As a writer, I've received a lot of writing advice over the years. And, one piece of advice stands out as the all time most valuable advice I've ever received. This piece of advice has come in different forms from a variety of sources, repeatedly for the many years I've been writing. And, they all say the same basic thing; Write a shitty first draft!
Write a shitty first draft. The single best piece of writing advice I've ever received. And this valuable piece of advice has taken years to penetrate my sometimes thick skull. But, several months ago I finally let it sink in and the results have been incredible. Since then "Write a shitty first draft" has become my mantra. I have it posted on a "sticky note" on my desktop so it's the first thing I see when I sit down to write.
Why is this one phrase, among all the other incredible writing advice I've received, the most valuable? Because without it my internal editor is the tyrant who keeps my creativity chained in the basement. Every time that creativity tries to sneak out, my internal editor tightens the chains.
Without giving myself complete permission - I had to go a step further and make it a demand - to write a shitty first draft, my inner critic and editor thinks it's his job to make sure that every sentence, every word I punch out on my keyboard, or scribble down in my notebook makes perfect sense. And that, my friend, limits the likelihood that I will unearth some absolute gems in my writing.
Like me, you may be a bit scared to write a shitty first draft. After all, if you write a shitty first draft there will be parts that are, well, shitty. But that's okay! Because there are also going to be those parts that are buried deep in your creative self that can only surface after and while the shitty stuff is flowing.
When you write a shitty first draft, the object is to get words down on paper as quickly as you can without thinking too much about it. I'm not talking about free writing here, you should be following your subject matter somewhat. And, I'm not saying you shouldn't have an outline. Outlines are great! And they work well with the shitty first draft. But then let your creativity flow wherever it will take you while you're writing. Don't sensor yourself. Put it all down on paper. Remember, you will clean it up later and no one ever has to see it before then.
When you give yourself the freedom to write a shitty first draft you release the shackles from your creativity. Then, you really find out what your inner writer is made of.
Now, go on and try it. Write a shitty first draft! Then come back and tell me what you think.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Dealing with Writer's Block: Back in the Saddle Again
Hi there, fellow writers!
It's been a long time since I posted. Way too long. And I have no legitimate reason. Oh, I have lots of excuses; had a full time writing job for a couple of years that kept me way too busy to write anything else, my family needed me, my pets needed me, the laundry needed my attention... you know the routine.
But, here's the truth. I neglected any writing that my boss didn't need me to do for the entire time I was working in the "corporate world". Then, after I lost my job last May, due to company lay-offs, I decided to take a break from writing for the summer to "catch my breath". Well...it's January and this is literally the first thing I've written (except FaceBook posts and comments, of course).
You see, what happens when you take an extended time off from writing is that when you want to get back to it you're met with all kinds of internal resistance. You might refer to it as writer's block to the extreme. Think of getting bucked off a horse. Everyone knows you should get right back in the saddle again, otherwise fear will set in and it may take a long time to overcome that fear before you can get back on the horse.
In an attempt to ease back into the proverbial saddle, I started the new year with writing resolutions. I resolved to set aside 5 hours a day to do nothing but write. And I've stuck to my schedule, for the most part. Every day at 10:00 a.m. sharp, I sit my hiney in the chair in front of my computer and I stay there for the duration (with a half hour off for lunch). But, in that time I've been doing everything except writing. I've read through the partially finished middle grade novel I've been working on. I've worked on the outline for it, spent many hours doing more research on various aspects of it, read articles on how I can write faster, write better and write with more voice. I've done everything except write.
So, what am I going to do about it? A very good question and I'm glad you asked. I have a "sticky note" on my computer screen that says, Write a shitty first draft! So that, my friend, is what I vow to do. With everything I write this year, I will start by writing a shitty first draft. Why not? No one will see it but me. And if I give myself permission to write a shitty first draft, I can vomit everything onto the paper without worrying about whether or not it's good enough. I've then given myself the priceless gift of freedom; freedom to create, freedom to write. Freedom from my paralyzing inner critic and editor.
So, there you have it. That's my prescription for combating writer's block this year; Write a shitty first draft! You can spend all the time you need to make it shine later, but get it all down on paper (or your computer screen) first.
That's my plan of attack against my severe case of writer's block.
In the comments section, please share what you do when faced with writer's block.
It's been a long time since I posted. Way too long. And I have no legitimate reason. Oh, I have lots of excuses; had a full time writing job for a couple of years that kept me way too busy to write anything else, my family needed me, my pets needed me, the laundry needed my attention... you know the routine.
But, here's the truth. I neglected any writing that my boss didn't need me to do for the entire time I was working in the "corporate world". Then, after I lost my job last May, due to company lay-offs, I decided to take a break from writing for the summer to "catch my breath". Well...it's January and this is literally the first thing I've written (except FaceBook posts and comments, of course).
You see, what happens when you take an extended time off from writing is that when you want to get back to it you're met with all kinds of internal resistance. You might refer to it as writer's block to the extreme. Think of getting bucked off a horse. Everyone knows you should get right back in the saddle again, otherwise fear will set in and it may take a long time to overcome that fear before you can get back on the horse.
In an attempt to ease back into the proverbial saddle, I started the new year with writing resolutions. I resolved to set aside 5 hours a day to do nothing but write. And I've stuck to my schedule, for the most part. Every day at 10:00 a.m. sharp, I sit my hiney in the chair in front of my computer and I stay there for the duration (with a half hour off for lunch). But, in that time I've been doing everything except writing. I've read through the partially finished middle grade novel I've been working on. I've worked on the outline for it, spent many hours doing more research on various aspects of it, read articles on how I can write faster, write better and write with more voice. I've done everything except write.
So, what am I going to do about it? A very good question and I'm glad you asked. I have a "sticky note" on my computer screen that says, Write a shitty first draft! So that, my friend, is what I vow to do. With everything I write this year, I will start by writing a shitty first draft. Why not? No one will see it but me. And if I give myself permission to write a shitty first draft, I can vomit everything onto the paper without worrying about whether or not it's good enough. I've then given myself the priceless gift of freedom; freedom to create, freedom to write. Freedom from my paralyzing inner critic and editor.
So, there you have it. That's my prescription for combating writer's block this year; Write a shitty first draft! You can spend all the time you need to make it shine later, but get it all down on paper (or your computer screen) first.
That's my plan of attack against my severe case of writer's block.
In the comments section, please share what you do when faced with writer's block.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Feng Shui E-books
I am proud to announce, on behalf of my husband Gordon Sproul, two new Feng Shui E-books!
Gordon has converted his book, On Higher Ground, into an e-book that is available for instant download on his Feng Shui website, Harmony by Design. This book has previously been available only through his Feng Shui seminars and workshops.
On Higher Ground is a compilation of twenty-one short stories, documenting his struggles and the lessons he learned from them while living in a Feng Shui challenged home. Gordon shares with his readers his personal journey through some very difficult times in his life and how he was able to overcome and grow through the principles of Feng Shui.
Gordon's second e-book, Feng Shui Faux, deals with faux painting with the use of Feng Shui principles. He discusses the different elemental colors and the influences and bearing they have on your home and life. He teaches how to group colors together that provide positive energy, nourishment, and support and how to avoid combining colors that create negative energy and personal strain.
Feng Shui Faux is also available en español.
Both e-books are available on Gordon's website, Harmony by Design.
Gordon has converted his book, On Higher Ground, into an e-book that is available for instant download on his Feng Shui website, Harmony by Design. This book has previously been available only through his Feng Shui seminars and workshops.
On Higher Ground is a compilation of twenty-one short stories, documenting his struggles and the lessons he learned from them while living in a Feng Shui challenged home. Gordon shares with his readers his personal journey through some very difficult times in his life and how he was able to overcome and grow through the principles of Feng Shui.
Gordon's second e-book, Feng Shui Faux, deals with faux painting with the use of Feng Shui principles. He discusses the different elemental colors and the influences and bearing they have on your home and life. He teaches how to group colors together that provide positive energy, nourishment, and support and how to avoid combining colors that create negative energy and personal strain.
Feng Shui Faux is also available en español.
Both e-books are available on Gordon's website, Harmony by Design.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
What's on My Night Stand
As a writer I'm often asked what I'm currently reading. So, I decided to join the ranks of bloggers who publish an up-to-date list of their current reads.
Here's what's on my night stand, and various other places around the house and office:
How to Get Your Point Across in 30 Seconds or Less by Milo O. Frank
This is an oldie but a goodie. Published in 1986, it's still chocked full of good instruction for making your point, quickly yet unmistakeably, in 30 seconds or less. His advice is good whether you're writing, speaking, or lecturing your teen. Definitely recommended!
Go Put Your Strengths to Work by Marcus Buckingham
Written by the coauthor of the international bestsellers, First, Break All The Rules and Now, Discover Your Strengths, this book offers 6 powerful steps to achieving outstanding work performance.
I've not started reading this one yet, but from what I have read about it, it promises to be a valuable read.
9 Lies That Are Holding Your Business Back . . . and the Truth That Will Set It Free by Steve Chandler & Sam Beckford
Tauted as the "little bible for business people" this book dispels the 9 common beliefs that can make the difference between whether your business is a booming success, or one that disappears into the night. Between Chandler's unparalleled ability to motivate and Beckford's insights into how he became a "small business millionaire," this book will set your brain to perking and motivate you to get out there and do what it takes to make your business a success. Highly recommended for all small business owners!
That's it for the moment folks (at least until my next trip to the book store or local library).
Check out these books and let me know your thoughts.
Here's what's on my night stand, and various other places around the house and office:
How to Get Your Point Across in 30 Seconds or Less by Milo O. Frank
This is an oldie but a goodie. Published in 1986, it's still chocked full of good instruction for making your point, quickly yet unmistakeably, in 30 seconds or less. His advice is good whether you're writing, speaking, or lecturing your teen. Definitely recommended!
Go Put Your Strengths to Work by Marcus Buckingham
Written by the coauthor of the international bestsellers, First, Break All The Rules and Now, Discover Your Strengths, this book offers 6 powerful steps to achieving outstanding work performance.
I've not started reading this one yet, but from what I have read about it, it promises to be a valuable read.
9 Lies That Are Holding Your Business Back . . . and the Truth That Will Set It Free by Steve Chandler & Sam Beckford
Tauted as the "little bible for business people" this book dispels the 9 common beliefs that can make the difference between whether your business is a booming success, or one that disappears into the night. Between Chandler's unparalleled ability to motivate and Beckford's insights into how he became a "small business millionaire," this book will set your brain to perking and motivate you to get out there and do what it takes to make your business a success. Highly recommended for all small business owners!
That's it for the moment folks (at least until my next trip to the book store or local library).
Check out these books and let me know your thoughts.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
No Time to Write?
One of the biggest obstacles writers face is lack of time. Writing takes time and in order to be the writer you dream of, you have to have time to write.
So, with everything else that goes along with a hectic life, where does this time come from? Writers are given the same twenty-four hours in every day that the most successful person on earth is given. The difference lies in what you choose to do with those twenty-four hours. And, yes, it is a choice. No matter how busy your life is, no matter whether you work ten hours each day, six days each week for a demanding boss, or whether you have five kids and a husband who demand every waking moment of your time and energy, if you want to make it as a writer, you HAVE to make time to write. Here's how.
Carving writing time out of an insane schedule
Most writing advice experts try to prod you out of bed an hour earlier each morning, but I'm going to go against the grain and say, "Don’t do it."
I know, it's near sacrilege, but bear with me. If you're like most of the population, you aren't getting enough sleep as it is. So not only will getting up an hour earlier last one or two days - a week at most - but you'll most likely find you don't get much of anything accomplished, save for yawning and prying your chin off your chest every once in a while. Not very productive if you ask me.
My suggestion is to carve writing time out of your daily schedule. Impossible? Let's take a look.
Do you have a J-O-B working for someone else? Are you allowed coffee breaks? A lunch break?
Most businesses allow their employees two fifteen minute "coffee" breaks and at least one half hour lunch break. If you use these times to write (please don't skip lunch, eat while you write), you've just carved an entire hour of writing time out of your schedule.
Now, let's take a look at your after work schedule: How many hours do you spend watching television in the evenings? But . . . you argue, I need to unwind after a hard day. Fine, but by substituting one half hour of television for writing time, you've carved more time into your schedule to reach your writing goals.
How much time do you spend waiting each day? Waiting for an appointment, waiting for your kid to come out of the school, waiting for the takeout pizza, waiting in traffic, waiting, waiting, waiting. Get in the habit of carrying a notebook with you at all times. Whenever you find yourself waiting, start writing. You'll find that you are able to carve another 15, 20, 30 minutes, or more, out of your hectic schedule.
Okay, so you're a stay-at-home mom. Do your kids take naps? Do they have play dates? Do you ever find yourself playing the waiting game?
I know firsthand how hectic a stay-at-home mom's life is. But, truth be told, there are opportunities to carve out time for writing, if you're creative enough and dedicated enough to do it.
While little Junior is napping, grab that much needed cup of chamomile tea and start writing.
Block out a portion of the time little Emily is away for a play date and write.
Mothers wait as much, or more, than anyone, so use the above advice on waiting to carve even more writing time out of your hectic schedule.
Finding time to write is rarely easy. But, if you begin actively searching for opportunities to carve out a little writing time here and there, you'll find that you don't need to give up any of your precious zzzzz's in order to meet your writing goals.
So, with everything else that goes along with a hectic life, where does this time come from? Writers are given the same twenty-four hours in every day that the most successful person on earth is given. The difference lies in what you choose to do with those twenty-four hours. And, yes, it is a choice. No matter how busy your life is, no matter whether you work ten hours each day, six days each week for a demanding boss, or whether you have five kids and a husband who demand every waking moment of your time and energy, if you want to make it as a writer, you HAVE to make time to write. Here's how.
Carving writing time out of an insane schedule
Most writing advice experts try to prod you out of bed an hour earlier each morning, but I'm going to go against the grain and say, "Don’t do it."
I know, it's near sacrilege, but bear with me. If you're like most of the population, you aren't getting enough sleep as it is. So not only will getting up an hour earlier last one or two days - a week at most - but you'll most likely find you don't get much of anything accomplished, save for yawning and prying your chin off your chest every once in a while. Not very productive if you ask me.
My suggestion is to carve writing time out of your daily schedule. Impossible? Let's take a look.
Do you have a J-O-B working for someone else? Are you allowed coffee breaks? A lunch break?
Most businesses allow their employees two fifteen minute "coffee" breaks and at least one half hour lunch break. If you use these times to write (please don't skip lunch, eat while you write), you've just carved an entire hour of writing time out of your schedule.
Now, let's take a look at your after work schedule: How many hours do you spend watching television in the evenings? But . . . you argue, I need to unwind after a hard day. Fine, but by substituting one half hour of television for writing time, you've carved more time into your schedule to reach your writing goals.
How much time do you spend waiting each day? Waiting for an appointment, waiting for your kid to come out of the school, waiting for the takeout pizza, waiting in traffic, waiting, waiting, waiting. Get in the habit of carrying a notebook with you at all times. Whenever you find yourself waiting, start writing. You'll find that you are able to carve another 15, 20, 30 minutes, or more, out of your hectic schedule.
Okay, so you're a stay-at-home mom. Do your kids take naps? Do they have play dates? Do you ever find yourself playing the waiting game?
I know firsthand how hectic a stay-at-home mom's life is. But, truth be told, there are opportunities to carve out time for writing, if you're creative enough and dedicated enough to do it.
While little Junior is napping, grab that much needed cup of chamomile tea and start writing.
Block out a portion of the time little Emily is away for a play date and write.
Mothers wait as much, or more, than anyone, so use the above advice on waiting to carve even more writing time out of your hectic schedule.
Finding time to write is rarely easy. But, if you begin actively searching for opportunities to carve out a little writing time here and there, you'll find that you don't need to give up any of your precious zzzzz's in order to meet your writing goals.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Writers' Groups Part 2: The Dangers of Joining a Writers' Group
In the first part of this series we looked at the benefits of joining a writers' group. Now, let's look at a few of the dangers.
While the benefits of joining a writers' group far outweigh the dangers, by knowing what those dangers are you will be able to avoid involving yourself in a group that's wrong for you.
Here are some dangers of joining a writers' group that you need to be aware of as you search for a group in your area.
Joining the wrong writers' group
All writers' groups are not created equal. And, joining the wrong one can prove very frustrating, especially for a beginning or struggling writer.
What do I mean by the "wrong" writers' group?
Simply this; if you are writing a novel, find a group for novel writers. If you are a copywriter, join a copywriters' group. If you are a journalist, join a group of other journalists. A poet, join a poets' group.
While joining the wrong writers' group may not be disastrous, you'll get far more out of the experience if you're in a group that shares the same writing trials and triumphs as you do.
Joining a group whose members are too critical
Writing has been described as "opening a vein," and I couldn't agree more. When a writer shares her work with a writers' group, she shares a part of her soul as well.
If the group is vicious (they are out there) and the members seem to get no greater joy than in tearing apart one another’s work, the results can be disastrous.
When a writers' group reads the work of one of the members, the intention should be to give encouragement to that member. Gentle, constructive advice (notice I did not say criticism here) is important and often the very reason you may wish to join a writers' group.
When you find a group, attend a few times before joining and watch how they handle each other's writings. If they are vicious and nitpicky, find another writers' group - and fast.
When looking for the right writers' group for you, do your homework. If you do, I know you'll have many years of enjoyment and support with your writers' group and make some new friends in the process. And, who couldn't do with a few more friends?
While the benefits of joining a writers' group far outweigh the dangers, by knowing what those dangers are you will be able to avoid involving yourself in a group that's wrong for you.
Here are some dangers of joining a writers' group that you need to be aware of as you search for a group in your area.
Joining the wrong writers' group
All writers' groups are not created equal. And, joining the wrong one can prove very frustrating, especially for a beginning or struggling writer.
What do I mean by the "wrong" writers' group?
Simply this; if you are writing a novel, find a group for novel writers. If you are a copywriter, join a copywriters' group. If you are a journalist, join a group of other journalists. A poet, join a poets' group.
While joining the wrong writers' group may not be disastrous, you'll get far more out of the experience if you're in a group that shares the same writing trials and triumphs as you do.
Joining a group whose members are too critical
Writing has been described as "opening a vein," and I couldn't agree more. When a writer shares her work with a writers' group, she shares a part of her soul as well.
If the group is vicious (they are out there) and the members seem to get no greater joy than in tearing apart one another’s work, the results can be disastrous.
When a writers' group reads the work of one of the members, the intention should be to give encouragement to that member. Gentle, constructive advice (notice I did not say criticism here) is important and often the very reason you may wish to join a writers' group.
When you find a group, attend a few times before joining and watch how they handle each other's writings. If they are vicious and nitpicky, find another writers' group - and fast.
When looking for the right writers' group for you, do your homework. If you do, I know you'll have many years of enjoyment and support with your writers' group and make some new friends in the process. And, who couldn't do with a few more friends?
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Writers’ Groups Part 1: The Benefits of Joining a Writers’ Group
There are many benefits and a few dangers in joining a writers’ group. In this first part of the series on writers’ groups we'll be taking a look at the benefits. In Writers’ Groups Part 2 we’ll look at a few of the dangers.
Benefits of Joining a Writers’ Group
Most writers, at one time or another, consider joining a writers’ group. To help you with your decision, let’s take a look at some of the benefits.
Interaction with other writers
A writer's life is a lonely one. We sit in solitude day after day, pounding away at the old keyboard and the only interaction we have with a warm blooded creature is when our cats (or dogs for those of you dog people out there) come in to make sure we’re still alive.
Joining a local writers’ group can be a good way to interact with other people. With other writers! These are people who enjoy the same successes and undergo the same challenges that are a writer’s life.
Once you locate a writers’ group you'll want to try it out first to make certain it is a good fit for you. I joined the only local writers’ group in my area a couple of years ago and ended up leaving, discouraged and more than a bit upset.
You can join online writers’ groups, but they lack the personal interaction of belonging to a group of real, breathing human beings with whom you can share a cup of coffee.
Support and encouragement
The second benefit to joining a writers’ group is support and encouragement. Writers need to have a good support network from people who know the difference between monologue and dialogue. People who have “been there and done that” and can give you encouragement when you're going through a challenge.
Although your family may be supportive of what you do and give you all kinds of encouragement, there's just nothing like getting support and encouragement from someone with whom you can identify.
Sounding board for writing ideas
The final benefit (there are many more but this is where I will stop) is being able to pick the group's brains when you get stuck on something. Often, there are many answers but you’re too close to the problem to see them. Tossing your writing problems out to the writers’ group can give you some great ideas to run with when you get home and in front of your computer once again.
A writers’ group provides you with a sounding board for ideas as well. As a writer I’m sure you have many ideas rambling around in your brain and sometimes it's difficult to know whether or not they sound good to anyone other than you. By throwing them out for your writers’ group to mull over, you can get tons of valuable feedback and perhaps seeds for expanding your ideas as well.
It's important for writers to get the support, encouragement and interaction every human being needs. Why not check out writers’ groups in your area?
Writers’ groups; if you don't have one - get one!
Benefits of Joining a Writers’ Group
Most writers, at one time or another, consider joining a writers’ group. To help you with your decision, let’s take a look at some of the benefits.
Interaction with other writers
A writer's life is a lonely one. We sit in solitude day after day, pounding away at the old keyboard and the only interaction we have with a warm blooded creature is when our cats (or dogs for those of you dog people out there) come in to make sure we’re still alive.
Joining a local writers’ group can be a good way to interact with other people. With other writers! These are people who enjoy the same successes and undergo the same challenges that are a writer’s life.
Once you locate a writers’ group you'll want to try it out first to make certain it is a good fit for you. I joined the only local writers’ group in my area a couple of years ago and ended up leaving, discouraged and more than a bit upset.
You can join online writers’ groups, but they lack the personal interaction of belonging to a group of real, breathing human beings with whom you can share a cup of coffee.
Support and encouragement
The second benefit to joining a writers’ group is support and encouragement. Writers need to have a good support network from people who know the difference between monologue and dialogue. People who have “been there and done that” and can give you encouragement when you're going through a challenge.
Although your family may be supportive of what you do and give you all kinds of encouragement, there's just nothing like getting support and encouragement from someone with whom you can identify.
Sounding board for writing ideas
The final benefit (there are many more but this is where I will stop) is being able to pick the group's brains when you get stuck on something. Often, there are many answers but you’re too close to the problem to see them. Tossing your writing problems out to the writers’ group can give you some great ideas to run with when you get home and in front of your computer once again.
A writers’ group provides you with a sounding board for ideas as well. As a writer I’m sure you have many ideas rambling around in your brain and sometimes it's difficult to know whether or not they sound good to anyone other than you. By throwing them out for your writers’ group to mull over, you can get tons of valuable feedback and perhaps seeds for expanding your ideas as well.
It's important for writers to get the support, encouragement and interaction every human being needs. Why not check out writers’ groups in your area?
Writers’ groups; if you don't have one - get one!
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