have always likened writing to art or photography in that the writer captures a moment in time in the reader’s mind with words.  It is a mysterious process, one that many writers have tried to describe.  Stephen King says “I’ve always wondered who I am when I write because once I’m doing it, I’m not in the room with myself.” I have certainly experienced this when the day after a writing session I read back what I’ve written the day before and wonder where it came from.

For me, it often feels like watching a movie in my head. William Faulkner said it best: “It begins with a character, usually, and once he stands up on his feet and begins to move, all I can do is trot along behind him with a paper and a pencil trying to keep up long enough to put down what he says and does.”

Characters become constant companions and you often forget that they are not flesh and blood beings.  You go through your day wondering what Luce would think of this, or what Marguerite would say about that, knowing that they live only on the pages of your manuscript.

I think the best way to deal with the mystery of creativity is to let it remain a mystery.

Writing is a job, a talent, but it’s also the place to go in your head.  It is the imaginary friend you drink your tea with in the afternoon. ~ Ann Patchett