This past weekend I created a semblance of order, noting some gems among the gritty rough of first thoughts, spirals of ideas, and stream-of-consciousness notes from these notebooks. I also found some valuable reminders. Thanks ladies.
This poetic description of the lyrical alchemy of translating an idea into words into a cogent piece of literature, or at least a really convincing story, speaks directly to the complexity of the entire writing process from seed to bloom. (Dang, that was a long sentence.)
...And you're well one your way to attaining the ten-thousand-hours Malicolm Gladwell argues in Outliers it takes to master something, or at least become incredibly proficient.
In other words, don't be a phony. Instead, write with authenticity, heart, and relatability. (Not sure that's a word, but just go with it.)
I'm taking these reminders with me as I write, revise, and polish—and keep it old school with my spiral noties. Wish me luck.