Zack Daniels

thoughts on the writing process

Before I started writing, I used to think that it was a simple process. Just write the first sentence perfectly and then move on to the next sentence.

But the more I write, the more I realise that that statement is untrue. Writing (and any creative endeavour for that matter) is actually more like sculpting. You start off with a big block of wood, then slowly use a chisel to remove all the unnecessary parts. You'll eventually end up with something that looks more like art than a block of wood.

The writing process is similar too.

I start with writing all my thoughts on a topic or idea. Then keep writing until I can't write anymore. That's my block of wood. My raw material.

Once all my thoughts are out on the page, I'll start cutting it down. That's my chisel. And I keep cutting until I sculpt something that looks like a blog post (or art).

And then I keep cutting until I'm certain that every word in the post is there to serve the explanation of my idea. No more, no less.