writing projects

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Introduction-What It All Means

Writing is a form of creation.

It takes passion and force and focus to create something. That passion is what fuels the vision of what you desire to do. The force is what gives you the strength to do all you desire.

Remember…the Flow is not just an nebulous thing! It is something that is equal parts power and privilege. With all that, combined with time, grants us focus.

That focus is what allows us as creators to truly create—to have nothing ahead of you or inside of you other than raw creative energy. This is what it means to tap into that power.

Herein is what it means to create The Flow.

The Flow is not a secret. It is not vapid nor is it something that is a rumor artists share or whisper about! It is not something that is accidental, but always fueled by intent—and intention.

Intention powers The Flow. Focus directs us to the best access to it. Passion keeps us chasing it, because there is no high like it! None. Let us continue to explore this more.

Indeed, there is a power in and to creation. And we—and you—have it.

Combating Self-Rejection: Planning

Writing is a journey and a process. As a writer, you must keep in mind thinking about writing is important before you start writing—as cliched as this sounds. It’s true! One of the most crucial things you can do as a writer is to plan out what you want to write about—if possible! This will help ease any anxiety or stress you will have when writing. Planning allows your imagination to have a map! These types of maps are important when it relates to self-rejection! These maps are most often known/referenced as an outline. While not all writers use these, however, for those writers who are comfortable using them find much success with them! They allow your imagination to be aware of what is to come. Outlines are guidelines to follow; this ability to follow the guidelines for your new work, will allow you to not panic when you put pen to paper. Never underestimate the power of the tools are your disposal! Planning–good planning!–as a writer will save you time, energy and frustration. Which, in turn, will make you more comfortable with that you want to create! Be ready to plan! Plan to be successful!

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?

The Use Of Morning Pages

Writing is one of those careers that is both static and dynamic.

The latest thing that I have come across my desk is the idea of morning pages. I had heard of this concept, or writing exercise from a YouTuber I have followed for years now (Shira:  SugarFreeTV/SynchoncityStudios/VisionClass. If you haven’t followed her or heard of her, she is a gem!). She was going this free (FREE!) YouTube hosted class, Vision Class, and she introduced this concept. This was about 3-4 years ago. The idea, the purpose for this, is to write as the first thing when you get up.

No topic.

No theme.

No erasing.

  The ideal is to create, pour out if you will, whatever is on  your head.

Simple, right?

Now, this is  not a practice a lot of writers that I know implement. I journal, and have on and off since I was bout 8 or 9. Morning pages is alike a heightened form of journaling. It’s stream of consciousness–whatever is on your head–no feelings necessarily involved.

For some writers it could be assumed this will help clear your head. Clean the slate for the day ahead. I get that. It’s a tool. Every writer needs tools. What works for one doesn’t work for another, and that is the glory of writing. Use it if you can; if you can’t, it’s rubbish. Writing is a discipline. Remember that–we can use all the help we can get.

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The Five W’s And The One H of Writing

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Writing is one of the only professions aside from acting, I think, where the only authority is your self:  Can you do what it is you are being asked to do?

At times, it can be helpful to examine The Why. Every writer goes through a point where writing seems impossible, self-doubt becomes a religion and the words seem to be mud or muddled. In times like this, because they will come, consider this journalistic tool:  the five W’s and one H.

What.

Who.

When.

Where.

Why.

How.

All the breadth and depth of your talent can be answered and discovered by this tool. It may even help with the dreaded writer’s block! This tool can be used for a specific project as well.

Let’s examine further:

What.  This portion deals with subject matter, content, even a start date for the project you’re working on.

Who. This portion deals with character and audience. Is this going to fiction or  non-fiction? What is the target audience? Is this fiction? If it is fiction, is it age appropriate? Knowing your who will help you to streamline what you’re working on.

When. Is there a deadline, or should there be one? If there is a deadline is a hard deadline (meaning you can’t move it) or a soft one (it can be augmented). These deadlines can be given or issued by yourself or the entity you write for.

Where. Are you aware of the platform this work will be seen on? Is this going to be private or public work? You may think this is a trite question, but it something as a writer you need to consider! In that consideration, you are able to streamline what you desire to do and if you have the freedom to do just that.

Why. Here is where it gets interesting. This three letter word is one that determines the course of a work or a project. Here is your motivation to create, persist or keep going. This is the key to any project, the passion to any work, and a reason to see the end of a novel. If you can determine, capture and harness this–there is nothing to fear from blank pages.

How. This is your booster to your why. This portion compels you to see venues and opportunities to see your work, to finish projects and to collaborate with people just as hungry as you are.

Writing is thrilling, frustrating and also one of the most exhilarating things in the world. I’m glad you’re a part of it.

Keep going. You have an end to see.