Writing can be a daunting task for some of us. If I could draw myself in front of a writing assignment, I would sketch myself as a figure in front of an enormous rock at a scale that would size me like an ant. The goal is to break the rock into smaller pieces and create a meaningful mosaic.

The beginning of the process always involves a long phase of procrastination. The prevailing thought is how large this rock is and how difficult it will be to make something out of it. I am fully capable of maintaining a blank ‘New Document’ for hours. Then, the brainstorming begins, typically at a late hour. Random hits on the big rock break off pieces that lay in no particular order on the ground. Ideas come to mind, often at casual moments as while waiting for the bus or taking a shower. Phrases and terms are jotted on any piece of paper. With additional processing enough stones have accumulated to form an outline. Enough notes are written down to serve as a push beyond an imaginary threshold and the words begin to flow more readily off the keyboard. The details are filled in and the text is constantly revised.

There are two strategies that have proven immensely useful. The first is letting go of the text and getting back to it after a few hours or a day. This is where I often find myself wondering. “What was I thinking?” The second, as embarrassing as it might be, is giving the work-in-progress to others. In this case, they wonder, “What were you thinking?” A fresh look from another reader can be insightful. After wiping that last drop of perspiration off your forehead you may just have created something that you and others will like.