Tag: just write
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Editing is writing, too.
Editing is writing, too.
Do you resist editing your writing?
Does the idea of polishing your writing make you feel uncomfortable?
I hear ya!
Do you resist sharing your writing with others?
Does putting your writing “out there” feel like you’re sending your precious child into the (cold, cruel) world?
Yep, I hear that, too.
I used to be very nervous about showing my writing to others. And I still am a bit nervous sometimes.
But then I joined writing groups here and there and I began to share my writing.
When my writing was published — it happened sort of by accident — I didn’t seek to be published. A friend encouraged me (thank you, Pat Tyler) and . . . now I’ve been published in 6 anthologies. And I have to tell ya . . . it’s fun.
Here are my thoughts about the writing process of going from the creativity of a new idea to editing to final product.
When you first write something. . . it can be creative and fun. Then, when the possibility of publishing comes up. . . that precious, personal writing becomes . . . A Product.
And that can be a difficult shift to make. But, here’s the thing. . . editing and polishing your writing for publishing can be fun. Although it’s challenging to select the exact right word or phrase choice, when you have success, it’s a fabulous Eureka moment! It can be fun to shape the writing so others can understand what you are trying to say.
Finally, it can be rewarding to share your writing and receive positive feedback that helps strengthen your writing.
Editing is like pruning a fruit tree or a rose bush. Make a few snips (changes), step back, take a look . . . make a few more changes until the shape gets better and better, and more pleasing. Until, finally, you like the final product and you’re ready to send your precious writing into the world.
Give it a twirl . . . post your writing here, on The Write Spot Blog, and see what happens. I predict good things for you.
Thank you, Kelly and all my friends, for the inspiration for this post.
Just Write!
Photo by Jeff Cullen -
The way I found out about . . . Prompt #100
The way I found out about . . .
Start a sentence with “The way I found out about . . . ” and go from there. Write! Just write.
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Favorite food or drink. Prompt #99
Write about your favorite food or drink and the last time you had it/them.
Photo of fruit salad, prepared by Meals From The Heart at the French Market in New Orleans. If you go there, go to this Cafe. Seriously good food. The BEST gluten-free crabcakes! -
What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?
What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail? — Robert Schuller
Note from Marlene: You talk, right? And you think, right? Therefore, you can write. I just know it!
Set yourself up for writing with paper, pen or pencil, or computer and keyboard. Choose a prompt. Set a timer for 12 minutes. And Just Write! -
Fake it until you make it.
I facilitate Jumpstart writing workshops in Petaluma, California and here, online, with you. People new to writing have a hard time saying “I’m a writer.” So did I, until my writing teacher, Pat Schneider, made me say it out loud.
And now I’m encouraging you to say it out loud. Come on. I’ll say it, too.
I am a writer.
Again, louder. I AM A WRITER.
There now. . . and if you weren’t able to say it louder, fake it until you make it.
No need to fake your writing. . . Just fake having confidence in your writing.
And now . . . select a prompt and Just Write!
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Life is just a . . . Prompt #98
Today’s prompt: Life is just a . . .
Set your timer for 15 minutes and finish the thought. . .
Life is just a . . .
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Something that seemed wrong but turned out right. Prompt #97
Write about something that seemed so wrong but turned out right.
Photo by Breana Marie -
Why do you write?
“Life often has a way of making people feel small and unimportant. But if you find a way to express yourself through writing, to put your ideas and stories on paper, you’ll feel more consequential. No one should pass through time without writing their thoughts and experiences down for others to learn from. Even if only one person, a family member, reads something you wrote long after you’re gone, you live on. So writing gives you power. Writing gives you immortality.” — Antwone Fisher, Screenwriter and author
Note from Marlene:
I write to get out of my head and onto paper. Writing, with a pen or pencil, is an extension of my arm. When I picture my arm, it’s elongated by the pen, which in my mind, is always there. Computer typing — same thing — the keyboard is an extension of me. Writing is as natural and as much a part of me as breathing. I would rather write than do almost anything else. I write because I get to see a side of myself that isn’t always present. My daily concerns revolve around household chores, gardening, helping my husband run his consulting business and whatever else needs to be done. My efficient me bustles about cleaning and scrubbing and waiting until I have a moment or two to write. And those moments are glorious. Because I’m writing for me. Not for any monetary gain. Not for notoriety. I don’t need to be noticed to enjoy writing.
I write because I not only can, I have to.Why do you write?
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A man opens his mail box and finds. . . Prompt #96
Today’s writing prompt is inspired from the September 2014 issue of Writer’s Digest magazine.
“A man opens his mailbox to find an envelope containing a set of instructions.”
Set your time and write for 20 minutes. Set it aside for twenty minutes. Then read. Tweak, make a few changes, but not too many. The energy from that first and fast writing is usually spot-on.
Write a short story of 750 words or fewer based on this prompt and enter Writer’s Digest Contest #60.
Send your story using the online form at writersdigest.com/your-story-competition or send via email to yourstorycontest@fmedia.com (entries must be pasted directly into the body of the email; attachments will not be opened).
DEADLINE: August 25, 2014
