A friend of mine recently sent me a compiled list of writing tip lists. It’s here. (Do check it out, there’re some really good ones.)
That got me thinking. I’ve been in this game for a long time—traditionally published for about forty-eight years with over 160 poems in print and 20 books out. And, of course, I’ve been writing for much longer than that. Which means that I, too, have a handy list that might supply the fuel for some of you when things feel like they’re dragging, or you just can’t get your butt back in the chair another day. That said, here’s my list of eleven things to do to keep you writing for a lifetime. Why eleven and not ten? Because I’m a fan of that hilarious rock-mockumentary This is Spinal Tap. Besides, why not?
1. Love—be open to it.
Let your guard down. Live your life to the fullest with all its ups and downs. To write is to create something that will be held up to the light. That creation will come from a place of caring—even if your life is tough, even if you spend your days fingering hate like a jewel. Still, love is the propellant that will empower your writing—love of reading, love of conversation, love of being.
2. Experience—walk about.
A writer needs an ocean to draw from. Get out and about. Do things. Do not coop yourself up in a stuffy room or dark corner staring at a blank screen or piece of paper. Walk out. Walk widely. Walk with an open heart. Fill your ocean with wonderful creatures and adventures.
3. Stand back—and use your senses.
Telling you to stand back may seem like an odd admonition, especially as I’ve just advised loving and living widely. But in order to create you have to take a step back and examine your life and the adventures you’re having in that walk-about, and in those relationships. Stand at a little distance and touch, taste, smell, hear, and look at what/who interests you. Touch an emotion you felt as you walked about. Can you put your hand around it? What is its heft? Does it sing to you when you put it to your ear?
4. Scribble—let your inner toddler out.
Jot things down. Record your thoughts. Slap chocolate covered hands against walls. It doesn’t matter how you do it, or how messy you are. Just get it in writing or get it recorded. Collect your thoughts. I have a friend who wrote occasional lines on scraps of paper and tossed them into a laundry basket. When he wanted to write a poem, he’d pull a handful out and see what came of it. Yes, it can be that unorganized. In fact, I believe it’s preferable to be unorganized! Don’t slow down to critique yourself or be so concerned with orderliness that you can’t fling open the gates and let your imagination run free—while hitching a ride on it.
5. Revise—get your fingers into the mess.
Are you sensing a theme here? The joy of just living, loving, creating? Revision is a critical component. Sure, some writers grumble about revision, but it can be fun as well. Pull out a few notes that seem to connect to each other and, like a tangram puzzle, move things around. See what kind of shape(s) you can form with different emotions, ideas, scenarios. Whether you write poems, short stories, novels, non-fiction, plays, gaming scripts, whatever—get your fingers into the goo, swirl them around and see what happens.
6. Plan—start adulting.
You always knew there’d be a time to grow up. Well, at least, to put that toddler down for a nap. Okay—now is the time to ask yourself, what is my intention regarding my writing? Try to get clear about this—knowing that it might change later. Are you writing for strictly personal reasons and have no desire to share with the world. Fine. Do it. Do you want to share/publish? If so, figure out how you’re going to go about it. Now is the time to get organized and get help. Join a critique group, a professional organization like the FSPA or FWA or other state writing groups, Poetry Soc. of America, the Soc. of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Romance Writers, etc. There are hundreds of good writing organizations/groups that can offer advice, support, and opportunities.
7. Submit—go for it!
If your plan is to publish, really go for it. That old saying is correct, “You can’t jump a chasm in two leaps.” (Variously attributed to Twain, Churchill, or Chesterton.) Research and get yourself an agent. And/or start submitting to publishers/journals/media outlets yourself. There are many printed and online sites that will provide instructions on how to prepare a submission, who to submit to, and what those publication agencies are looking for. (Duotrope and Submittable are helpful. As is many of the writer’s market guides put out by Writer’s Digest Books.) Do your homework. Most writer organizations can help with research and recommendations, as well.
8. Scribble & revise again—play while you wait.
Don’t ignore the fun part of all this. Continue to scribble, take notes, journal, and draft as you wait to hear from agents or publishers. Feed that creative half of your brain with new projects. Keep it on a sugar/caffeine high. Now is a good time to learn to juggle. You want to continue to play messily while also being well-organized with your record keeping. You can do it!
9. Scribble, scribble, scribble …
Always! And keep living large and reading widely to find new ideas and ways of seeing/feeling that you are going to take note of.
10. Revise, revise, revise …
Love revision. Invite it into your boudoir with a copy of the Kama Sutra. Enjoy yourself.
11. Love your path.
Love the path you’ve decided upon, knowing you can always turn back. You can always change your mind about publishing/or not. And love the people you’ll meet along the way—most will be helpful. If you meet those who belittle your efforts or try to discourage you, recognize that there is some unresolved issues in their lives, not in you. Give them space but continue onward according to your plans for your writing. It’s your gift, don’t let anyone spit on it.
*Celebrate—as much as possible!
Don’t skimp. Don’t be shy. A neighbor comments on a piece you wrote for the local flyer—have an extra sip of wine in its honor! If a poem or short story gets accepted, be proud, let folks know. And join the celebrations of your fellow writers. We’re all in this together. Celebration is the butter and cream that’s baked into a rich life.
*(I know, I only said there’d be eleven. But there’s twelve. What can I say? I turned my sound system up two notches above 10! Take that, Spinal Tap!)
Resources:
Niki Kantzios
Absolutely wonderful advice–not just for writing but for living. (Hey, wait, I think it’s the same thing??!) Thanks!
Shutta Crum
Yes!