"The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly alive."
~ Thich Nhat Hanh
A Writing Log
Sometimes I wonder what I am doing on my writing dates. I know that I am spending a good chunk of time at my desk, but it doesn't feel like any work is getting done. To stop myself from just sitting there, staring out the window and calling it 'writing' I keep a writing log. After every writing session I jot down what I worked on and how much got written. This way I can't cheat. And it makes me much more productive when I know someone is looking over my shoulder - even if that someone is only me.
Dialogue Exercise
Use this line of dialogue in a short story. It can be the first line, the last line or any line in between!
"It was easy."
"It was easy."
Show Up
I am often asked where I get my inspiration from and I never have a proper answer. I still don't, so don't get your hopes up that I am about to give away some heavily guarded writer's secret. I suppose I find inspiration everywhere. There is a quote I like (though I can't remember who said it) and I've probably used it on the blog before, but it goes: "All art is inspired by either nature or other art."
I agree with that. So I think that is a good place to start. If you want to be inspired take a walk outside or go to an art gallery or to the symphony or read something great. Those things work for me.
But don't wait to be inspired before you sit down to write. That's really what I wanted to say to you today. If you make a commitment to write once a day, or twice a week or whatever - do it. If you have made a writing date with yourself, keep it. Because what I have consistently found over the twenty plus years that I have been writing is this: when I show up consistently and faithfully so does the muse. Really. And words and stories and books get written that way.
No one hates to be stood up as much as the muse. Trust me. Show up for her. Show up for your writing. Show up for you.
I agree with that. So I think that is a good place to start. If you want to be inspired take a walk outside or go to an art gallery or to the symphony or read something great. Those things work for me.
But don't wait to be inspired before you sit down to write. That's really what I wanted to say to you today. If you make a commitment to write once a day, or twice a week or whatever - do it. If you have made a writing date with yourself, keep it. Because what I have consistently found over the twenty plus years that I have been writing is this: when I show up consistently and faithfully so does the muse. Really. And words and stories and books get written that way.
No one hates to be stood up as much as the muse. Trust me. Show up for her. Show up for your writing. Show up for you.
That Calls for a Celebration
Geez, I just noticed that yesterday's post was the 500th one for this little blog. I have been rambling on for over 3 years now. Thanks to everyone who stops by. You are all delightful. Feel free to break out the champagne on my behalf now!
Week #168
When Aunt Velma was sixty-eight years old she announced, one Sunday over a roast beef dinner, that she intended to learn how to ride a unicycle.
Quote
"We have an innate desire to endlessly learn, grow and develop. We want to become more than what we already are. Once we yield to this inclination for continuous and never-ending improvement, we lead a life of endless accomplishments and satisfaction."
~ Chuck Gallozzi
~ Chuck Gallozzi
Good News
I am thrilled to report that I contributed to an article in the February issue of the awesome magazine (and essential reading for all writers) The Writer. The issue is on newsstands now. The article is called, "40 Prompts to Get You Writing." There are oodles of inspiring ideas in it.
Check out the issue here.
Check out the issue here.
Goals
Have you set any writing goals for 2012? It is tempting, but vague, to say you want to be a writer. Or to declare that you want to write more. One reason that people don't reach their goals is that they are not clear enough on what they actually want.
So give some thought to:
- what sort of writing would you like to do
- what projects would you like to start or finish
- decide how much writing would you like to do by this time next year
- decide how often you would like to write each week and for how long
Just as you would not set out on a trip without a map, plot a course for your writing. Aim yourself in the direction of success!
So give some thought to:
- what sort of writing would you like to do
- what projects would you like to start or finish
- decide how much writing would you like to do by this time next year
- decide how often you would like to write each week and for how long
Just as you would not set out on a trip without a map, plot a course for your writing. Aim yourself in the direction of success!
Quote
"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one."
~ Mark Twain
What big goals do you have for yourself and your writing this year? How can you break it down into small steps and get started today?
~ Mark Twain
What big goals do you have for yourself and your writing this year? How can you break it down into small steps and get started today?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
