I like to think of the first draft as a sketch, laying out the basic composition and structure, and the editing as adding the subsequent layers of detail and colour. Most of the writing happens in my mind before I begin drafting.
I came to learn that the situation is like having a lighter that’s run out of fluid: you need to refill it to see the spark again.
When I look back on the time in between, there are so many periods where I knew something significant was missing and I now realize it was creative expression.
Sometimes I choose a random five-year period in my life and photograph in my mind as many memories as I can dredge up from that chunk of time. I shuffle through the mental pictures, choose one, and challenge myself to write a poem or story about it.
My audience is a moving target. It’s all about sharing, so each time I compose, I am working for those who share life experience with me.