03 Planning versus Improvising
What do I do if I don't like to plan my writing?
Hello there,
It's that time of year again when I get the urge to bake like crazy. The house smells amazing with baked apples - a simple pleasure that fills me with contentment. I love how easy it is.
Today I’ll write about my thoughts around writing practice. Honestly, as a visual artist venturing into the world of writing, I can’t help feeling like a beginner in a room full of experienced writers. It’s like stepping onto an ice link for the first time - nervous and tight with every move. Initially, I thought I could churn out a post every week, but the reality is quite different. The pace is almost painfully slow!
I catch myself wondering: Am I writing too much or too little? Do I have too many points, should I break it into another post, or does any of this even make sense? Maybe it’s a mix of my overthinking habit and the learning curve. Right now, I’m thinking a lot about one particular topic: planning versus improvising.
At first, I tried following the common advice of planning enough content in advance to feel secure, ensuring I always have something to share so that I can create art without worrying about writing. However, my creative instincts rebelled against this method. Whether in art or writing, I don’t want it to feel like a scheduled product. (Actually, I’m not a fan of planning in my life either - I’m the worst at responding to invitations unless I feel like turning up on that day!)
I value the improvisational quality of creativity; I simply want to explore what’s inside me at the moment and let it flow. I believe that’s where the magic is. It feels not only more exciting but also truthful. My days are already filled with planned activities, from picking up the kids to meal planning and responding to emails, to name a few. I crave less of that, especially within my art practice.
Speaking of improvisation, Patricia Ryan Madson beautifully talks about this topic in her book “Improv Wisdom”:
When the human heart has something to say, saying it is always timely. Improvisers always speak without a plan. Discover the freedom that comes when you trust that you have what you need.
So, do I go at this completely improvising every time? It might sound artistically cool, but I’m not sure. I also appreciate structures and routines to some extent, especially in a self-driven project like this. Finding a balance between planning and improvisation is my goal. I guess I’ll figure it out as I go, hoping to move towards what comes with ease one step at a time. Proceeding with uncertainty feels a bit uncomfortable indeed, but after all, isn’t everything part of the learning process?
Thanks for sticking around. Do you find yourself more drawn to improvisation, or do you thrive on planning? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Akiko
It's always a constant act of balance between those two! I am a person who likes planning most of the times, but in between plans my creativity and improvisation often takes control and mess it up my plans. I tend to accept it and just keep doing it the way it feels right at the moment. The path I feel more joy is the one I choose! P.S.- I love already the way you write and express your thoughts, feels natural.
I know exactly how it feels. Writing is a new world to me, but it has been a great experience so far. Although I am a very slow writer... I write only about what interests me, not what others might want to read (of course I hope others will find it interesting too). I stick to a schedule, because I need structure otherwise I am at risk at throwing it over board. I am not yet at the point that I don‘t have anything interesting to write about anymore, but I am worried that this point might come. We will see. I am with you - art should be spontaneous and free of planning, but as I said a bit of planning at least regarding my writing is helpful not to get lost.