The Creative Process is mad.

            For me, it was. 

Writing two books over three years. Self-publishing my first, my goodness I don’t ever want to do the process like that again.

But yet I kinda do…

After releasing my first book, FreeSense: An Anthology of Sh*t I WROTE. in November, I needed to take a break by spending a few weeks alone with myself. Of-which ultimately proved to be difficult as I was simultaneously starting a new job.

So, as of this moment, there has been zero time away from the work … Only Saturday’s and Sunday’s. I now understand why it took several years to write my first books. Which, also is perhaps a reason why many don’t… But also, why many shouldn’t… I overhear it often, “Oh you should write a book about that…”  Like no, you really shouldn’t. Save it a podcast, or something. Literature is a different beast. 

It is a “process” indeed. An extensive process… The creative process.

– – –

Interestingly – I knew that I would one day publish my work. I completed several creative writing courses as an undergraduate student at the University of Washington. Ultimately, I elected to generalize with a BA in English Literature, and not specifically Creative Writing, because I believed it would be foolish to place all of my eggs into the basket of a subjective industry. 

Back then I was concerned about my career prospects by having a Creative Writing degree. So, I opted to earn a degree in the broader, English Lit. Through completing a diversity of English courses, made me versed around the knowledge and history of the field/craft that is literature.

But even I was aware as young college student that in order for me to have fully vested career as a writer; in-specifically, as a black writer, it would prove to be cumbersome.

I understood that in order to be published by particular publications, that I would be encouraged to write under a particular trope. That I would be “required” to push certain narratives in order to appeal to a wider audience. The general public, aka the masses.

However, I understood initiatively, that I would never compromise my artistic integrity, personal integrity, and my greater message, for acceptance. 

… I recognized this about myself because it was how I had been in nearly every aspect of my life. Throughout the duration of my life.

– – –

As an individual that went to school to learn and to embrace the art & craft of literature; I felt a moral responsibility and duty to push boundaries. To challenge conventional ways of thinking… To express my creativity in a manner which invokes greater inquiry and self-reflection in others. But also acknowledging that: Art does not solve the issue; it only brings it to the surface.

I love and adore the humanities, but I also recognize it’s not going to stop a person’s stomach from growling…

Additionally- there is a difference between an author and a writer.

A writer is the individual who composes the literature.

An author, stamps their name on the cover.

A true writer can detail their creative process. Hopefully it’s ‘insane’… As it should be. Especially, if that artist seeks to truly create something unique, innovative and inspiring for others. But that creation process often requires deep-seated reflection. Much introspection; which often isn’t glorious, nor marketable.

– – –

Over the years, I developed my “literature voice,” my unique style of conveying the message through my written work.

*As a precursor to my present writing style, required me to analyze the historical works of Shakespeare during college. I studied Geoffrey Chaucer, but also Toni Morrison, Octavia Butler, William Faulkner, Melville, Dickens, John Steinbeck etc.  As an undergraduate I had to research and analyze the Harlem Renaissance; not just as a social movement but specifically through its literature. 

Additionally – I’m a child of hip hop as well. Not rap, not popular music. More so; the art of hip-hop. I hold no reservations regarding the influence of the Native Tounges and greater Afrocentrism on me. Positive influences, portrayals, and a collective mindset of consciously-aware consumers. 

Likewise, growing up in Seattle, Washington during the 1990s was interesting. I remember it was a simpler time back then. Life was about being true to who you are.

As a result of the different influences and experiences, it created a unique identity for me. I feel unlike most people. I’ve created my own unique life experiences thus far and I don’t try to replicate others. I’ve never followed trends, or groupthink. My “personal development” has resulted in my evolving literature-voice.

– – –

Eclectic and wide-ranging cultural influences on me, coupled with formal writing training, helped to establish a writing tone. A “literature voice,” which has become prevalent throughout my work. Even in this current piece you are reading, there is also intentionality behind every word that you read.

Honing and mastering sentence structure. The use of tone and additionally literary devices. Always continually sharpening my skills.

To-the-point, where if another individual were to emulate my writing style, one could easily distinguish my “influence” on that author.

My books took me several years to develop before I ever wrote one word on the page… 

For any writer, with greater experience and wisdom, the less the need to “impress” others specifically with diction. But in-greater, through the message.

As I matured, no longer did I feel a desire or need to utilize every multisyllabic word in the dictionary.  Since I learned of the etymology to many words. Simply stating, “big or large word” achieves the same purpose. 

… Through my literature voice; I often switch between formalities through my work. One section might be formal, and the following may be casual, or slang. It’s all about flow… Nobody wants to read a dissertation every time they explore new text. Conversely, people would like to improve their vocabulary by reading. So, with my writing voice, I invite everyone to the table… 

– – –

Truthfully, at this point, I can recognize that even with my formal education and years of experience writing, that had I got a Creative Writing degree, it would have not proved to be a wise investment. So, I’m glad that I didn’t.  However, I’m very happy that I took many of courses.

In modern times, where individuals can simply market themselves as being a writer. So, what difference would it make to publishers, if a person writer listed in their bio; especially when they have significant online followers? Qualifications, competencies, or experience does not suffice. Reach is the priority. 

Although, I recall a time when people purchased their online following. 

Does marketing outreach correlate with an individual’s talent, simply due to having a blue-check?   

Perhaps to the untrained-eye.

– – –

Fortunately – I maintain optimism there are publications who still scour and research for talent. That don’t simply sort-and-filter.

Personally, I write for the genuine love and catharsis that is the art of writing. However – I knew better than to convert it into my job or career. Because I understood by doing that, would ultimately alter my relationship with it.

There is too much instability in literature; especially as a profession.  It has become oversaturated due to the low-barrier of entry. Any person can be a blogger. Anyone can be “journalist” in-modern. They don’t even have to take one journalism course. They don’t have to ever work in a newsroom, like I once did.

They simply have to get verified.

I was cognizant as a student that my future would be better served through achieving and accomplishing things; in the real world. By fixating on my career, and doing what need to be achieved in the community. For myself, but while mentoring others. Essentially, building a real-life narrative, and a story worth telling later.

… I understood that I could always return to literature because it would never escape me. I did not have the time or energy to generate/purchase a social media following. I was working. I was building. Improving my skills, conducting research, and learning history.

I was sitting in important meetings, coordinating conferences and workshops. Attending and hosting community events. Living & enjoying life; all-the-while striving for greater.

… And truthfully, as intriguing and insightful that I believe my written work to be.

The backstory and process behind the creation of my work, is equally as fascinating.

The Creative Process.

– – –

For certain artists, if they have the means (money), they can travel to remote locations to simply create. For particular artists; they prefer solitude and space for introspective and reflection. Often, towards greater reflection of society. This requires zero-to-little external influence.

For me, at least… I am not trying to be influenced by others. Simply inspired or appreciative-of. However- I am influenced by those who preceded me.

I truly enjoy the artists who can detail their process. Explain every facet of the process.

*For myself- my process is extremely…

Meticulous. Intentional. Calculated.

– – –

While writing my first book, Beautiful Trash, I started the writing process at a location on a pier in Seattle… Where nearly 10 years prior, I met with the project coordinators regarding potentially conducting outreach for that project. Of-which I ultimately did not sign-on to.

… And I can admit, reflecting on that decision which felt right at the time; it wasn’t that serious of a matter either. I was young and youthful-minded. I will spare the full details, but my mindset was I did not wish to be tokenized in the process, and I was not trying to be the diverse face of an initiative.

Looking back, I’m unsure if my feelings were an adequate justification. Perhaps, my intuition was accurate during that moment in-time. However, I never held anything against anyone, it wasn’t the best fit. However, the finished location was inviting. So, I actually began my three yearlong book writing process there. The most appropriate way that I could summarize the conception of the process versus the final design was:

“I’m 23 years old and they all sippin’ wine, eating cheese and crackers. The shit looked like they were eatin’ bird food. Too bougie for my tastes.”

And, that was simply how I felt in foreign spaces, during my youth.

As an artist, we often go off intuition. It’s most often what even inspires us to create. However, it also requires us to be reflective & introspective. To look inwardly. Internal. Then, to permit oneself to understand their greater alignment with the external. 

So, off the waterfront. As I ventured down to the water.  For greater reflection and to start my creative process.

– – –

Concluding the initial stage of personal discomfort, I developed a daily writing ritual of writing.

Every single day, I wrote something.

I would challenge myself creatively as well. Such as, writing a single word at the top of the page and then proceeding to free write around the word, timed for two hours. By-hand in notebook. Composing everything manually. Not permitting myself to lift my pen [not pencil] off the page, until the time had elapsed.

For example, I would write “dog” or “shelter”, and I then would force myself to write freely about a dog, and/or a shelter for two hours without using an outline. Or, “marshmallow.” Essentially, any word or phrase. I treated my writing exercises like it were a physical workout.

Concluding that, I would file away the work for a brief period… After a few days, I would transcribe my handwritten notes to my computer.

Then… I would leave it for a few more days. To return back with fresh eyes for the final edit before ultimately publishing on my website.  

Each day, I wrote.  This process became routine. And, was an instrumental component in my creative process.

– – –

During the process of writing my first book, Beautiful Trash, I would visit various locations throughout the city to write. Sometimes… *Well often times, I would write through the middle of the night. [2-3-4 am]

Living in an entertainment district, there was always something occurring in the daytime. Often, I could only hear the sounds of construction vehicles and jackhammers while attempting to write.

For a temporary time in my life, I had a free schedule. So, I flipped it and functioned outside the norm. At two or three in the morning, my circadian rhythm started beating.

Sure, my entire sleep schedule was wonky and I barely got sleep during the creative process. But that was mainly because I didn’t understand how to create “in-moderation.”

If I wrote, then I wrote for hours. I didn’t write for 30-minutes… I wrote for three hours. 

            By-hand too. The hyper-concentration consumed me, and then I ended up lost in it.

The different writing exercises refined my craft as a writer. I honed my skill through writing exercises using only a single word, or short phrase and then creating an entire narrative around it.

The Creative Process.

– – –

I’VE WRITTEN A LOT OF WORK.

I’ve shared it… Not just on here, but elsewhere.

As an artist, I don’t hold back either.

But it does take time and energy to develop a unique writing voice.

Words cannot simply reside in a notebook or notes app.

It’s “personal,” I get it… Even when it’s creative… It’s still personal.  If the work is truly artistic; then people will take it personally.

So, if you’re concerned about that, then you’re not ready to be an artist.

As, it comes with the territory. That’s why real artists often isolate themselves for durations-of-time; in order to create something truly inspirational; without the external influence that comes from social interactions amongst others.

… So, people are going to call you weird for it? Unconventional? “Crazy?” Absofreakinglutly.  

Others are going to abide by social norms. So, don’t take it personal.  Permit others to be themselves, and to fit-in with everyone else.

Pat recognizes true artists. I have been around a few in my life. These are individuals who genuinely live the life. Not, by market themselves through their attire.

A true artist to me is just very, “different.” Their whole essence is strange. There’s an spiritual connections that I feel amongst them. Something that I can only experience while amongst like-minded individuals.

So, don’t be out here mincing your words either.

Be original.

– – –

I moved away into a neighborhood within my hometown… An area where I essentially knew nobody in the community prior. Each day, I would only encounter people whom I did not know. Interestingly in a place where I had essentially lived my entire life. So, it was weird for me.

However- I did not move into this community, simply to move away from people that I akready knew. But rather I moved to the neighborhood to be alone to myself.  For my creative process.

I knew for many years that I was going to write literature. The idea or concept did not just come to me randomly one day, and I just decided I was going to write. Nah, I went to school for it. It was moreso, a matter of timing. I spent several months/years conceptualizing the content; essentially what the narrative would consist-of.  

I also intend to write greater things as well.

However- for the time, specifically moving to an unfamiliar community, provided me with both physical space and mental space to challenge myself and any preconceived social notions that I had.

– – –

THROUGHOUT ANY PERIOD OF TURBULENCE IN MY LIFE, I’VE ALWAYS FOUND SOLACE WITH A PEN AND PAPER.

However – the words I share are never, “emotional.” They’re never influenced by my emotion. Sure, the words I chose may cause readers to feel emotional. However, I am not emotional while composing the words. I have since processed those feelings, prior to ever writing or addressing things publicly. 

… I go through several writing stages. I spend days and weeks with any particular message before I share-out to others. Multiple edits.

Additionally – I am an educated and trained writer. As an artist, sometimes you need space…

To take a step back and reflect. To not merely be influenced, or at the behest of family. Of Colleagues or significant others. Of acquaintances, friends, and/or the media. To, simply be yourself.

When you truly look within, you’re then able to see the greater picture. You can better understand, how easily influenced others are. I’m not saying this is a negative thing either. I’m simply calling it for what it is.  

I’ve matured to realize, instead of reflecting upon a message, people would rather make it personal instead…

… Now, you have separated yourself. Through your art, your career, or in your life. Sometimes through success and achievements.

“… Who is Pat to move into that neighborhood and act like this, that or the third? … Pat thinks he knows everything… Pat’s weird, he don’t be around no more …”

None of which, serve relevance to the actual message. Personally – I was around… I accomplished the things in real-life that I often write and share about virtually. So, there is substance behinds my message. Whether individuals personally agree, or not.

That is also perhaps a reason why my message… why my words profoundly resonate with others. It is because of the substance. The purpose, and its why readers can feel my words. And, sometimes even take them a little too personally…

It’s called, “compos-ition” for a reason. Composure, my friend. There must always be logic and purpose behind the madness.

As an artist, you must be hyper-aware of the world around you. Every nuisance. Every utterance. Every gesture.

As an artist, you must be okay with people conflating the message with the messenger. That’s how it’s always been. It’s human nature.

Be more innovative and creative.

– – –

Moving away to neighborhood, where I was truly to myself. Taught me a lot about myself.

I learned how to embrace everything about me. Every aspect.

Not on some phony-spiritual tip either. But nah, on like…

I took them bullets man. Figuratively.

I scarified a lot for all of “this.” Who I am.

I never purchased followers. I have not, and would never buy anyone’s interest or attention.

And when I compose work, there is sincerity behind it. It’s never for money. It’s not for acclaim or notoriety. It is to push the needle. It is to challenge the status quo. It is to truly empower people. And to rid ourself from under the influence of weak-minded individuals. It’s Darwinism.

The gravitas behind the message that should come across through the literature and discourse because I was trained in it.

I am a writer. A Creative-Intellectual.

It is not my branding. It’s not my marketing. It’s who I have been for my entire life.

*So whew, I said a lot… You read a lot. However, I am certain that you missed even more.

Last thing, it is disrespectful to read anything that I compose one time.

My Creative Process.

Pat Okocha II