The Writing Process: Moving Forward

Writing is a process of moving forward one character at a time. It is editing and reediting until the story or poems appears perfect or, at least, is as perfect as it can be in the moment. Sometimes the most that you can do is correct spelling and grammar before sending the story out into the world for critics to tear apart.

Write and rewrite, edit and reedit. Get up and take a walk in the rain or pour yourself another cup of coffee before going on to the next project. Life moves forward and so the writing process must advance. Nothing in the world can stand still for very long, if it does then it stagnates or turns stale. An author does not want a musty piece of writing any more then he or she want to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on a stale piece of bread.

Everything, including the plot and the character must go forward, must proceed toward the final curtain and destined goal. The climax of the story eventually comes, the editing and rewriting are completed, and then the written piece goes out into the world for others to see. This is not the end for the writer there is always another project, there is always more to write.