writing prep

The Power Of Planning

Now after the pace of NaNoWriMo, I’m sure that planning is the last thing that you desire to do. Yet, as a writer, this is what we do–often. Even when we don’t think about it! Planning is the thing that we do in order to make writing easier, stronger and less stressful! Planning is not a nebulous thing though, it requires tools and investment. Yes, investment. Planning takes many forms as well! This can be in the form of outlining, free writing and even a file to store research info! What I want to remind you of is this:  talent is not enough. Talent, no matter how great, still requires discipline and a map. Planning, no matter how minute, will give you a map! This map is needed to create what you need to write as you so desire. It allows you to use wisdom with a most valued commodity–time. If you decide to continue a project, or even begin one, and to adhere to deadline, you need a plan. Time is not always on a writer’s side, so you need to make it bend to your will–by pen and plan.

What Are You Scared To Find?

What are you hiding from…and why?

There are deep feelings attached to writing, even wanting to write. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to come up with an idea to write. Let alone try to make that idea something concrete! Trust me, I get it. Ernest Hemingway said the way to write is to ‘sit at a typewriter and bleed.’ In some many ways, Papa Hemingway was right. The hardest thing sometimes as a writer to totally unleash what is in your head and heart at the same time.

At the same time.

Some of the boldest things you will ever write will be the most painful. Writing is cathartic and hard. Really hard. But, not impossible. With that in mind, I pose a question to you.

What are you scared to find?

You shouldn’t be scared–you know where are all the monsters are, where are the dark places are–you have the map! You are the light! Nothing that you find should be a shock, surprise or so foreign to your imagination that it cannot be handled. Writing requires a type of bravery which demands you be equally aware and humble. You must be aware enough of your own imagination so that you can create; humble enough to know that first drafts are the roughest expression of what you desire to create.

Now read that again.

Again, I pose the question: What are you scared to find?