Writing Process: A Parable

A visual artist has created a space in which to work. Music. Diffuser. All the materials arranged neatly and attentive. She begins to create letting her process help her dance across the canvas.

The gallery owner wants a sneak-peek. The gallery owner is also the visual artist. The visual artist says “no.” She cannot work on abstracts and summaries of her work before it is complete.

The critic wants a preview. The critic is also the visual artist. The visual artist says “no.” Only her trusted friends can see the work in progress. Even then, she bans them from the first steps of creation.

The janitor wants to make sure the space is ready for someone else. The janitor is also the visual artist. The visual artist rebukes the janitor. They cannot ever be in the same space together.

The visual artist must set herself to the task first, keeping boundaries in check, so that she can do her best work. The gallery owner, the readers/critics, and the janitor are all uninvited until it is appropriate for their work to commence.