i think of writing like a video game. minecraft, specifically. you delve into the dark depths of your own psyche to gather material - stirring stories, emotional hooks - or you explore the overworld of others’ ideas, then use what resources you’ve found to construct unique works of divine architecture. and then u show ur friends.

there’s danger involved too. you dig in the wrong spot and land in a sensitive pit of lava. a mob of zombies tries to cancel you. creepers follow you, ready to bust.

naturally, the final boss, the ender dragon, is writing about your parents.