![Write Your Way to Change [Day 14 - 30 Days to Changing Your Game]](http://escaping-mediocrity.com/wp-content/plugins/ttftitles/cache/608f01cc493a68823bf2a425643e117b.png){kind=small}
This is Day 14 of 30 Days to Changing Your Game. Yesterday Andrew Weaver got out there actually trying new things (as opposed to talking about it, right?!), and today Sophfronia Scott is going to dig in deep on a subject we’ve touched on-WRITING as a game-changing tool. You’ll love it!
By Sophfronia Scott (@Sophfronia)
Yes, I’ve written books and yes, I help people to write books, but you know what? Books can give writing a bad rap. The idea of creating a book makes writing intimidating—it makes you think that unless you’re writing the equivalent of War and Peace, why write at all?
However, our goal here in this series is change, and you don’t have to write 300 pages to create change in your life. In fact, it can happen in as little as 20 lines. I say this from experience: I am a writer because every time I write something, MAGIC happens. This goes back to my childhood. I wrote a poem and made a friend. I wrote a note for a teacher and made a roomful of people cry. I wrote a story and learned to understand my father.
It’s probably been the same for you. You just never recognized it before. Think about it. What happened when you wrote…![letter writing3 Write Your Way to Change [Day 14 30 Days to Changing Your Game]](http://escaping-mediocrity.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/letter-writing3.jpg "letter-writing")
- a note to a friend
- a birthday card
- a thank you note
- an “I love you” note in a lunch bag
- a page in your journal?
If you can make something happen by writing these brief items, it stands to reason that you can make change happen by writing other things as well. And size doesn’t matter!
Words have power and energy. The word “yes” feels differently from the word “no”. It feels better to write the word “love” that to write the word “hate”. I think we lose touch with that power and energy when we whip words around in speedy text messages and emails. It’s difficult to honor the power of words when they’re coming at you like darts!
But I encourage you to slow down and harness the power and energy of words through writing. Once you harness it, you can focus it on what you want to change in your life and start that magical process to help the change happen. Here’s how to get started.
A Reason to Write
Start with a clear intention. What do you want to write about? What do you want to accomplish? Perhaps you want to…
- strengthen a relationship
- work out a problem
- clear your mind of clutter
- honor a memory
- get clarity on a decision
- figure out what you really want
What to Write
When you write, you can sit in front of your computer or use a pad of paper, whatever is most comfortable for you. Then write whatever you want. Maybe it will take the form of a story, maybe you will “talk to yourself” on paper. Just let the words come.
Listen
Here’s a little secret: they are already there. Words are going through your head all the time. They can soothe you or scare you, motivate you or frustrate you.
But if you listen to the words, you can reach out and take them and put them down on paper. Once you do so you can, to some extent, control them. You can decide what action you’ll take from there. And when you take action, you begin to make change. See how that works? Magic!
![Sophfronia 121x150 Write Your Way to Change [Day 14 30 Days to Changing Your Game]](http://escaping-mediocrity.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Sophfronia.jpg "Sophfronia")
Sophfronia Scott has over twenty years of experience as a professional writer, most of it spent at Time and People magazines.
When she published her first novel, “All I Need to Get By” with St. Martin’s Press in 2004, one prominent reviewer referred to her as potentially “one of the best writers of her generation.” Sophfronia holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Harvard. As executive editor of The Done For You Writing & Publishing Company, she helps entrepreneurs and speakers to write and publish books to market their businesses. Her latest work is the award-winning bestseller, Doing Business By the Book: How to Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Book and Attract More Clients and Speaking Engagements Than You Ever Thought Possible. Sophfronia can be reached via her website, http://www.doneforyouwriting.com
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January 24th, 2010 at 9:45 am
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January 24th, 2010 at 2:46 pm
Thank you Sophronia! When I read The Artist's Way I started doing the 'morning pages'. Over the last ten years I've done them on and off and I can say for sure that when I was doing them my time was more 'focussed' and I was more aware of what I wanted, where I was. When I went through difficult times recently I wrote like crazy- sometimes just saying the same things over and over…but it really helped me understand myself. I hear you! Thank you so much for your post.
January 24th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Thank you, Sophronia! These are wonderful ideas to help get creative ideas going. Working as a paralegal, so much of my writing has to be so formal and in “legalese” that it's been difficult to find my creative writing style recently. Your ideas will certainly make it easier to transition out of the formal style I have to do at work to the creativeness I try to find outside of work. All of my writing at work is done at the computer, and I've found it interesting that one of the best ways to tap into my creative side is with pen and paper.
Writing is like any other skill or muscle… the more you do it, the stronger and better it gets.
Thanks so much for your insight and ideas!
Lori
January 24th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Notes to the Tribe for Sunday:
1) Today’s theme song is: Clair de lune by Debussy: http://tinysong.com/7mgv
2) If you like a post please RT it to share it with your Twitter community. Thank you!!
3) If you are getting true value from this series, please make a small donation to 12for12k’s Haiti campaign. Scroll down on the right of this page: http://www.escaping-mediocrity.com
4) If you have signed up to be on the email list (you get little extras from me), you MUST complete the double opt-in process to get them. Look for an email from me in your inbox or in your spam folder and click on the link inside it.
5) I have set up a Face book Group for us: http://www.facebook.com/#/group.php?gid=2460148...
6) I built a list on twitter of all the guest bloggers to make it easy for you to follow them: http://twitter.com/#/list/SarahRobinson/thirtyd...
7) There are also two twitter lists of participants in 30 Days. You will find them here: http://twitter.com/MirkoGosch/escapingmediocrity and http://twitter.com/The_Promo_Guy/game-changing
Love,
Sarah
January 24th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
I love to write. A new pen, a new Journal, a blank page – all of it is very exciting to me. I've learned so much about myself while Journaling – it truly is amazing. Feelings will flow from your heart to your finger tips more freely when they can bypass your head and mouth altogether. Answers can be found there. Secrets buried, reveal themselves there. Hurts hidden can heal there. Writing is, indeed, a magical process to lands of Empowerment, Comfort and Clarity. I've bookmarked your website – thank you so much for your beautiful post. I loved it!
January 24th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Lovely post, a gentle but important reminder. There's a good chance you're preaching to the choir for many people here, but you never know. Personally I write with both computer and pad and paper, in very different ways. I prefer my thinking when i write with pad and paper, but my writing when typing… I will say though that there are also times I prefer not to write – just to walk (or run) and think – or to meditate and try not to. Different modalities, all important.
January 24th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
You're welcome Megan! Yes, there is something about the motion of moving the hand across the paper…it's soothing somehow. And there's a rhythm to writing the same thing over and over again–a good example of not getting caught up on what to write!
January 24th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
It also helps to write letters, even if you don't send them. You definitely wouldn't write “legalese” to a friend, right?
Pieces of my first novel actually started out as letters that I sent to friends (don't know if they realized that!). It helps because when you're writing a letter, you have to step back and describe to your friend where you are now and what you're seeing. And you write in a way that will most likely be intimate and inviting.
January 24th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
You're welcome Sally! Yes, the smell of new paper can make me dizzy–I love it! As long as you view the blank page as an invitation, you yourself will invite in the magic. Keep on writing!
January 24th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
I agree, I work in all the modalities you mentioned: walking, bike riding, meditation, and writing on computer and paper. And I'm sure many of us here do. But because we do it all the time, it's easy to take writing for granted. I just wanted to remind us to pay attention to what happens when we write, and that it can be the closest, easiest tool to reach for when we want to bring about change.
January 24th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
I have done it and I suggest it to my clients, when you are really upset with someone, a good way to work through that is to write them a letter. I often tell clients this for relationship repair. Now the trick is to not send the letter, but write and write again until what you are writing is devoid of emotion. Then if you want to send one, you can write one to send that is far more clear and coherent that won't do further damage to the relationship.
January 24th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Beautiful post Sophfronia! I love journaling for the mere fact that I like seeing handwriting on page. I spend a vast amount of time drooling over stationary and never buy it. Email makes it obsolete. I think I've going to cave and buy funky stationary and bring back the lost art of the handwritten letter. I mean, who doesn't LOVE to find something in their mailbox that is handwritten and NOT a bill.
When I was married to my ex-husband, I rarely ever wrote. I even taught creative writing and rarely wrote. How does THAT work? Now, I can't imagine a day where I don't write something.
Thank you for the reminder of the freedom.
January 24th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
I recently started “the artists way” so this post is perfect timing for me. I look forward to writing my 3 pages every morning. I've always enjoyed writing and reading, and when I was younger would write short stories all the time. This is excellent advice on getting started again, that what you write doesn't have to be “war and peace”, or doesn't have to be perfect. Just do it. Thanks Sophronia I'm now going to check out your website!
January 24th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
Oh who says legalese can't be fun?! I always say my ability to read legalese is a direct result of my extensive background in Shakespeare. If you can understand that, you can understand anything! And really, how hilarious would it be to rewrite a poem in legalese. Just the idea makes me giggle.
January 24th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
I write and I write a lot!. I write for school, I write for myself and I blog. I have 5 stories in various stages and I write songs. Writing for me is very therapeutic. However, lately I have been so busy that I have found myself wanting to write, needing to write with such a desperation that it can physically hurt. And I have gotten stuck. The piece about slowing down and listening to what is already pulsating inside you. I now know what to do next.
Another skill I can also tell my clients in and of itself is a life changing premise.
Thank you for one more way to bust out of stagnation and change my game!
January 24th, 2010 at 4:37 pm
Wow, I completely agree. Maybe its my extremely poor penmanship? lol. I definitely prefer my thoughts to pen and paper but enjoy using the computer as well, but for very different things. Thanks for sharing!
January 24th, 2010 at 4:37 pm
LOVE the Artist's Way! My morning pages are such a massive happiness for me. I hope you love the book as much as I did.
January 24th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
Thank you Sophronia!
There, I started. I've began this comment about 10 times but haven't finished because writing is something I get nervous about. What if I sound stupid, what if I don't come across the way I want to come across, what if she takes it the wrong way, what if I offend someone, what if…, what if…., what if… I what if myself to death and it kills my writing. I needed to read this post today and loved that you said to listen, the words are already there. I'm relaunching my website and I'd just read that you should have 10-30 blog posts created when a site goes up and I've procrastinating around starting the first one. I read so many peoples blog who are incredibly talented and offer so much through their writing that I get paralyzed – don't know where to start, don't know what to write about.
I will start today by following your suggestions.
Thanks!
January 24th, 2010 at 5:00 pm
Thank you Sophfronia, I love your examples of what you would like to accomplish in a writing session. Sometimes I get really bogged down with “everything” and can't quite focus on a subject. When my mind is going in all directions I find it useful to write in a list of short sentences. Once all those flying thoughts are out of the way I can usually write more in depth on a particular subject.
January 24th, 2010 at 5:05 pm
true indeed. I love the little epiphanies that come about – hey, I didn't know I knew that! – virtually every time I write. They do come in other settings as well – I'm a pianist and primarily an improvisor, so I get that 'hey, I didn't know I could play that' experience there as well – but since writing takes place in words, the medium of our internal narrative, those revelations can be more direct, more personal and immediate.
Thanks again… and have a fascinating day!
January 24th, 2010 at 5:08 pm
Yes, with little piece you can build big things! See my blog post this week, “Come to the Edge”: http://www.thebooksistah.com/blog/writing/come-...
January 24th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Hi Jennifer,
Just remember to trust your voice. Yes, there are a zillion blogs out there to read, but people will read yours because they will connect to who you are–just like we all connect with Sarah and her voice. Write from your heart and people will listen.
January 24th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
I have the Artist's Way too and I love it!
January 24th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
See my comment below about letter writing. It's a hugely important form of writing and I hope we all come back to it from time to time!
January 24th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
I love how engaged everyone is with the whole idea of writing. And WOW Sophfronia – your coaching and wisdome is amazing. I am soaking it all up as I read the comments.
All of my writing “skill” (which seems like an odd word really) grew out of my Morning Pages. The practice of writing my thoughts without editing them as right or wrong or for someone else to read allowed me to tap into what my voice truly sounded like.
Another book on writing that I love is Bird by Bird. Anne Lamott just plain makes me laugh until I cry when she talks about what writers do to themselves when sitting down to actually “write.”
You are incredibly generous to offer your unique brand of guidance to everyone today, Sophfronia. Thank you.
January 24th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
Hi Sophronia, Thank you for the article. I love what you've said here and agree with you that writing can create magic. I have been fortunate enough to publish a book and many articles in the area of information technology, but nothing I've done professionally has come close to the power of the writing that no one else, or very few others, have read. I think you nailed it (not that you need my validation, ha) when you talk about listening. Someone once told me to ask myself a question or start with a statement and then to write whatever comes out, without editing or stopping, for as long as it takes. For years I used the phrase, “I remember when…” and it spawned many stories and life experiences. Later, when I would read what I had written, I would be pleasantly surprised by the results.
I have not written this way in a few (OK, many) years. Your post has re-ignited my passion and desire to do so. Thank you!
Oh, and love notes in lunch bags have resulted in some of my best writing because of the positive effects they've had on others, especially my two daughters, who recently told me how much they enjoyed my notes through the years. My oldest daughter still keeps a simple note on the dashboard of her car that I delivered on a day that she really needed it. I love how a two line note and poorly drawn happy face can work so much magic.
Thanks again.
Kevin.
January 24th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
I love the letter writing idea, thanks again Sophfronia!
January 24th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
Thank you, Sophfronia! I'm a writer but this is still a good reminder of how powerful words are. I've often reached breakthroughs while journaling….one page, two, five, sometimes even after ten some little keystone will loosen and the whole thing will come tumbling down, revealing the gem I'd been hoping for all along. What helps me, too, is knowing that no one will read the words in my journal. Not even me, sometimes, because I can barely read my handwriting. I'll look for your novel…my first one is coming out in early 2011.
January 24th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
Megan, I'm a big fan of “The Artist's Way.” “Vein of Gold” is pretty good, too.
January 24th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
Sally, as usual, you've nailed it, you amazing woman, you! I know that when I can touch my words – from the heart to the pen to the page – they have more power than a computer screen, but what I've found has the most intense power is the spoken word. I started doing this when I was sidelined with tendonitis in both wrists. Back then I used a small tape recorder and when it happened again a couple years ago, I started using voice activated software. Speech comes from a different part of the brain, and it took me a while to get over that inner critic, but then, I could just let it fly. I was amazed, transfixed and appalled at what came out. And that's a good thing.
January 24th, 2010 at 5:41 pm
Yes, yes and yes! I especially like what you said about the notes to your daughters. I hope in this day of texting that we don't forget to write to our children. My father couldn't read or write, so he would dictate letters and my mother would write them out. He passed away 18 years ago this month, but I still have a letter he sent to me in college chastising me for a grade on my report card. Yes, he was scolding me but I could also hear in his voice concern and love. That's why I keep it.
January 24th, 2010 at 6:04 pm
Julia Cameron's “The Artist's Way” had a huge influence on me as well. The morning pages are ideal for “clearing your mind of clutter” (one of the intentions that Sophronia lists for writing) and for getting to the gold underneath.
January 24th, 2010 at 6:07 pm
The act of committing a word to a surface (whether it be a monitor or a sheet of paper) *requires* a distillation process. The act of choosing the proper word forces us to quantify and measure intent. Heck, even the word appropriate carries a different connotation than 'proper,' even though both words are grounded in the same root.
I also find that when I actually write something down, as opposed to state it aloud, there is an actual connection between synapses, fingers and the external function of my eyes processing what I've written that reinforces whatever I've written in at least 3 dimensions.
Thanks for giving me something to think about! Great post.
Best, M.
January 24th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
Writing makes things concrete, especially as evidenced by your notes to your daughters. Just think of the positive effects your words had not only on them, but on every person with whom your daughters have come into contact. Pretty cool stuff!
January 24th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
Something that I've done when I'm stuck is to have my right hand “ask” a question by writing it out and having the left “answer” it. It is a means through which epiphanies filter to the surface and helps dissolve blocks.
January 24th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
Let me think about
a writ
a bit
Between us:
the parties of the first
and second
of certiorari?
no – for we shall not be unequal
of mandamus?
no – for we shall not command
of habeus?
yes – you shall have my body.
I find for the defendant.
It's not a translation, per se, but I just thought it sounded like a fun challenge. Thanks, Vanessa!
January 24th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
Very happy to see a post on writing. Changing my game always starts with a journal and writing (to unclutter my thoughts, detail future goals and dreams, and just hash stuff out)
Getting over the “to be a writer you need to be writing something 'literary'” or have majored in English Comp or poetry, was also a huge relief that I finally realized when I attened a tiny writing retreat in Martha's Vinyard, led my Nancy Aronie — whose only rule was that the small group of participants could only give positive feedback. It was amazing to see everyone's “voice” shine through when we were allowed to just play and have fun. Not that editing, feedback and useful criticism is not also important, but when you are first birthing something, it great to let it just flow.
Sophfronia — I am curious as to what is inspiring you these days and do you begin your day with a journal?
Thank you so much for your post! cheers.
January 24th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
I have been formulating a few letters in my head the last week (professional) and your suggestion to write and re-write until you get the emotion out – just put me over the edge! So I am going to do that! I've been trying to do it in my head (get the emotion out) and haven't been successful yet!
Thanks
January 24th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Love “Bird by Bird”!! “Writing Down the Bones” by Natalie Goldberg is also wonderful and inspiring.
January 24th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
I have the hardest time journaling! I think it is because I have always been extremely private and don't want anyone to read it (the personal stuff) so my journal entries used to be “Not much today, went [wherever] did {whatever}… etc boring!!
It is very hard to open up that personal thought process and not worry about someone reading it (for me) 
January 24th, 2010 at 6:28 pm
I agree! I love getting things in the mail – but it just doesn't happen that often! I have recently gotten out my stationary to send little notes to my grandmother – I know she enjoys that – and she doesn't have a computer!
January 24th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Sounds like you are on the right path! You shouldn't be nervous from what I just read!
January 24th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
I have Bird by Bird sitting right here on my desk – always! LOVE that book… I haven't read The Artist Way – going to have to buy it now after reading these comments though!!!
January 24th, 2010 at 6:33 pm
I love the idea of asking yourself a question and then answering it – I am going to try that!
That is amazing and I agree! My son is just beginning to learn to read – but for now I could put pictures in there right?
January 24th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
I love this idea and your post has given me lots of things I want to do now! My to-do list has grown, but I am thrilled about it!
and I think the most helpful thing you said (for me) was to listen! I can't wait to see what I come up with! Thanks!
January 24th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
I sure wish I could journal like that! What is your novel about??
January 24th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
writing is my security blanket- capturing thoughts, ideas and dreams- my trusty journal- it doubles as a life line!
January 24th, 2010 at 6:51 pm
Hi Sophronia,
I enjoyed your post. Your reasons to write will be very helpful for folks with writer's block (or fear). Getting the words out helps us flex our power. I teach personal essay writing and have witnessed writers become more powerful right in front of my eyes!
Thank you,
Giulietta, Inspirational Rebel
January 24th, 2010 at 7:03 pm
Thanks, I never thought of it that way, but you are correct, it can certainly be a stone-in-the-water, ripple effect sort of thing.
January 24th, 2010 at 7:11 pm
Heck, yes. Pictures work well. Any little surprise that makes your son smile when he opens his lunch box later that day. I once took a way too close-up self portrait of me winking and pointing at the camera, printed it off, and snuck that in my daughter's lunch box. That picture still finds its way into lunches, luggage, under pillows, etc. Sky is the limit.
January 24th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Yes yes yes!
I've recently restarted my journal(s) and find that something magical *does* happen when I start writing. Whether the keyboard or fountain pen, this is *excellent* advice to prompt one to find stuff knocking around in your brain you didn't even know was there.
Thanks, Sophfronia!
January 24th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
My handwriting's gotten atrocious, too, but it seems it's the process that's more important than the product — do you think?
January 24th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
When I was at my first university in the late nineties, I took a lot of creative writing/public speaking classes. Most of those involved writing, every day, not just every class. They all helped me get so much out on paper it was rediculous – this was when everything I was dealing with was peaking, and there was a LOT of backlog, and it all came out in a wonderous two year rush that involved several published pieces in the school literary journals, and its really what got me started on blogging. So I guess I have another reason to thank years of crushing depression and anxiety…they're why I'm here today doing this 30 day thing!
I've been dragging my ass on writing for a while now – commenting on these posts is probably the most writing I've done since! Other than writing on my own blog, of course – which is severely neglected at the moment.
January 24th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
that's a cool technique, and really remarkable how it engages the different thought-approaches of the other half of the brain. It's funny you should mention this here – it's a technique I am using for a very specific purpose in a novel I am writing and serializing online… won't link to it as that's kind of cheeky, but I'm not hard to find…
January 24th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Writing is healing for sure! It kind of puts thing into perspective and serves as silent witness of what goes on with you at this particular place in time. Thanks for your suggestion that ANY writing can be life changing. I find this to be true. I have always enjoyed writing, but recently made sure that I write EVERY day, even if it is just for me. This has really made a difference… It also helps to have an ongoing list of things I want to write about. When I have no time to write and somethings comes to mind, I just add it to the list! Then, when I sit down to the blank page, I look over the list and take something from there…like you say, it is a thought that already has crossed my mind and all I have to do is be receptive to listen!
January 24th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
Me too, Cheryl!!! I now keep a notebook in my purse as well for those times inspiration strikes on the road (or at Trader Joe's).
January 24th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
What you are doing is forcing both sides of your brain to work at the same time and the more you do it the stronger the neural pathways are. So what ends up happening is that your logical side and your emotional (or in this instance) your creative side start working together. Good strategy I love it!!!
January 24th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Letter writing is becoming a lost art. I agree it is important!
January 24th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
What a great post. Writing has always come easily for me…from the time I was a child. I got away from it for many years persuing other paths. But I've been back to it for 13 years now and am glad I found my way back to it. Taking one of the earlier post suggestions, I wrote a letter last week to some people who have been on my mind. I wanted to tell them how much they've meant to me. It is wonderful how all these posts, while each very unique, end up complimenting each other.
January 24th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
Thank you Sophfronia for a lovely reminder of writing with a purpose. I find writing to be the clearest sign of how well I have worked through ideas. When the words won't come, there's more thinking or doing that has to happen.
And at the same time writing deadlines are essential. Deadlines clear the mind and get me thinking and doing. Like right now when I have a list of deadlines looming in the not-so-distant future.
So, thanks for the opportunity to clear those thoughts.
January 24th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
Thank you, Sophfrina, for showing us how to harness the power of words in such simple ways. I especially like your explanation on Listening to find those words, to grab them, write them down then act on them.
Like many others here, I'm rediscovering the journal. I love mind dumping … filling up a sheet of paper with words that come to mind and releasing them to the paper. I, too, leave notes to my kids in their lunchboxes or school folders as a reminder that I love them (especially when I'm really grumpy). Another way I play with words is cutting them out of magazines and pasting them into collages I create — being a graphic designer, it's a wonderful way for me to look at them in a visual way. It is also a constant reminder of why I love to design for print … I love typography and often use it as design elements in my work.
January 24th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
Thank you for this post Sophfronia. And thank you for the comment Jennifer ~ I never realized until I read your comment how much fear influences my writing (or lack thereof). I am NOT on of those people who love to write. I have had a lifelong love affair with language and write pretty well when I do — but actually starting to write something is almost painful.
I went through high school with the same group of about 25 students in an honors English program. Writing was a big part of the class and I always felt inadequate. At my 20th HS reunion I discovered that more than half of the group were in careers that depend on writing and the girl I always paired up with for peer editing was teaching creative writing at Duke University and had published several novels. No wonder I felt inadequate!
Now I make my living as a Virtual Assistant to authors. I surround myself with people who revel in writing (like most of the people participating in this group). I tend to over analyze everything I write and hold back out of fear just as Jennifer wrote.
I have never really thought of writing as something that has value to me aside from its value to any potential reader. I am going to start writing just for me without any intention of others reading it to take advantage of the benefits you so eloquently listed. And I'll try to “trust my voice”. Who knows, maybe I'll learn to love writing too.
January 24th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
Absolutely. I cherish the process. That's where the magic happens.
January 24th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
It's a “dramedy” (more comic than drama) about two squabbling sisters who turn the family B&B into a holistic retreat center to pay their mother's nursing home bills. And keep it up on the journal, if that's what you want. Just like meditation and getting to Carnegie Hall…practice, practice, practice! (Now back to our regularly scheduled program…)
January 24th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
I'm glad you're going to do that, Janica. Let me know how it goes!
January 24th, 2010 at 11:07 pm
Here's a suggestion on writer's block: I find that if I'm stuck, it's because I'm missing information. I need to do more research or more thinking about what it is I'm writing. Once the missing pieces are filled in, the writing can begin again.
January 24th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
Thanks for the reminder about writing as a way of taking the emotion out of a situation.
I had a lot of anger about something some years ago, with someone who is now dead, and writing over and over again about it really did help to move the anger away.
I've also found that writing for a long time is a really good way of bringing to the surface feelings that I've not even wanted to acknowledge.
These days, I write my daily affirmations, and, as I write the same words time after time, the “stuff” that needs to be cleared comes to my awareness.
January 24th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
Hi Heather,
I keep both a regular journal and a gratitude journal. On days when I can't write a regular entry I will, at the very least, write a gratitude list.
I get inspired by emotions, especially love and yearning. All great stories begin with an emotion. This may sound odd, but Bruce Springsteen is a great source of inspiration for me because every time I hear him speak about his writing, he's seeking the same things: to capture story and emotion. Was just watching him on Elvis Costello's show the other night and I was particularly moved by his section in the Kennedy Center Honors show.
January 24th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
What a wonderful post to read on a Sunday afternoon. Thank you, Sophfronia!!
I am also deeply connected to writing, really getting back into it this past year. Like many of the others, I let 'life' get in the way of my writing instead of using it to improve my life. And while I am still unsure about whether my creative well is full enough after a day running after my boys, I finally feel confident that I will get back to it.
On the handwritten note topic, I have to say that no matter how infrequently I might send them, I always have stationery on hand because you never know when a short, sweet, authentic note will help lift someone out of a dark place (or help them celebrate a success). My grandfather just turned 90 in December, and as I was thinking about what gift to get him, I came across several handwritten cards and poems he wrote for me when I was a little girl (before I became an annoying teenager). Re-reading them, this small precise engineer's script filled with love, brought me to tears.
For me, there are few things in life that are more powerful than the written word, in all its forms.
January 24th, 2010 at 10:47 pm
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January 24th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
I really identify with a lot of what you've written, Janica. It can be difficult to trust your voice when you compare yourself/your writing to literature that you enjoy. Something that helps me, though, is to think about it like ice cream (stay with me)…You probably really love the top of the line ice cream, fresh ingredients, full fat butter and sugar – all the trimmings. But don't you also enjoy an ice cream that you can get at the local grocery? It's not as fancy maybe, but it is still sweet and tasty and definitely hits the spot. I think of my own writing like that sometimes – it may not be Pulitzer Prize winning, but as long as it can give someone a little bit of joy, then it was worth putting out there…even if that 'someone' is you!!
January 25th, 2010 at 12:26 am
Great post Sophfronia. I learned years ago that the best way for me to work things out when I have a big problem is to write about it. Now I am taking a life writing course (something new for me- re: yesterday's post) and trying to develop the habit of writing daily. Our teacher suggests morning pages, which I do only sometimes. When I do it, I love it. Your words provide extra motivation to keep at it and develop this habit.
January 25th, 2010 at 12:39 am
A life writing course, that sounds so cool! Let me know how that goes. And don't worry if you can't write every single day–just remember to go back to it. It's kind of like meditation–you make it a practice because that's what you do–practice!
January 25th, 2010 at 12:42 am
My husband's mom has been writing to our son since he was born. He's now 5. I save it all because when he's older I know he'll appreciate it and will get to know her in a different way.
And I know what you mean about the creative well. I too often feel empty after a day of household and family duties. But it refills if you let it!
January 25th, 2010 at 12:44 am
“The Creative Habit” by Twyla Tharp is also excellent.
January 25th, 2010 at 2:11 am
Beautifully said, “honor the power of words”. We use language in such a casual manner these days and the post on 'Rockstar' is a prime example of that. The word is used to describe everything from a prime parking spot to a hairstyle.
You've reminded me of the morning pages I used to do (Julia Cameron) and how wonderfully it worked to get all the useless crap out of my head and on to paper so that I could concentrate on the real writing I had to do or even going ahead with the rest of my day without a shit loop in my head taking up energy. I loved the whole ease of writing nothing but anything and everything in my head at that moment. Awesome that everyone here is reminded of The Artist's Way.
Thank you for this reminder. I need to get back to the basics again.
January 25th, 2010 at 3:09 am
Sounds Fun! I'd read it! We'll just have to see on the journaling!
January 25th, 2010 at 3:23 am
Thanks- I'll check that out!
January 25th, 2010 at 3:24 am
I know. I really found them transformational. Trying to get back to them…to discipline myself to do them first thing- that makes a huge difference…my mind is closer to the dreaming state!
January 25th, 2010 at 3:25 am
Thank you, Sophfronia, for a timely post full of ideas and the tools to start working them! I've always enjoyed writing, but faced fear similar to Shelly's (darn my people-pleasing streak anyway!) and not really done much for myself. As with reading, where I lost my voracious appetite for books after university where it seemed my understanding and interpretation had to live up to outside scrutiny, I thought I had lost the creative joy I used to feel in just telling a story. I've now decided it was only misplaced! I love finding a livejournal entry or handwritten page of mine years later and realizing it's not half bad. Poetry has helped me liberate from some blockages as well.
And speaking of which, legalese poetry (not mine, but a fun one):
http://www.write.co.nz/mainsite/TheNightBeforeC...
January 25th, 2010 at 9:34 am
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January 25th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Thank you Sophfronia. The Artist Way w2as my intro to writing as a way of self exploration. I have to admit that there is something delightful for me in writing by hand. The feel of the pen in my hand, and its fluid motion across the page is magical. When I add purpose to it, even more so. Thank you for reconnecting me with that magic once again. I am looking forward to reading more of you.
January 25th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Thanks for the post. Writing is powerful and has helped me on many occasions. That being said, I've not done free forming writing about problems or perhaps about the whininess and weepiness I feel from this seemingly never ending cough that's keeping me from sleeping. So it's a good reminder. Thanks again.
January 25th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
You're welcome. I feel the same way about writing by hand. Sometimes it's the only way I can really “hear” my voice. When I'm under a time crunch it can be frustrating because I'm really doing work twice–writing by hand then typing it into the computer–but that's just the way it has to happen! And the results are good!
January 25th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Morning papers, yes. Thanks Megan for sharing how it helped you.
January 25th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
Also writing with your non-dominant hand helps as was mentioned in comments on another post.
January 25th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
So what's the connection between a husband being an ex and writing everyday?
January 26th, 2010 at 1:37 am
Sophfronia (love your name),
Awesome post and made me think about writing in a new way. I can relate to the idea of pulling an idea out of the shapeless energy of thoughts. Formulating an idea, patting the edges, bringing it into sharp relief. Like a sculptor who carves away rock to get to the shape inside. I whittle away the extra thoughts/words/ideas from a clear message from my heart to my reader.
Linda
January 26th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
I enjoy cutting out words to use on my vision boards! Was just looking at the one I have up in my bedroom the other evening and was again reminded to “Live happily ever now”. I've found some really great phrases and words from magazines that fit so well with the images that inspire me.