I’ve gotten the questions ‘how do you do it?’ ‘What’s the writing process like?’ on several occasions. So, this is how I do it, this is how I do it… (inserts musical notes emoji). Okay, jokes apart.

I wish I could tell you that I have one particular way I engage with my creative process, but if I say so, I’d be lying. My people will say ona kan o w’oja, which simply means that not only one route leads to the market.

The same goes for my creative writing process. Not only one way works for me. In recent times, I’ve been exploring poetry and I’ve had several ways of engaging with each poetry piece, but I’ll be focusing on my writing process in creating prose pieces, which are often longer than poems.

For me, (now this is for me, and by no means should you try to copy me or any of your other famous and favourite authors. Find what works for you and stick to it) I’ve noticed two things.

The first is STRUCTURE.

The second is TAKING WINGS.

Structure reflects the ‘sane’ side of me. This method seems to be popular amongst writers. Who doesn’t love some structure, even if it’s a bit? So, here, I’ve mapped out the story from the beginning to the end, and also drawn out every character using a template and thinking about the role they’ll be playing (check out the image, but ignore my scrawly handwriting. It comes with the (my) package). With my structure, I develop the story based on my major plot points, fitting in every character.

Here and there, as the story progresses, I see myself driving on another lane—taking wings—and this is why I’m never rigid with my structuring.

Taking wings is my ‘crazy’ side. I go with the flow and allow the characters hold the reins. They’re in charge and they determine what happens, where it happens, to whom it will happen, and the ripple effect across the whole story. I don’t know their next line of action until they think it through. I know this sounds crazy. I’m the writer, aren’t I? Well, I can’t explain it, but that’s how it is. My characters have a mind of their own and they know how to use it well.

A wee example. I’m at my desk staring at my blank screen. I write the first sentence (picture me breathing life into the nostril of a still character), and the character jumps awake and takes over, while I follow like a loyal servant till the character has achieved her aim.

For poetry, it’s different because most of the time—say 60 per cent—my emotions determine what and how I write, and the other 40 per cent is from observation. There are times when it’s a beautiful blend of emotions and observation in a piece. The last poem I uploaded is an example of emotion and observation. Read it HERE

All these just to say, there isn’t one way and you don’t have to follow a one-way street of approaching your creative work. And this is a SUBTLE reminder not to try to copy someone’s way. Find your path and stick to it, explore it. You’d be glad you did. Years down the line if I’m to write about my creative process, I might have something different to say. Why? Exploration and experimentation! Writing is a journey, a continuous process.

Wait a minute! Wondering where I get my inspiration? Look out for a poem I’ll be sharing soon.

And before you go, how do you approach your creative process? Do you mind sharing with me (and everyone)? Please do!

Oluwakemi.