Writing is no doubt a process, whether that means writing an academic paper, or an article, or just scribbling in a notebook, it takes effort to convert your ruminating thoughts to articulate combinations of words on paper.

At times, not finding the right words can be frustrating, and the real challenge becomes trying to finish the initial thought and still make sense by the end of it. Most writers can sympathize with the struggles of trying to come up with a well-written piece that makes yourself proud, but I find there are often little victories in between the first thought and the last edit that make writing a great part of my life.

1. Finding the right stationary

I’m guilty of being a stationary fanatic, and this means I own enough stationary to start my own little pop-up shop. I’m also guilty of not being able to write “properly” unless I have my giant, green sticky note. Sure, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but as a person who writes on just about anything, there is a certain joy in feeling put together, and when my thoughts are condensed on a giant sticky note as opposed to on the backs of plane tickets and receipts, I feel in control.

2. Finally finding the flow of your “notes”

Writers gather around, you know that moment when you have an idea and you start to scribble (hence the notes being in quotations). At some point, your “notes” are just words on paper, but it feels incredible when you start reviewing these words and suddenly the idea is back, and it’s better. The process of creating cohesiveness out of chaos is just so self-indulgent. If I liked eating chocolate, I assume it would be analogous to that feeling.

3. The moment the writing just clicks together

This point usually applies to the academic writing that begins as a lag. I tend to not give up on my writing once I start it, so I try to just write until it makes sense. This does not work a good portion of the time, but when it does, it’s like the most catalytic feeling ever. Suddenly, you go from an intro that takes an hour and a half to two pages of relevant material.

4. Mood music

Sometimes, writing requires silence, but when it doesn’t I often find myself in a limbo trying to find the “right” music. Am I feeling Bossa Nova? Kanye? A strange indie band that I found on the Starbucks Acoustic Playlist? It is usually a draw, but recently I find that listening to one particular song by Pavarotti helps. Thanks “Caro Mio Ben” for the thoughts you inspire.

5. Coming up with a smashin' title or headline

This is usually the most difficult part of writing for me because I suddenly enter my mind’s competition for the greatest title/ headline ever. Let me tell you though, when you come up with that winning title/headline it just feels like wrapping up the present and admiring it from a couple feet away. I once came up with the title “Magnanimity and the Miser,” and I’m still not over it.