My Philosophy of Writing
Deartra D. Madkins-Boone
"Writing is a journey... imagine, create, express, connect, reflect, and inspire!"
The Essence of Writing
Writing, for me, is a profound and intricate art form—a delicate dance between thought and expression. It’s more than just putting words on paper; it’s about manifesting ideas, emotions, and experiences. Writing is a means of communication transcending time and space, allowing me to connect with readers meaningfully and impactfully. This writing philosophy explores the essence of the craft, the process, and the purpose that drives me to create.
The Inspiration and the Idea Every piece of my writing begins with an idea, a spark of inspiration that ignites the creative process. This inspiration can come from anywhere—a person’s name, a picture, a street name, or a Bible story. Jean Cocteau's notion that inspiration results from "unknown forces" within us captures this initial spark's mysterious and often unpredictable nature. The idea must be nurtured and given the space to develop. It floats in my mind, sometimes deemed outlandish, but these seemingly absurd ideas usually must be written down.
The Writing Process My writing process is a journey that starts with inspiration and ends with a completed piece of work. This journey involves several stages:
Capturing the Idea: The moment an idea is deemed worthy, it must be written down immediately. Waiting even a short time can alter the idea or result in its loss. Technology has become an invaluable tool in this stage, allowing me to capture ideas quickly and efficiently, though it can sometimes be misinterpreted as a distraction in professional settings.
Contemplation and Prewriting: Once the idea is captured, it must be contemplated and developed. This involves thinking about the concept in fragments, often over days or weeks, and writing down them as they come. It’s a mental preparation and organization process, usually leading to an outline.
Outlining: Outlining is a crucial step that provides a skeleton for the work. It helps organize thoughts and details, ensuring no vital part of the story is omitted. This step also allows for creative tangents and moments that can enrich the writing.
Drafting: The first draft is typically handwritten, as this method allows for a more natural flow of ideas. Writing by hand creates a unique connection between my brain and the pen. The color of the lines on the paper and the type of notebook can affect my writing, indicating the importance of the environment and tools in the creative process.
Typing and Revising: After the first draft is written, it is typed on a computer. This stage often involves minor edits but primarily serves to solidify the work. The draft is then left alone for a period, allowing me to return to it with fresh eyes. The revision phase is meticulous, improving readability, making meaningful changes, and ensuring the work is polished.
The Purpose of Writing Writing, for me, is not just a personal endeavor but a communal one. The purpose of my writing extends beyond myself to touch and influence others. It is a means to convey inner thoughts and emotions, connect with others, and impart valuable knowledge. My writing is driven by a desire to inspire hope, encourage faith, and promote personal growth. Each piece of work is an opportunity to share a part of myself with the world, to be vulnerable and open, and to foster a sense of community among readers.
The Role of Critique Receiving feedback and critique is an essential part of my writing process. It helps improve the work and reminds me of my strengths and areas for growth. While criticism can be challenging to accept, it is vital to becoming a better writer. I strive to remain true to myself and remember that not everyone will appreciate or understand my work. The key is to focus on the positive impact my writing can have on those who resonate with it.
Celebrating Success Acknowledging and celebrating successes is often overlooked but crucial. Each completed writing is a testament to the journey and effort invested. I celebrate these milestones by reflecting on the process, revisiting idea journals, and reading the finished work for enjoyment. This step reinforces my belief in my abilities and motivates me to continue writing.
My writing philosophy reflects my journey—exploring inspiration, process, purpose, critique, and celebration. It is a dynamic and evolving practice that requires dedication, patience, and a deep love for the craft. Through writing, I share my stories, connect with others, and leave a lasting impact on the world. As a writer, I embrace the creative process, trust in my unique voice, and continually strive to inspire and uplift through my words.
The Inspiration and the Idea Every piece of my writing begins with an idea, a spark of inspiration that ignites the creative process. This inspiration can come from anywhere—a person’s name, a picture, a street name, or a Bible story. Jean Cocteau's notion that inspiration results from "unknown forces" within us captures this initial spark's mysterious and often unpredictable nature. The idea must be nurtured and given the space to develop. It floats in my mind, sometimes deemed outlandish, but these seemingly absurd ideas usually must be written down.
The Writing Process My writing process is a journey that starts with inspiration and ends with a completed piece of work. This journey involves several stages:
Capturing the Idea: The moment an idea is deemed worthy, it must be written down immediately. Waiting even a short time can alter the idea or result in its loss. Technology has become an invaluable tool in this stage, allowing me to capture ideas quickly and efficiently, though it can sometimes be misinterpreted as a distraction in professional settings.
Contemplation and Prewriting: Once the idea is captured, it must be contemplated and developed. This involves thinking about the concept in fragments, often over days or weeks, and writing down them as they come. It’s a mental preparation and organization process, usually leading to an outline.
Outlining: Outlining is a crucial step that provides a skeleton for the work. It helps organize thoughts and details, ensuring no vital part of the story is omitted. This step also allows for creative tangents and moments that can enrich the writing.
Drafting: The first draft is typically handwritten, as this method allows for a more natural flow of ideas. Writing by hand creates a unique connection between my brain and the pen. The color of the lines on the paper and the type of notebook can affect my writing, indicating the importance of the environment and tools in the creative process.
Typing and Revising: After the first draft is written, it is typed on a computer. This stage often involves minor edits but primarily serves to solidify the work. The draft is then left alone for a period, allowing me to return to it with fresh eyes. The revision phase is meticulous, improving readability, making meaningful changes, and ensuring the work is polished.
The Purpose of Writing Writing, for me, is not just a personal endeavor but a communal one. The purpose of my writing extends beyond myself to touch and influence others. It is a means to convey inner thoughts and emotions, connect with others, and impart valuable knowledge. My writing is driven by a desire to inspire hope, encourage faith, and promote personal growth. Each piece of work is an opportunity to share a part of myself with the world, to be vulnerable and open, and to foster a sense of community among readers.
The Role of Critique Receiving feedback and critique is an essential part of my writing process. It helps improve the work and reminds me of my strengths and areas for growth. While criticism can be challenging to accept, it is vital to becoming a better writer. I strive to remain true to myself and remember that not everyone will appreciate or understand my work. The key is to focus on the positive impact my writing can have on those who resonate with it.
Celebrating Success Acknowledging and celebrating successes is often overlooked but crucial. Each completed writing is a testament to the journey and effort invested. I celebrate these milestones by reflecting on the process, revisiting idea journals, and reading the finished work for enjoyment. This step reinforces my belief in my abilities and motivates me to continue writing.
My writing philosophy reflects my journey—exploring inspiration, process, purpose, critique, and celebration. It is a dynamic and evolving practice that requires dedication, patience, and a deep love for the craft. Through writing, I share my stories, connect with others, and leave a lasting impact on the world. As a writer, I embrace the creative process, trust in my unique voice, and continually strive to inspire and uplift through my words.