 The writing process is complex and multifaceted, with multiple stages of planning, translation, and revision. Traditionally, it has been viewed as a linear process, but our research shows that it is actually composed of cycles of exploration and exploitation. As writers approach their final versions, the number of cycles decreases, indicating that the writing process becomes increasingly streamlined. The data collected from the writing clouds provides insight into the writer's thought process and can help us develop tools to optimize the writing process. This article was authored by Donald Rogiero Lo Sardo, Pietro Gravino, Christine Cusley, and others.