Counting, a poem
Counting is a poem I wrote when I was in a particularly intense drafting period of my novel, THE END, BY ME, which I’m currently querying. I was so laser-focused on my word count that I was burning myself out and making the folks around me bonkers. It took the encouragement and gentle correction of my writing circle for me to realize that an active and vibrant writer’s life is comprised of more than idea generation and fingers at a keyboard. Writing, for those who choose to take it seriously, is a holistic practice…and it all counts.
This poem has been used with permission in a couple of classes where students have personalized it for their writing practice. If you feel any such inspiration, please feel free to alter the words and make it yours. Writing might be something that happens in solitude, but we need community, and I’m happy to share my simple words.
Many thanks to Karen, Ash, and Amanda for helping me see this, and for their unwavering support through each stage of this book—the heartache and joy of it all. I love you each of you desperately.
Counting
by Jennifer McKenna
June 2025
Pantsing counts
Plotting counts
Revising counts
Editing counts
Writing copy counts
Writing essays counts
Writing short stories counts
Writing poetry counts
Writing prompts counts
Writing letters counts
Writing reviews counts
Reading reviews counts
Writing with friends counts
Taking notes counts
Drafting emails counts
Morning pages count
Journaling counts
Teaching counts
Mentoring counts
Critique groups count
Talking with colleagues counts
Talking to myself counts
Thinking about it counts
Daydreaming counts
Pleasure reading counts
Educational reading counts
Reading for others counts
Audiobooks count
E Books count
Book Clubs count
Bookstore visits count
Going to the library counts
Literary Advocacy counts
Literary Citizenship counts
Scrolling Goodreads counts
Podcasts count
Residencies count
Conferences count
Networking counts
Eavesdropping counts
People watching counts
Silence counts
Screaming counts
Taking a break counts
Taking time off counts
Sleeping in counts
Staying up late counts
Taking care of business counts
Therapy counts
Questioning my abilities counts
Belief in my abilities counts
Questioning The Writer’s Life counts
Belief in The Writer’s Life counts
It all counts
Because words count
Because ideas count
Because dreams count
Because I count
YOUR TURN!
Are you a writer, of any experience level, who struggles to maintain a healthy perspective of the creative process? Poetry isn’t my wheelhouse, but if it’s yours, I’d love to hear your thoughts of Counting. Are you a reader, who previously thought that writing was an easy gig? (Rarely, but there are a few exceptions. Mostly, it makes us scream.) Would you be interested in reading more about my writing process in future blogs?
Questions? Comments? Have something else entirely you’d like to share? I love hearing from readers.
