What is writing? Is it paper or process?
What is writing? Is it paper or process?
Most people would probably say paper. I’m not so sure. I’m becoming more and more aware of writing as process, though I’m willing to concede this is somewhat a false choice.
How can I say that writing is process? Writing must be the end result, right? In other words writing is most definitely paper. I’m using the idea of words on paper as a representation of the end result. (I could use “screen” rather than paper to keep current with the idea of writing as it appears in the blogosphere. However, the idea of writing as “screen or process” was not quite as alliterative as “paper or process”.)
One writer using tools to aid the writing process may write more and better than if that same writer paid no attention to tools. Tools may enhance creativity. Tools that hinder creativity should be avoided.
Tools fall under the category of “process and format.”
Process and format may aid the writer with completion of his or her work.
Although I’m suspect of reducing creative activities to process and format, I’m wondering-long-term-if creativity is to be sustained as a life-long pursuit, process and format should be defined, refined and articulated.
Ritual is an important part of the writing process. What I mean by ritual can vary from person-to-person. For example, I cannot any longer write using a number 2 pencil. I can however write using a smooth gliding gel pen or fountain pen. I don’t any longer write in a spiral bound notebook. I currently write in a hard-back notebook with a sewn binding, or maybe, on a legal pad or into a computer.
This may sound foreign to someone unacquainted with how the creative mind works, though we find examples everywhere. For writers it might be the kind of pen used, for mechanics the kind of wrench.
Even with something as fickle and spontaneous as creativity, paying attention to format and process may contribute to what goes into the final product. This kind of idea gives writers that reputation for weirdness. What I am saying-and what I know for sure-some things the reader never, ever sees are as important as the final product because they move the writer towards writing in the first place.
