The writing process for this writer is by no means a quick one. By the time a piece is edited by anyone else, it has undergone many revisions and much prayer.

Sometimes I add and/or delete lines, take out whole sections, and even go in a different direction. What began as a poem often becomes an essay or a greeting card idea.

A painter adds shading and darker colors to add depth. The sculptor starts with a rough piece of material and then chisels it down to the object he pictured it would become.  The songwriter begins with a line or two and a song develops from there. It is no different with a writer.

Oh, how often an idea comes to me but is gone before I can record it, in one way or another. I wrote the following poem while reflecting on my creative process which often results in many sleepless nights.

  The Writing Process

Ideas floating

around in my head.

Do I really have to get out of bed?

Now, how did that story go?

Do I tell?

Do I show?

Which character said that?

Imaginary or Real?

Taking notes.

Creating the mood.

Excitement.

Dread.

Recording.

Editing.

Cutting.

Re-adding.

Rejection.

Acceptance.

More ideas floating in my head.

Ideas that refuse

to go back to bed.

by

Delores Brouillette Adams