The Process of Writing: Personal Narrative

Is it perfect? No. Does it have to be? No. Author and illustrator Marjane Satrapi will agree. “I am very much a fan of imperfection, actually” (Root 81). She is a well-known graphic novelist. I admire Satrapi. Satrapi has written many graphic novels, but she is most known for Persepolis. She and I as writers have many similarities even though I am not a graphic novelist. We begin our process in a trance like state that allows ones’ mind to effortlessly float on paper. We enjoy lots of brainstorming and believe in the power of visuals. I do not use illustrations in my creative work like she does. Instead I use words to create imagery in one’s mind. I am an artist of sorts, and enjoy many mediums of expression. I believe that though I do not use visuals, my creative ability is clearly illustrated just as the ink on this paper. It is black and white, or so you think.

I like to write in quiet spaces mostly, although music filled spaces can metamorphosis audible emotions into words on paper. Different spaces allow for different outcomes. Outside environments produce happy work. Home usually is reserved for serious works that require pure focus. Coffee shops make for amusing writings; I wonder why being in a room of people makes me want to crack jokes? I choose to write wherever the mood is most appropriate for my writings.

To begin brainstorming I usually start with words and phrases. I’ll ask questions to search for forgotten answers. I tend to write sentences, both long and short with incorrect grammar. I must write whatever I can quickly to relate what I am feeling at that exact moment before it leaves me. My work is jumbled and confused. Bubble map? No thanks. I embrace the chaos preferring to use many words that play with diff...

... middle of paper ...

... I try to use descriptive phrases and more or less paint a picture fluid and moving to engage the reader. Communicating my feelings through visual descriptions on paper help me to reach for my intended purpose for writing, I don’t want to limit myself. Creatively this allows me to paint outside the lines. Learning about ones’ own personal writing style hopefully gives freedom in your own writing. It is ok to be different, break the rules, and write new ones. Marjane Satrapi said it best, “You have to cheat, you have to make some angle around there, because the story has to turn, so that is the reconstruction of what we do” (Root 79).

Works Cited

Root, Robert. “Interview with Marjane Satrapi, author of Persepolis.” Understanding Rhetoric: A Graphic

Guide to Writing. The Basics. Visual Rhetoric. Readings. Ed. Dore Ripley. Pleasant Hill: DVC, 2013

78-82. Print.