I was trying to tease out some of the ingredients of the writing process (for me at any rate) In trying to help others it’s often good to try and work out what we do ourselves – often instinctively, or so fast that we don’t even notice it.

I wonder where you get that feeling of recognition yourself when you’re writing?

Joanna

This is an aspect of writing that isn’t often discussed. Thanks for the insights!

Jeanne

I’ve started reading a friend’s copy of ‘Blink’ but haven’t got into it properly yet. Sounds like I should.

Thanks for sharing part of your own writing experience – that feeling when you know “that gut thinking hasn’t made it all the way to the surface yet..”

For me some of the best writing moments are when we are in tune with what’s ‘in the gut’ and are finding the words to get it up to the surface, and out there…

Best wishes and thanks once again for the inspiration for this post

Joanna

Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a thoughtful comment.

I’m not a poet but recognise that feeling in your stomach when you know a piece of writing is done.

I wonder where we’d feel it as a reader of his poems?

Joanna

That’s it exactly! Have you read Malcolm Gladwell’s “Blink”? Fascinating book, all about the “thinking without thinking” that comes from the unconscious mind.

I also love the Kinnell quote: “it is finished when it is memorized, not just in the head but in the stomach.”

That’s how I know when a story’s done. I can just feel it. And there are other times when I know it isn’t done, but I can’t yet figure out what’s wrong. That gut thinking hasn’t made it all the way to the surface yet.

Terrific post, and thanks for the link!

There is so much truth to that and what you say here. There is a feeling when it is finished that you just know. Until then, there is doubt.

Nice writing Johanna, I’ll be back!