Wisdom for Emerging Writers
One of the sweet benefits of being a Red Oak Penmonkey is our Monday morning Writers’ Check-in, an opportunity to connect with other writers for camaraderie and inspiration. Last week, we started with the ice-breaker, “What wisdom would you like to share with emerging writers?” Below are the responses, passed along with permission from the ‘monkeys. Write on…
~When you show up at the page, the words will follow.
~Don’t listen to people who say they write 8 hrs or 5,000 words a day. They’re (probably) lying. Just work the way it works best for YOU.
~If you think you want to write but don’t know where to start, check out Red Oak.
~If you’re stuck, get away for awhile—either physically or to other creative projects.
~Read. Read. Read: craft books and models of the type of work you aspire to write.
~Don’t quit your day job.
~Post-its and index cards can be your friend—physically manipulating your ideas can spark new ones and give you clarity.
~Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and learn from them.
~Show your work to other people; have the courage to expose yourself.
~Touch your writing in some way every day.
~Join a writing group as soon as you can, and, if it’s not right for you, find another one.
~Keep drafts to see your own progress. Something in an early draft may prove to be useful.
~Back up your writing!!! (Back it up somewhere else in addition to your computer.)
~Start with a small idea. We don’t know what something is “about” until we start to write it.
~Follow the advice of The Artist’s Way, and freewrite 3 pages every morning. You just might “find” something in there.
~There are lots of affordable or even free opportunities for writers. Become a student of writing.
~“The mind must paint before the brush.” See the world through your writer’s eyes.
~Get your butt in that chair, whether you feel like it or not.