The Writing Process, Acid-Free Ink, and Booster Seats

I've been getting asked about my writing process a lot these days--at readings, via e-mails, from friends and colleagues. I always have to tell people that my process is weird and I stress to them that they shouldn't do what I do.

So basically, here's my process--I don't write for eleven months, and then for one month I read and write frenetically. Again, don't do what I do.

I used to write every day.

I used to write long hand in a journal.

I used to have lots of time to read.

Now--I compose using the word processor.

I don't write many drafts.

I don't save any drafts.

I edit as I write.

I listen to music as I write.

I try to write the poem in about an hour, though often I sit at my desk writing for upwards of three hours.

I'm part of a writers' group, so the knowledge that others are writing elsewhere spurs me on.

I often have multiple books and magazines open while I'm writing and listening to music.

It's a crazy process, but it has worked for me for the past five years.

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I had to buy pens with acid-free ink. U. of Akron decided to produce hard back copies of the book and so I have to sign 125 special edition copies and place a very cool holographic sticker in each book.

I'm a sucker for special pens, so I bought six--five black and one red.

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I went on the prowl for a booster seat--not the kind you put in a car, but the kind you get in restaurants and movie theaters. L. is not happy with his highchair. He wants to be a big boy. He wants to eat at the table.

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Current Spin:

A wee bit of electro-pop for your computer commute.