The Creative Process
Every artist arrives at a blank page with the same question: where do I begin? The creative process is not a linear one; it involves a lot of hair-pulling, sleepless nights, and fussing over details. But few things match the satisfaction of completing a creative project. For some, translating the ideas from one’s head into a work of art is what life is all about. So, how do you get started and overcome the hurdles that are sure to follow?
Brainstorming.
We all want to wake up with a mind that’s full of inspiration - if only we could sit down, and instantly access a vein of unlimited creativity. Unfortunately, the writing process is rarely this simple. You can’t wait for ideas to happen; you need to work to create them. A project rarely begins with a fully developed plotline, so don’t feel discouraged if you make it up as you go. Many writers start with one idea or event that interests them. When you see something that grabs your attention, make a note of it. Hold on to the things that get your creative brain excited; chances are, they’ll excite your reader, too.
If you aren’t ready to start writing yet, it’s worthwhile to keep the concepts fresh in your mind. Dedicate some time each day to thinking about and refining your ideas. This allows your subconscious to work away at the problems during your daily life. I like to go over plotlines and character developments before I go to sleep, hoping that I’ll solve the issues in my dreams.
Drafting.
Time for some honesty: whenever I write a first draft, I’m ready to throw it in the garbage as soon as I finish it. But then I remind myself that this is normal. First drafts are like a trial run; you’re putting ideas on the page to see if they’ll pass the test. Your writing hasn’t been edited or refined yet, so you can’t expect perfection. Think of books written by your favourite authors - they didn’t complete those masterpieces in one sitting. It’s quite the opposite; from start to finish, a novel takes months of writing, editing, and proofreading by multiple people.
At this stage, the important part is that you show up to work. Write a little each day to keep the ideas fresh in your mind. If you want to publish dozens of best-selling novels, like Stephen King, take his advice: write every day. When you regularly work out those writing muscles, you’ll find that it becomes easier to let the words flow.
Editing.
Ever heard the phrase, “kill your darlings”? It’s time to pick up your red pen. Leave no scene unfinished, plot hole unfilled, or character undeveloped. Personally, the editing stage is my favourite part of the process. The writing starts to shine, and all that self-doubt pays off. Even though it is satisfying, this process is also maddening. Be prepared to read the same sentence over and over, feeling like you want to bang your head on the wall because something isn’t right. It takes patience, precision, and dedication. But editing makes the difference between a sub-par story and one that stays in the reader’s head for months. At this stage, you might want to share your draft with a trusted bibliophile. Choose someone who’s willing to read your work and be honest with you about its quality.
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Daryn Arnott is a writer in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She spends her time working as a marketing content writer, finishing her B.A. at the University of Winnipeg, and taking care of her blue-tongued skink.
