Final answer:
Advice from famous writers on the writing process varies, suggesting that writing can be a discipline that involves spontaneous emotions followed by reflective revision, the acceptance of imperfect first drafts, and a recursive process of developing ideas. Techniques such as freewriting, detailed outlining, or research can all be effective, depending on the writer's personal preferences. Embracing the full writing process, including revision and resilience, is key to success.
Step-by-step explanation:
When it comes to the writing process, writers often share diverse and sometimes contrasting perspectives on how best to approach their craft. For instance, poet William Wordsworth suggested that good poetry is an “spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings”, but also highlighted the necessity of revising these feelings “recollected in tranquillity”. The idea emphasizes the importance of carefully considering and processing emotions before transforming them into written words. Anne Lamott, on the other hand, advocates for the freedom to write imperfect first drafts, reassuring writers that writing does not need to be perfect from the onset. This notion is supported further by Salman Rushdie who believes the key to writing lies in concentration rather than inspiration.
Knowing that there is no single correct way to begin writing, some authors engage in detailed outlining or research, while others prefer a more spontaneous method like freewriting. Understanding and applying the strategies that work best for an individual writer is crucial. Writing is not usually an effortless endeavor; even experienced writers go through a recursive process, iterating multiple times as they develop and refine their ideas and work toward perfecting their personal writing style. As Thomas Mann articulates, writing is frequently a struggle, involving painstaking labor over every sentence and the readiness to discard much of the written material in the quest for perfection.
Finding a literary text that sparks interest and investigates a specific aspect of it can also be a part of the writing process, as with “Bajadas” by Francisco Cantu or Shakespeare's “Hamlet”. Writers can improve their work by considering feedback from outside sources, but they should also develop the skill to review their own writing effectively. Reflecting on one’s growth as a writer, exploring ideas, and recalling details of events can reveal the underlying reasons that certain memories or thoughts captured the writer’s attention. Lastly, embracing the writing process can be liberating, allowing writers the space to make incremental improvements without the pressure to achieve brilliance in one go.