5 Ways to be a Smart, Gutsy Writer
I used to think that becoming a writer was like leafing through a travel brochure or scrolling through a vacation website to find that perfect, sunlit place (writing genre).
Once I found the perfect spot, I would earmark that page and say, “Yeah, that’s where I’m headed.” Then, once I actually got there, I’d set down my suitcase (full of chic outfits to wear to my book launches) and announce: “I’m heee-eere.”
Ask any working writer who crams in a round of edits on her lunch hour. Or ask any of us who wake up at 2 a.m. with that perfect, ah-ha idea, and, damn it, someone’s moved the bedside pen and stack of notebooks (again). A destination or a place? Nope. Writing is a life.
And, like all other aspects of our lives, writing has its ups and downs. From month to month and year to year, it often feels like the rules change, and our own approaches must change just to keep up. Thankfully, it’s rarely a start-from-scratch enterprise. We can and do learn from past mistakes and successes. Here is a list of 5 practices that really worked for me in 2013, ones that are possible keepers for 2014.
1. Write to Your Body Rhythms. I have never been a morning person. Even after that dang alarm goes off, it takes my brain an hour to fully come awake. In 2013, I finally learned how to capitalize on those sleepy morning grumps and turn them to my writing benefit. Three nights per week, I set my morning alarm for an hour earlier than I used to. I also set out the things I would need for a pre-work, morning write: a small Thermos of coffee, fuzzy slippers and my laptop. With my brain still on dimmer switch, I banged out a first draft of a good chunk of my memoir. On the weekends, I had plenty of time to go back and re-write. I loved this morning freewrite, and in 2014, I plan to get back to it.
2. Write for Reach AND Write for Writing. Blog posts, blog interviews, social media updates. They build writing voice, expand our audience and help us to create a virtual writer’s community. They can also help a 21st century writer to build her platform. But they shouldn’t substitute for the actual writing itself. In 2013, I paid $10 for a subscription to MacFreedom (macfreedom.com), an internet-blocking productivity software. As well as removing temptation, it helps me to set up a schedule to give me a block of uninterrupted, timed writing. It’s kind of like setting the oven timer.
3. Honor your writer with professional development. At my day job, I keep a look out for webinars or opportunities to advance my skills and learn from other associates and professionals (I work in non-profit communications). But in my writing life, I often convince myself that I cannot afford the time or travel costs for in-person writers conferences or networking opportunities. Wrong. Nothing replaces an in-person chat with other writers, professional mentors or publishing professionals. In 2014, I vow to attend at least one writer’s conference—whatever it takes.
4. Honor the weirdo, spooky-zen-karma part of writing. I’m a fairly practical person who believes that creativity is more about hard work than it is about happenstance. I’m also a little fey. So writing, for me, has always been full of strange coincidences, vivid dreams and those nocturnal light bulb moments. This synchronicity is a signpost to where my writing and me should be headed. In 2014, I will listen to my gut and pay more attention to my own inner wisdom.
5. Say “no” more often. Last year, as much as I loved being a volunteer grant writer for my local branch library, I loved my creative writing (and working to pay my mortgage) even more. Having and maintaining a creative life is all about making hard choices and sacrifices. As a writer with a busy day job, time assumes a very high currency. In 2014, I vow to put a higher value on my time. If and when someone or something takes me away from my writing desk, (s)he or it better be worth it.
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An Irish native, Aine Greaney now lives on Boston’s North Shore where she writes non-fiction and fiction. She’s currently at work on her fifth book, What Brought You Here, a memoir about leaving her native Ireland to immigrate to America at age 24. Her essay, “Green Card” has been selected as a “notable essay” in “Best American Essays 2013.”
Follow her on twitter @AineGreaney Visit her website at www.ainegreaney.com
Category: Contemporary Women Writers, How To and Tips
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Great tips, Aine! I especially liked #5. I was a professional grant writer for years, and I found little energy for creative energy. I had to quit grant writing– entirely– to write from a more personal and creative place energetically.
I felt the entirety of this, have journeyed in real life a part of your piece. You have spoken within your write truths so many learn the hard way
Aine–
I enjoyed this post very much and can relate to your points especially number five. I wish you good karma and writing productivity in 2014.
Victoria–
Thank you, Victoria. I wish you a good writing year, too.
Smart and succinct, well said. I would add that you should ask yourself the question regularly as you write: what if? All sorts of gutsy eclectic things might happen that enrich the writing. Cheers.
I like this advice. I think the biggest challenge for me is start believing I am a writer and not an aspiring writer.
Right on! I also like to write in the early morning hours, before the sounds of the day set in. As a creative writer you have to listen to yourself carefully. Once you have mastered the listening part, the words come easy. I also strongly agree with writing for all sorts of publications, blogs and such, to create a strong platform. Credibility as a writer is a must, and it keeps the mind sharp. Good luck with all of your endeavors!
Uschi, Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind words on the piece. Keeping the mind sharp is easier on some days than others but it all balances out.
Such good advice. I try to follow most of these but may have to look into the internet software. Yeesh, that can suck up a lot of time. It’s a “good” avoidance technique when fear and self doubt are ripping through me. After all, I can justify it as being writing related. Sigh.
Great tips I need to cut out and post. Thank you.
Hi Julie, Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words. I am glad that they might provide some inspiration.
Good tips, Aine! As you say, writing is a life, not a destination. I also have encountered very bizarre coincidences, as if the universe really was paying attention to our obsessions and interests. In fact writing is a lot about listening: to our own rhythms, to clues along the path, to our fellows, and to what has to go on the page. Thanks for reminding me of this priority.
Marialena,
Thank you. Yes, the listening is the trick, isn’t it? Sometimes life kind of drowns out the good stuff, but so long as we get back on track by the end of the week! Happy Writing to you.