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Process for me has no exact formula. Most of the time, because I scribble poetry, it is something more spontaneous. So I put it down then try to go back and make it right. Images are important when I write. I try to visualize what I am writing. When I make myself write, it reads processed to me. Still, I am trying to be disciplined in not just writing out of inspiration so to polish skill.

As in most things, there is no single way to do it, and the right way is what works for you. :) Sometimes it is interesting, to me, to see how other people approach writing, especially when (as now) I am experiencing a huge block to any creative work, and need a change.

For me, writing will be spontaneous, I can't force myself to write, no matter what. Sometimes I'll get an idea, then forget it for 6 months before continuing. dialyn is right, there is no single or best way to write, you just have to use your imagination and the time that you have. Writing when not in the mood to write will just be detrimental.

I have to disagree with writing when not in the mood is detrimental I think just the opposite is true. Like any artistic talent, being disciplined to work on skill even when not in the mood is an important element. I know many artists, musicians and I myself worked professionally in the entertainment industry as a singer/dancer. It is the hours and hours of not in the mood practice of scales, riffs, dance positions, and stretching octaves that allowed me the freedom to be creative and expand in moments of passionate inspiration. Why should the art of writing be any different? I think if we want stretch our talents to their full potential it takes the balance of both discipline and creativity.

The difference may be the difference between the amateur and the professional. If writing is a hobby to you, then you have the luxury of choosing to wait for the right moment. If you make your living through writing, you have to write whether or not you are in the mood. There is nothing wrong with being a talented dilettante, but many find a dedicated working schedule to be a priority.

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I think dialyn has a good point there about that being the difference between professional and amateur. In fact, I'm not so sure what I'd think of writing if I were a professional. Then it becomes your job and as most jobs tend to do, it takes a bit of the fun out of the process. Sometimes you just don't feel like writing. I know that inspiration hits me very randomly and spontaneous as well. Sometimes I just have to be in the mood to write. Sometimes writing puts me in the mood to write more. Ah what a fickle love the muse goddess of writing is.