Just Write

What do writers do?

They write!

How do writers get better?

By continuing to write.

I know it seems simple eh?   To think about what writers do and how they improve.  But as someone who writes… trust me.. IT’s NOT that easy!   It isn’t.  🙂   So many things distract.   but as W.H. Auden says

How to Master Writing.

The only way to master writing is to do it.  To stare at the blank page and just write.  

Why?

1. Only we can say what we have to say.  Someone might say it to, but only you can say it the way that you will say it.   So write it down.   Be bold and put down the words that you have in you, whether it be story form, poetic, or non-fiction.  Say it.  Share your perspective on the matter at hand.  It’s an odd thing that happens, as we sit down, our perspective will spill forth, sometimes surprising us as it does so.  Be surprised, share your words.
2. It helps us not worry about our own perfection.  It’s one of the reasons why I love doing Five Minute Friday posts.  They remind to just write and not worry about everything coming out just so.  So often the way a word spills out of me surprises me and turns out be a good thing for my readers…and that is a great thing to have.  The more often I write them, the more of bits of my life spill out as well. This added perspective is a good thing to have not only for my readers, but also for me as it helps me realize that I do have life to share with others, and shows how I’ve matured over the years.
3. The not worrying about perfect work, helps me to realize as well that I can just write and not worry about having everything just so.  Just write and there’s time enough to make it just so.  Getting to words down on paper (or computer screen) is enough to get the process going.  The process of writing and then editing and producing a final draft. 

What steps can you take to help you write?

1. Does setting a schedule for writing help you? Or does spontaneity work to your advantage? I know that if I want to get a number of reviews done, getting out of the house works to my advantage. 
2. Change your focus … instead of saying “I’m going to finish that paper”, say “today I plan to complete my first draft”. Or perhaps “The first paragraph will get written this morning”.
3. Perhaps it would help you if you worked in time chunks?  For instance, plan to write for 25 minutes, and relax for 10, or write for 30 and take 15. Breaking up your work into chunks can help you manage your work load better. Though some people work best if they just work straight through.  Experiment and see eh?
4. Think about what hinders your writing process. How can you help mitigate those factors? For me writing when people are around, even if they are totally ignoring me doesn’t work very well. When hubby goes to bed at night I get my most work done.
5. Getting bogged down?  Do something OTHER THAN writing. Go out, have some fun, spend time with friends and family. Get your focus somewhere else for a bit and come back renewed in mind and body. (like when I go for a walk or take a VERY long shower). It’s amazing how it works out. 🙂 Kinda like our need to spend time with what inspires.