The creative process is often thought of as a spontaneous one, a personal one, which often argues against goals. Goals being irrelevant to the moment. Yet, creativity is a process shaped both by time and technique. The blank page awaits all artists. Unless time is spent, nothing happens. Giving more time is a goal that can assist success. Working to improve technique is another goal. Working to understand how the pieces go together; how creative standards are reached; and what variations have been used to good effect, are all goals that will benefit the process and the end result.

Art is not simple despite the opinion of some. As a writer, just because I put some words on the page does not mean I have completed the process. However, with time and thought, I can edit, rewrite, edit, rewrite, and edit again. Hopefully, all that additional effort will complete the process, ending in a work that meets certain standards. Standards based on technique and style. Standards that vary with each publisher. But knowing what each publisher wants assists me in making my submissions. That then becomes another goal – understanding the external standards by which I will be judged. And of course, submitting. Submitting despite the oft received “thank you, but, no thank you”

Yet, often there is an unwillingness to say “I’m done”. It shows a certain discernment of the variations in context and dynamic. It indicates a capacity to compare and decide. The making of choices is based on something. Having that something in hand is a goal. Dismissing that something as complete is important. Therefore, in a way, dissatisfaction is a goal.