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Write about sleeping
How to get started writing? Write.
Write about the best of intentions
Write about a time you wanted to leave but couldn't
You're waiting...
Write about taking risks
There is a memory of a ____________
Write about a bed
The last we heard
You got it second hand
Write about receiving messages<
Write one true thing
This is a prayer
Thoughts from a Queen-sized bed
I want to return to that place
You received a letter
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As a checklist, ask yourself the following questions, which are, in themselves building blocks for a sustainable process. How you answer them will tell you where you might need to make changes or focus your attention. Answer each question with true/false, yes/no, or always/sometimes/never, whichever works for you. And if you go beyond one-word answers and use your notebook to write a few sentences in response to the questions, you might find yourself in a heart-to-heart dialogue with your writer-self.
1. I identify myself as writer. When someone asks me what I do, I answer, “I’m a writer.” Or at least I always include it. “I earn my living as a teacher, and I’m a writer.” Or, “I’m a writer and my day job is biomedical research.”
2. I give myself affirmations, claiming myself as writer: notes in my notebook or journal, stuck on my bulletin board or computer, on the bathroom mirror; or by saying them out loud to myself. “I am a writer writing.” “I honor myself when I write.” “I am most authentic when I write.” (These may sound silly, but writing affirmations really works. Take it from someone who’s done it.)
3. I have a special writing space. Even if I actually write all over town - in cafes, in my car, at the beach, at the Laundromat - I maintain a sacred space for my writing.
4. I have the tools and materials and support I need. Computer, printer, notebooks, reference books, pens. I buy or check out from the library books or tapes about writing and subscribe to literary journals and writing publications.
5. I have writing friends with whom I write or talk about writing or do writing activities.
6. I do writerly things: I’m a member of a writing group, I go to readings. I read interviews with writers and listen to what they have to say about the art and craft and life of being a writer.
7. I write to writers whose work has influenced me, and thank them. These aren’t ‘fan” letters, but I claim myself as writer and tell them what their work means to me - writer to writer.
8. I make time for my writing on a regular basis.
9. When I can’t keep my writing date, I acknowledge why (in other words, I don’t just blow it off), and re-schedule.
10. When I see that I consistently break my appointments, I review what might be going on, and make changes where necessary.
- I’ve chosen a time that really doesn’t work for me.
- It’s an especially busy time in my life (moving, houseguests, something unexpected, other deadlines).
- I’ve set my goals too high (no way can I write two hours a day! What was I thinking?).
- Other ___________________(fill in the blank).
11. I put my writing time way up there on my priorities list. Not some vague “as soon as” or “when I can” or “if I have time today.”
12. I set aside enough time to build consistency - not just once a week, or when I have a few days free, but if not daily, at least several times a week, more days writing than not.
13. I create special times for writing - a long weekend or a retreat (with other writers or by myself) or to participate in a conference or a seminar where I’ll actually write.
14. I write. When I go to my writing space, when I set aside the time, when I meet my friends, I don’t just think about writing or talk about writing. I write.
15. When I’m stuck, I find out what’s holding me back. When I procrastinate, I acknowledge that’s what I’m doing. When I’m afraid, I face my fear and write through it. And when all is said and done, I write.
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