For the last two years I have been writing full-time. Ten years before that I wrote part-time, stealing time between part-time jobs and raising children. From my experience, the biggest challenge to having a writing life is simply showing up. You wouldn’t think that sitting at the computer or finding a quiet or (even a loud) coffee shop in order to write would be so hard to do. But it is. There are a thousand and one things that want our attention every day.
One of the ways that I have found over the years that helps me show up to write day after day is rituals. Before I turn on my computer or grab the hardcopy of whatever manuscript I’m working on, I make myself a cup of tea, usually English Breakfast or Assam. If I am at my desk, or at my favorite coffee shop, with a cup of tea brewing I know its time to start writing. Tea may not be your cup of tea, so to speak. Find something simple that you can do to send a signal to your creative juices that it’s time to write.
Another way I’ve kept writing over the years is to be accountable. I log my writing time, as if it is a job where I will be held accountable. I can look back on this log and know how much time I’ve put in on a given week and what I’ve worked on. This also helps the part of me that chimes in that I’m not doing enough. I have proof in my log that I have shown up.
I have a desire to reach people on a deep level by writing a really good story. I love putting words to the page and that I love seeing where the creative process will take me. I love exploring new settings, new emotions, and new circumstances of my characters.
But I also know myself and the world well enough to know that there are constant roadblocks to fulfilling this desire. So even if it’s for ten minutes, create rituals and set time aside in your day to show up to create.
To me, writing is 90% showing up, 9% talent, and 1% English Breakfast tea.
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Simple, yet inspired advice. Thanks. I think I’ll take you up on it.
By the way, you also have a lovely web site.
Thanks, Linda, for your kind comments. I loved reading about the wandercrones on your website and seeing photos of your family.