Geoff Pevere Ritual Analysis

Writers share the rituals of writing—or not is an article by Geoff Pevere detailing the various rituals shared—and not shared—by an assortment of writers, ranging from poets and novelists, to journalists and cartoonists. I found this article both interesting and entertaining, but, as a writer, also very easy to identify with. According to Pevere, “the [writing] process always involves certain rituals of delay” (1). This “navigation of perpetual inertia” is definitely something that resonates with me as a writer (Pevere 1). For me, starting is always the most challenging and lavishly avoided aspect of writing. Pevere later meditates over whether this universal procrastination is a product of inertia, fear, or neurosis (1). I would argue it…show more content…
When it comes to how I avoid getting started writing, I am like Jennica Harper, in that I “read the entire internet first” (Pevere 2). As Pevere stated, the internet (and technology in general) offers infinite diversions; it is one of the modern day challenges for today’s writer (2). For this reason, where I write is similar to Lorna Crozier because I, too, need to “drop out of the electronic world” (Pevere 2). However, I do not have any specific, designated area to write. I somewhat agree with Jacob McArthur Cooney, when he says “flexibility, like tenacity, is an important source of independence,” however, I do not feel that this is entirely true. In my case, where I write depends on what I am writing. So, I do not have a fixed location, but I do need to be in an environment that is suited to whatever I am trying to channel. For example, if I am trying to communicate isolation, pain, hopelessness, or some other dismal feeling/idea, I need to immerse myself into an environment that is particularly austere or dreary, like a room with blank walls and harsh, fluorescent lighting. But if I am trying to communicate warmth, contentment, or tranquility, I seek out locations that are comfortably furnished, with soft, warm lighting or décor. When it comes to idiosyncrasies, mine are plentiful. When I can help it,…show more content…
“‘I spend a lot of time at my desk groaning, wondering why on earth I'm putting myself through it. I spend a lot of time in a state of panic. But when writing goes well, it's marvelous.’” (Pevere 3). To me, this is the most interesting and thought-provoking excerpt in the article because it proves that much of writing is hard work. These words are also very encouraging and eye-opening to me because I used to think the emotions described were a sign that I was not truly a writer. It is refreshing and comforting to know that even a successful novelist such as Waters experiences the doubt, fear, and strain that I feel when writing. This statement discredits the idea that writing is always fun and free-flowing. I feel like I can now, after reading this, write with a little more confidence because I know there are others out there—groaning, wondering, and panicking—just like