Writing is an art form

Writing is a form of expression. It enables the creator to unleash inner thoughts, motives and ideas.

Creating a piece of writing is much like creating a piece for the stage; it commences with the inception of a concept and allows your imagination runs wild... 

I have recently read (and experienced) that writing should allow the mind to 'explore more freely since we do not run the risk of losing our previous thoughts.' Miller (1979) cited from Moon (2006 p.87). I have found this to be inherently true, and that writing opens up the mind and can help to untangle the web of thoughts that are trying to reach the surface.

A couple of weeks ago, we had a Skype session with guest speaker Peter Thomas, who really helped and gave wonderful advice on the process of writing. During the workshop, he tasked us with writing for 5 minutes about a topic without stopping, and then afterwards to go back and pick out words or sentences that have power and meaning. It really helped to generate words on the page and I have applied this to my own writing for this project, which I have seen the benefit.

Links between the ideas slowly begin to appear, and a structure starts to form; it looks and feels great - like something has been achieved! Then substance is added to the piece and this is really where the mind can explode, but when the end of a section is reached, it's difficult to know how to move on to the next part...

Finding the transitions by ironing out the creases is usually my favourite component of a project. It brings a sense of fluidity to the piece; it may take a bit of time rearranging before a seamless flow is felt from start to finish.

Then comes the refining stage, where you through it again and again, and again... and again, until you feel that you just can't bear to look at it anymore. But it needs it - it needs to be refreshed. Little points here and there that can be touched up. It can always be improved.

What I have always told myself is that art is subjective and it's never going to be 'perfect'. What might seem perfect to you, will not be quite right to others, and even hated by some. It is always based on opinion... this is especially evident in a review of a theatre production. So, as long as the meaning and content of the piece is there, it should be worthy of appreciation - just like writing... therefore, I shouldn't get so obsessed with perfecting it.

How do you perceive writing?

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