Follow

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Commit to Writing in the New Year

Here's my New Year's resolution...write until the well is dry.

I am convinced we need more writers in 2018; more fearless, more brave, more courageous writers. Not that we don't have them now. We do. But more is better. More is necessary. Humans are meant to tell stories, to shine lights on our lives, our dreams and fears, and shared realities. But to do this, it takes more than simple desire or nebulous inspiration. Writing—fiction, nonfiction, personal essays, memoir—is essentially a hard-won discipline.

I am fortunate to conduct workshops of all kinds from time to time, and much of what I hear from writers and would-be writers is this: I can't find the time. How do you find the time to write?

Here's the answer: There is no time to write. You have to make time. And in 2018, I am kicking all of us in the collective posterior, including myself, to...just...do...it.
 
I'm pretty disciplined with my writing but just like you, I falter. There certainly was a time when I would say exactly what many of you say—I don't have the time. Now, writing is a part of my existence. I make time and refuse to wait for "inspiration." If you wait for some higher power, you may never write. For those trying to get to this point, I have a suggestion: In 2018 take part in what I call the Take Ten writing project. It's pretty simple. And even if you already have a disciplined routine, this project might help to renew your commitment. 

Here's how it works in three easy steps:

1. Get a notebook. Something you use daily to dedicate to your writing. This can be a file on a computer or a nice leather journal or even a simple spiral notebook. 

2. Write every single day. I know you've heard this before, but the Take Ten approach is a bit different. This time we want you to focus mainly, at least at the beginning, on simply creating a routine. You want writing to be like brushing your teeth, habitual. Find ten minutes. That's it. Morning, lunch, before bed. Find a spot that yours. On the train, on the couch, at the kitchen table.

3. Lastly, write for those ten minutes and only those ten. Time it on your phone, your watch. Write anything. If you think you can or want to write longer, DON'T. Just write for ten minutes. Then, after ten days or so, write as long or as short as you like. But, and here's the key, from here on out keep writing at that time of day and at that same place. After ten days, the routine is likely to have become sealed somehow. If you set the routine in cement, the writing will come. 

Routine is what you are looking for. It's the bugaboo of the discipline like it is for anything worthwhile and Take Ten helps you to set that routine.

The approach is not unique, but it is simple. And the less complicated, the better. You can do this.




37 comments:

  1. I think that´s great advice, David. I also find that you can make the most of the time you´re not writing to come up with ideas about what you´re going to write. Doesn´t have to be everything, but just some pointers - markers to hit when you sit down. The shower, washing dishes, jogging and ironing time works best for me. Then, when I do sit down, I just switch on and begin - and the more times you make yourself sit down and write, the more disciplined you become. Finally, when you´re not writing, especially when you´re staring at the TV or bored, think "I could and should be writing". There´s always time!

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are so right! I keep a notebook and jot down phrases and thoughts on what I'm currently writing for thinking about writing. I sometimes will send myself an email through my phone about something I've thought about or observed. And I also contend that writers are ALWAYS writing, even when flipping through the TV remote. I just read Patti Smith's DEVOTION, a wonderful small book about writing that I will be writing about soon in a post. She also believes this, tells it through her actions -- writers...are always...writing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for your post, David. In November I participated in NaNoWriMo and made myself write 50,000 words in 30 days. I learned a lot about myself and writing. Just making yourself do it is important. I'm hoping to establish myself more as a writer this coming year. I'm also glad to see someone else who recognizes how important writing is.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brian! I applaud you! I did radio piece for a public radio station on NaNo a couple of years ago. It’s a great way to discipline oneself. Now the routine comes, right?!

      Delete
  4. Thanks for these thoughts. Yes, we need more brave writers. I also agree with James above--when I hit a stuck point, I go out and do something "mindless" like rake or sweep...it allows my mind to sail across the story and come up with new ideas.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tremendous idea. The Buddhists say you should try to be centered on what you’re doing when you are doing it and beautiful thoughts appear. Rake leaves, wonderful wrting.

      Delete
  5. This is a very nice blog that I will definitively come back to more times this year. Thanks for the auspicious writeup.
    currency converter free, currency converter app download

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!
    autoketing
    sales pop master
    sales pop master online

    ReplyDelete
  7. I realize this is one of the most meaningful counsel for me. And i am vivacious studying your article. however have to commentary upon some standard matters, the internet site style is unmodified; the articles are invincible. thank you for the ton of actual and viable explicit. thistimetomorrow.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Nice post mate, keep up the great work, just shared this with my friendz writing blog

    ReplyDelete
  9. Excellent article. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice article. Thanks! keep rocking. writing blog

    ReplyDelete
  10. I really appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us. I assure this would be beneficial for most of the people. paper writing

    ReplyDelete
  11. Goodness, this is truly intriguing perusing. I am happy I discovered this and got the chance to peruse it. Awesome employment on this substance. I like it. bitcoin

    ReplyDelete
  12. two shot injection moldThe very next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not disappoint me just as much as this one. After all, Yes, it was my choice to read, nonetheless I actually thought you'd have something useful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something that you could possibly fix if you were not too busy seeking attention.

    ReplyDelete
  13. fortnite best mouseI've been surfing online over three hours today, yet I never discovered any fascinating article like yours. It's really sufficiently worth for me. As I would like to think, if all website admins and bloggers made great substance as you did, the web will be significantly more helpful than any other time in recent memory.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Shared servicios de vpnis by far the most common option for small businesses, individuals, and even some popular websites. Shared hosting is many websites hosting on a single server (remember server just means computer). The advantage to using shared hosting is it makes it extremely cheap because of the shared resources

    ReplyDelete
  15. Commercial real estate includes shopping centers and strip malls, medical and educational buildings, hotels and offices. Apartment buildings are often considered commercial, even though they are used for residences. That's because they are owned to produce income.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love this Hand painted decorative bottle! This is a wonderful fairy tale. Everyone really likes her!
    I asked to send it to me earlier than it was described - and received it much earlier than I asked. Thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. You'll need to use the right chemicals, equipment, and have the nozzle that allows you to soft wash. These chemicals are very strong, so you have to use the correct dilution to get results without leaving a film or damage to the surface.peachtree city pressure washing

    ReplyDelete
  18. I absolutely love your blog.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you build this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m wanting to create my own personal site and would like to find out where you got this from or what the theme is called. Thanks!car shipping idaho

    ReplyDelete
  19. societal security is a concept developed by the Copenhagen School of security studies that refers to " the ability of a society to persist in its essential character under changing conditions and possible or actual threats ".

    ReplyDelete
  20. goedkoop nike air max schoenen, een combinatie van elegante stijl en geavanceerde technologie, een verscheidenheid aan stijlen van goedkoop air max 270, de aanwijzer loopt tussen uw exclusieve smaakstijl.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Vegas vr has a lot of obstacles to overcome and one of the main ones is simply getting players into a VR headset. Key to the industry’s growth is democratization and increased accessibility but an underrated aspect of this is location-based VR like Nomadic’s Arizona Sunshine: Contagion Z experience.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Goodness, this is truly intriguing perusing. I am happy I discovered this and got the chance to peruse it. Awesome employment on this substance. I like it.
    Intrusion detection and prevention systems

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hey! I would like to appreciate for this valuable and informative blog. best paver sealer

    ReplyDelete
  24. Really decent post. I just unearthed your weblog and needed to say that I have truly delighted in scanning your blog entries. After all I'll be subscribing to your food and I trust you compose again soon!
    Best Online Experience

    ReplyDelete
  25. Very good write-up. I certainly love this website. Thanks! Best Wax Melt

    ReplyDelete
  26. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Decent post. I was checking continually this web journal and I'm awed! To a great degree helpful data exceptionally the last part I watch over such data a considerable measure. I was looking for this sure information for quite a while.
    Modest Web Facilitating

    ReplyDelete
  28. Very good write-up. I certainly love this website. Thanks! Best drugstore eye primer

    ReplyDelete
  29. Excellent Blog! I would like to thank for the efforts you have made in writing this post.
    I like the helpful information you provide on your articles.
    26CA Wiper Blade

    ReplyDelete
  30. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Largest Android tablets rarely make the case for ditching your iPad, but that doesn't mean there aren't any good options available. Here are our favorites

    ReplyDelete
  32. Really decent post. I just unearthed your weblog and needed to say that I have truly delighted in scanning your blog entries.
    Best Floor Standing Speakers

    ReplyDelete

  33. I agree with the author that writing is a discipline that requires hard work and dedication. The Take Ten writing project is a great way to start building a writing habit. Even if you only have 10 minutes a day to write, you'll be surprised at how much you can accomplish.

    As a bearded dragon owner, I was interested to see that the author mentioned that Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cilantro. This is true, and cilantro is a healthy and nutritious addition to a bearded dragon's diet. It's a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. However, it's important to only give cilantro to bearded dragons in moderation, as too much can cause digestive problems.

    I think the author's article is a great resource for aspiring writers. It's full of practical advice and encouragement. If you're thinking about starting a writing habit, I encourage you to check it out.

    Here are some additional tips for writing with bearded dragons in mind:

    When you're writing about your bearded dragon, be sure to use clear and concise language. Bearded dragons don't understand complex sentences or jargon.
    Use descriptive language to help your readers visualize your bearded dragon. What does it look like? What does it sound like? What does it smell like?
    Be creative! There are endless possibilities when it comes to writing about bearded dragons. You can write stories, poems, essays, or even just a journal about your experiences with your pet.
    I hope these tips help you on your writing journey. And if you ever need inspiration, just remember that bearded dragons can eat cilantro!

    ReplyDelete