5 Unexpected Ways to Reset Your Writing Practice
Do you have writing days that are moan-inducing when a blank page feels more like a black hole? Or do you begin to write, quickly nix the idea, start on a new idea only to scratch that and start over again (and again)?
After writing six books and many articles, I know the woes of writing all too well. But I’ve also discovered a few things that have changed my writing life from feeling somewhat painful and anxiety-filled to waking up excited to see what will appear on the page that day.
It turns out that how you go about writing can be as important as what you write.
The secret lies in how you create your writing practice.
Every writer I know has had to figure out how to open the door of inspiration. Luckily, there are lots of tips and tools to help.
In Story Alchemy workshops and The Alchemists Writing Community we talk about the art and alchemy of writing great articles, essays and books. We also talk about the nitty gritty, day-to-day stuff, like how to create a practice that makes writing fun and helps you be a better writer. Below is a taste of the boots-on-the ground writing guidance you’ll find in Story Alchemy.
5 Unexpected Ways to Reset Your Writing Practice
Learn to sketch:
I always feel jealous of painters because their process looks like so much fun (painters, forgive me if I’m wrong on this!). They often sketch first to study their subject before painting. Then they block out the image on a blank canvas and create form in broad strokes. Next comes color and texture. The painting comes to life through layering and adding finer detail.
When I started writing I was weirdly under the impression that I had to know what I wanted to say first and simply pound it out. I’ve only learned over time how writing is more like painting—it’s helpful to sketch first and add layers to bring the work to life. Writing is rewriting after all.
It became infinitely easier and more fun when I gave myself permission to sketch until the shape of the piece began to reveal itself. So you can let go of the creativity-squashing notion that you have to be perfect from the get go. Allow yourself to sketch the essence of a beautiful moment or a big idea and see where the process leads you.
Give yourself room:
Whether you have an office or a small corner of your bedroom, it helps to create a dedicated writing space where you can unload the contents of your brain and keep your tools at hand. My tools include a journal, a laptop, a folder to collect loose papers, a good filing system, note cards and sticky notes, objects and books that inspire me. Whatever helps is worth having at your fingertips.
When I wrote my novel Tree Dreams, I gave myself permission to use my entire studio. I painted a wall with chalkboard paint and wrote all over it. I plastered magazine clippings and notecards everywhere so I could “see” what I was thinking (and my then 5-year old left me sweet messages, too). It felt so satisfying to break the rules and let creativity reign (that’s a photo of my studio on the left).
Find the door at the back of the wardrobe:
In The Chronicles of Narnia, the Pevensie children discover that there is a door in the back of a wardrobe that leads to the land of Narnia. It can be very useful to create your own ‘door’ that helps you to shift from everyday concerns to the as-yet-unknown world of your work. The way I open that door is to read other writers I love. I meditate. I dance to out-there music to shake off the day. I take a walk. Or I might take a shower. Mindful transitions help you reset and better see the work at hand.
Know when to quit and write the next thing (tomorrow):
Give yourself a quitting time. It can help to know that you don’t have to work longer than an hour (or a few). You will come to trust that you can try again tomorrow. Building this trust allows you to relax deeper into your work knowing it will reveal itself over time. And if you have wild bursts of inspiration and go over your designated time, all the better. You will feel victorious!
As you get to the end of the session, you may be filled with ideas that you wish you had time to write. Jot them down as starting points for the next day. This offers an easy and inspired place to begin when you return to your writing and helps to connect the work over days and weeks.
Don’t (always) write alone:
Writing is, by its very nature, an isolating experience. We can easily conceive of an idea, map it out, write it, edit it, doubt ourselves and want to throw it all away, then edit it four more times … without ever speaking to another soul.
I often consider the isolation that comes with writing to be a work hazard. But this is tricky because I love the isolation and need the quiet to think. I also love people and hearing their stories and sharing my own.
It’s such a relief to read an important truth aloud. And it may be even more important to laugh at our very human experiences with others.
In Story Alchemy classes I’ve seen writers discover courage and perseverance they never knew they had. I’ve also seen many people drop the veil of loneliness and find deep contentment supporting other writers on their journey. Having accountability, feedback and a safe space to explore the terrain of your work can make all the difference.
This is one of the reasons I created The Alchemists Writing Community membership. Writing is so much better (and way more fun!) when we do it together. I’ll be offering a free trial for the month of September–stay tuned!
