In a recent post we looked at how the creative process has many stages, and how writing is no exception, and how each stage requires different skills and tools. And how, when we get stuck or frustrated with our writing and maybe beat ourselves up, it’s often because we’ve forgotten or are unaware which stage we’re at, or have mixed up the stages, line editing when we’re producing raw material, for example.
Another analogy I sometimes use in my workshops is the cotton boll. Raw cotton is white and formless. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, crappy, useless, etc etc. and is never going to be a shapely and colourful garment. It’s just what it is. It simply has to go through a series of processes.
And while we’re on the subject of fabrics, I like to recall the origin of the word ‘text,’ which often gives rise to aha! moments. It comes from the Latin verb texo texere texui textum meaning to weave; to twine together, plait; to put together, construct, build; of speech and writing: to compose.
So textum is woven cloth, a web; fabric.
Your text is something you’re weaving, building up from many different strands. The final pattern, the complete design emerges little by little. So weave away, without judgement, with patience, with love.
