasing. Each story is a stepping stone, an exploration that contributes to the writer's evolution. And so, the journey begins again, with a fresh canvas, guided by the lessons of past narratives and the endless potential of imagination.
Never let your writing stop. Ever. Move on. Keep going. Keep meeting new ends. New beginnings. Each day brings new insight. Be open to it. Change. Learn. Grow.
In the end, writing is about surrendering to the process, embracing the unpredictability of storytelling, and trusting in the magic that allows stories to flourish. Find the process that works for you. Be precise. Refine it constantly. It's an invitation to wander, to explore your mind, your values, your unique vision. Every human sees the world through different eyes. Share your. Your truth. Your light. It's your obligation as a writer. The true enchantment of writing: the promise of discovery, the thrill of creation, and the liberation found in letting go.