Katie - I loved this share from you and also the prompt to consider my own writing techniques. I would say my writing is comparable to your own process; something lands and then it expands. One peculiar thing about me is I do not write out first drafts but instead, I find myself writing it in my mind as thought I am speaking it. I will repeat over and over the words and feel them flow into my mind, sometimes for days, before I finally wake up early in the morning and write out all of my thoughts in a flow. I have been using Ai to edit my work recently and it has created a lot of ease and flow for me in my writing because I can just flow in my words and then let Ai manage the details later. xOM
Recalling - I write to expand. Taking a quote - or an idea - and fleshing out as many ideas from that idea as possible - heading the trail of thought of a meander and wander all my awareness', studies', poetic loves, and Transitional Being into the constructual flow that language is - as the great gift it is.
Yet, it changes for my prose. A poem - now I am finding out can take me days, a week to write - as I move along my life and encounter 'illuminations' that can speak to a certain piece.
It's a slow construction - and especially now that I am drafting for publication - that utterance of disposal and fear of neglect.
Good one! For books on writing, I would add “Draft No. 4,” by John McPhee (long-time New Yorker writer and writing instructor at Princeton), “Writing About Nature,” by John A. Murray (Sierra Club Books, and, for the sake of consistency in your writing, a good style guide, like “The Economist’s Style Guide.”
The process feels similar for me as a visual artist, and I’ve discovered that I have a long growing season. Can’t rush or force the process or the outcome will be garbage. I love the cauldron, magic and humming visuals!
Love this Katie! Your journals look like mind mapping to me. Do you know about that? I find this way of thinking really helpful too. Your process for writing is similar to mine, and I appreciate the reminder that it’s okay to write organically. I do publish regularly to practice that muscle but I keep telling myself that if I don’t have something one week, I can just share a poem or a link to someone else’s fabulous piece, like this one. I like thinking of my piece all week and seeing it grow. I love talking about what I write with my friends and family. I love when writing happens when I’m not writing, when a light goes off while cooking or walking or dancing.
I have heard of mind mapping and in retrospective, you’re right- that is what this practice truly was. “Practicing that muscle” is necessary- I agree. Finding balance in the discipline part is always something I struggle with - for me it’s probably based on some limiting beliefs and I need to delve a little deeper there. I enjoy your weekly posts and look forward to reading them! Thank you for sharing ❤️
I really struggle to journal in this kind of manner. I've always wanted to be this type of journaler but for some reason I want my writing to be fully formed and having bits and pieces of nonsense is hard to do. You make it look so beautiful!
I've been struggling with an essay for OTN. Usually my essays here come very easily. Within a day or two and sometimes within hours, I'll have it down and out. But I've been trying to force an essay to come on a subject I *do* want to write about but apparently am just not ready to write about. So I will wait. And move forward to another subject on my mind.
Katie, I devoured this post. Thank you. And I appreciate so much the shout-out. Truly, truly.
Thank you for sharing this post, Janisse. I can’t wait to read what your new book will say about writing ❤️
I love those pictures of your January journal pages taped on the wall. Inspiring! I also love the metaphor of a cauldron. Thank you for sharing this!
Thank you for reading! 💚
Katie - I loved this share from you and also the prompt to consider my own writing techniques. I would say my writing is comparable to your own process; something lands and then it expands. One peculiar thing about me is I do not write out first drafts but instead, I find myself writing it in my mind as thought I am speaking it. I will repeat over and over the words and feel them flow into my mind, sometimes for days, before I finally wake up early in the morning and write out all of my thoughts in a flow. I have been using Ai to edit my work recently and it has created a lot of ease and flow for me in my writing because I can just flow in my words and then let Ai manage the details later. xOM
Recalling - I write to expand. Taking a quote - or an idea - and fleshing out as many ideas from that idea as possible - heading the trail of thought of a meander and wander all my awareness', studies', poetic loves, and Transitional Being into the constructual flow that language is - as the great gift it is.
Yet, it changes for my prose. A poem - now I am finding out can take me days, a week to write - as I move along my life and encounter 'illuminations' that can speak to a certain piece.
It's a slow construction - and especially now that I am drafting for publication - that utterance of disposal and fear of neglect.
Thank you for your involvement Katie
Blessed Be
“I write to expand” might just be the truest statement I’ve ever read. Thank you 😊
Good one! For books on writing, I would add “Draft No. 4,” by John McPhee (long-time New Yorker writer and writing instructor at Princeton), “Writing About Nature,” by John A. Murray (Sierra Club Books, and, for the sake of consistency in your writing, a good style guide, like “The Economist’s Style Guide.”
Thank you for the recommendations. You know, I have never read Draft No 4. I’m ordering it now! The other two books sound interesting as well.
Amen to DRAFT NO. 4!
The process feels similar for me as a visual artist, and I’ve discovered that I have a long growing season. Can’t rush or force the process or the outcome will be garbage. I love the cauldron, magic and humming visuals!
“A long growing season” - I love that. Thank you 😊
So affirming to read that others are so interested in process. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this post. Very helpful. I admire your process.
Oh! This is so good. Thank you for sharing your process. It resonates.
Love this Katie! Your journals look like mind mapping to me. Do you know about that? I find this way of thinking really helpful too. Your process for writing is similar to mine, and I appreciate the reminder that it’s okay to write organically. I do publish regularly to practice that muscle but I keep telling myself that if I don’t have something one week, I can just share a poem or a link to someone else’s fabulous piece, like this one. I like thinking of my piece all week and seeing it grow. I love talking about what I write with my friends and family. I love when writing happens when I’m not writing, when a light goes off while cooking or walking or dancing.
I have heard of mind mapping and in retrospective, you’re right- that is what this practice truly was. “Practicing that muscle” is necessary- I agree. Finding balance in the discipline part is always something I struggle with - for me it’s probably based on some limiting beliefs and I need to delve a little deeper there. I enjoy your weekly posts and look forward to reading them! Thank you for sharing ❤️
I really struggle to journal in this kind of manner. I've always wanted to be this type of journaler but for some reason I want my writing to be fully formed and having bits and pieces of nonsense is hard to do. You make it look so beautiful!
I've been struggling with an essay for OTN. Usually my essays here come very easily. Within a day or two and sometimes within hours, I'll have it down and out. But I've been trying to force an essay to come on a subject I *do* want to write about but apparently am just not ready to write about. So I will wait. And move forward to another subject on my mind.
It’s so frustrating when there’s an idea that doesn’t come through easily. Thank you for sharing! I always appreciate your essays 💚
Thank you!