Exploring the Writing Process: From Brainstorming to Publication

As a poet, my journey to penning a poem often begins with a blank slate and a flowing mind. This article delves into the diverse and sometimes unpredictable nature of the poetry writing process, exploring various methods and anecdotes from seasoned poets to inspire and guide aspiring writers.

The Unpredictability of Inspiration

Every poet has their own unique process, and for some, the source of their inspiration can come from a multitude of unexpected places. Often, poetry arises from a random spark, or a fleeting moment of emotional intensity. Whether it's a line that strikes you, or a chance encounter that triggers a cascade of thoughts, the inspiration can come from anywhere. As Meeta aptly puts it, 'Sometimes it the way I'm feeling, or what I'm thinking about. Sometimes I think of one catchy line and I'm off to the races. Sometimes I'll hear some dumbass jingle and then there I go.'

The Importance of Immediate Expression

Meeta emphasizes the importance of capturing fleeting ideas immediately: 'When the idea crops up in mind at once, it should be written. Otherwise, the idea will vanish, and different thoughts will emerge. Therefore, the process of writing must immediately take place.' This underscores the value of spontaneity and the necessity of capturing the essence of the moment before it slips away.

The Role of Automatic Writing

Automatic writing, a method that originated with the surrealists, allows the poet to tap into their subconscious mind. As an alternative to formulating a specific idea before writing, automatic writing encourages the free flow of thoughts, which can sometimes lead to unexpected and profound creations. This technique can be seen as a way to bypass the limitations of a preconceived narrative, allowing for a more authentic and raw expression of the poet's psyche. As I discovered, 'I came to trust that the most intimate writings of a poet are the ones that are drawn by "automatic writing." This method pieces together whatever thoughts arrive to your mind, creating art without direction or pre-conceived form.'

Bringing Reality to the Poem

While automatic writing offers a unique approach, many poets find that having a clear idea in mind is essential for turning a collection of thoughts into a cohesive poem. As Meeta notes, 'Writing a poem one should have an idea in mind, and that is the reality of poem writing in general. The flow of words comes automatically in certain cases, and an important fact is that when the idea is cropping up in mind at once, it should be written. Otherwise, the idea will vanish, and different thoughts will be emerging from the mind, therefore, the process of writing must immediately take place.'

Embracing Unique and Relatable Poetry

The beauty of poetry lies in its ability to convey both unique and universal experiences. As Meeta highlights, 'Being unique is the main focus. It can be anything about others or us, relatable if simple, and memorable if stories are ample. That's what says my poetry.' Whether the poet is drawing from personal experiences or exploring broader human emotions, the goal is to create a narrative that resonates with the reader.

The Journey of Publishing

The process of sharing one's poetry goes beyond the act of creation. It involves the publication of the final product. For those like me, who have published their work, the experience can be both exhilarating and humbling. For instance, Meeta shares: 'As soon as I start writing, the pen by itself starts moving as if an inevitable force. I wonder what's the source. People ask when and how, I reply why not now. All they want is the beautiful rhyme, expressing their entire good time. Being unique is the main focus, and it can be anything about others or us, relatable if simple, and memorable if stories are ample. That's what says my poetry.'

Exploring the writing process, from brainstorming to publication, allows poets to tap into their most authentic selves and share their unique visions with the world. Whether through automatic writing, spontaneous inspiration, or deliberate exploration of ideas, the journey of writing poetry is as varied and valuable as the final product.

Conclusion

In this article, we've delved into the diverse methods that poets use to create their work. From the unpredictability of inspiration to the importance of immediate expression, automatic writing to the power of relatable storytelling, each step of the process is crucial. Whether you are an experienced poet or a novice, embracing your unique process and sharing your poetry can be a rewarding journey. So, let's write our poetry and capture the beautiful moments in our lives, rather than finding them in someone else's poems.

Thank you for reading!

~Meeta