Try This Creative Process When Writing Or Composing
6 Steps To Take When Writing an Article Or Writing a Song
Hi guys. So, I had a somewhat weird revelation last night as lay in bed thinking about everything and nothing. Now, this may be somewhat of a “duh” thing for some of you, but, I have a tendency to get excited about realizing things that may or may not be considered obvious to others.
Case in point, I am a musician. I write and record my own original material. I write poetry. I write articles. I write essays in school. I write, write, write. I have been writing things for as long as I can remember.
OK, so check it out. It dawned on me last night that the techniques I use for writing are the same or similar across the board (so to speak) and can be applied to just about any type of writing that one may do.
Whether I’m writing an informative article, a persuasive speech, a poem, an essay, short story (fiction or non), or even music, there is a certain format or guideline that I use. I’m sure the same holds true for all of us. This would be the afore mentioned “duh” thing I was talking about.
We are all different and have our own styles and such. This, of course, is what makes us all unique. I just thought by sharing my overall process, it may help someone gain some insight as to how to develop their own cool process as well as maybe generate some feedback from those of you who are a lot better than myself at this so I can learn from you.
Have a Cool Idea?
Step 1: Carry a note pad
I always carry a note pad around with me. Whenever I have an idea, I write it down. Doesn’t matter what it is or how I write it, as long as it’s enough to jog my memory about it. It sucks to have a cool idea then forget about it because there is no record of it.
Step 2: Feel the vibe
Throughout the day without fail, there will always be a few different things that will burn holes in my head if I don’t expand on them on paper. I like to jot down some ideas about whatever I have in my notepad, then prioritize those ideas. Whatever I get the strongest vibe from is what I put the most energy into writing about.
Step 3: Structure
For me structuring my piece strategically (whether it be a piece of literature or a piece of music) is not only a key factor, but also the most important part of the process. I like to do things that make sense, not only to myself but to others as well.
A good book, article, story, or song will of course have good content, starting with a catchy intro that flows naturally into a body that, if done correctly, keeps the reader or listener interested, again flowing naturally into a conclusions that makes sense. Unpredictability is totally cool, as long as it all makes sense.
Step 4: Review
Before I consider something to be a finished product, I like to review it. I will read something or listen to something that I write over and over until I feel good enough about it to present it to others.
Step 5: Prepare For Impact
Be ready for unpredictable criticism. It happens. I always welcome all criticism. It’s what I learn the most from. When I write about my medical issues, I make sure that all my information is as medically accurate as it possibly can be within my means of research in case I am challenged on it. However, I am aware that there will always be a more knowledgeable authority than myself on everything that I think I may know something about.
Step 6: Be Grateful For All The Input You Get Back
If you get a response (any response), whether it is good or bad doesn’t matter, in the sense that somebody read or listened to something that you wrote. That is a heck of a lot better than receiving no response at all. What’s that saying? “There is no such thing as bad publicity.” Well, kinda-ish. You know what I mean.
The Exception?
While I tend to view the process of all artistic creativity to be as diverse yet similar at the same time as the creators themselves, there is one thing that I think is very interesting that tends to set writers apart from the rest.
Trip on this. Musicians/bands can cover a song either note for note or by putting their own interpretation into it. Either way, it’s a cover of a song written by somebody else. Painters can paint a replica of a masterpiece, sculptures can be copied into different sizes, movie makers can make different or updated versions of old classics, etc.
Writers for the most part have to be pretty much 100% authentic in their craft. For example, how would you re-write To Kill A Mockingbird without changing the story in an attempt to make it your own or put your own twist on it without it being considered plagiarism? You could re-write it word for word but why?
In other words, it’s not as easy for a writer to cover a book, article, poem, essay, and so on as it is for a musician or band to cover a song, or painter a painting, etc. Well, you guys know what I mean, right?
Forgive me, I may have gotten a little off track here. Sometimes I get sidetracked by my own observations.
So, this article touches briefly upon the 6 basic elements that I use while writing. Maybe this will help somebody. Maybe somebody will have something to add to it, or have some advice that might help me. Either way, I hope you had as much fun reading it as I did writing it.
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