7 Things I know about Writing

Inside the collective virtual writing world, we like to help one another out. We read each other's writing, blogs, and books. We connect on Twitter, Facebook, and other social media platforms. We engage in chats, discussions, and debates. We invite one another to book give-aways, TwitterChats, webinars and maybe a live author event somewhere in the real world.

In my opinion, this virtual community offers tremendous support for emerging and veteran writers. If you create (writing, art, photography, other), you want to be part of this collective. There's no admission, no initiation, no dues. You can be a voyeur, or you can dive write in and share your ideas, ask questions, or promote events. I do, and my writing is changed for the better.

The other day, CJ tossed me this "One Lovely Blog Award" and asked me to share 7 things about me. I've shared me. So I'd rather share with you 7 things about writing. I trust no one will ring my doorbell and rip this badge from my website.

7 things about writing.

1. Writing is work. Bruce Jenner didn't win the Decathlon sitting on the couch binge-watching OITNB. He rose everyday and followed a strict routine to be in top shape. I write everyday but not enough to win a Decathlon. I have been caught red-eyed in front of more than one binge-watching session. Like my writing, I am a work in progress.

2. Writing is cathartic. Diving inside your depressed character's darkness can be a cheap way of relieving your own frustrations with the world. Use your past to develop your characters. It might save you on the therapy bills.

3. Writing is joyful.  When my day begins with writing, I feel grounded, happy and ready for the world.

4. Writing is measured. Besides the joy in creating, I find a certain pleasure in seeing those word counts rise. Setting a daily or weekly goal keeps me on track and makes me feel accomplished.

5. Writing is a partnership. Yes, there is the relationship built with other writers, but I'm talking about the relationship between you and that screen (notepad, sheet of paper, post-it pile). Whether I'm using a software program to organize or reading writing advice beforehand, what I produce requires a team effort.

6. Writing is magic. There's magic at work before the words that jumble about in my head fall onto the screen before me. When I tune in to my internal workings, connect with the world around me, I create a place that doesn't exist. That's the magical world of a story.

7. Writing is peace. To expand on point 3, writing can bring you not only a sense of wonder but a quiet. Once I empty out the inner chatter onto the screen or my journal, my mind can rest. Writing is my ohm.

Please visit these lovely blogs for more fun with writing:

Lisa Reiter - practical tips and delightful conversations.
Morgen Bailey - fun poetry and story starters and more.
Heather Jackson and Others - tips and advice written with empathy and humor.
Katharine Grubb - warm and kind mom with tons of energy and lots of ideas to help writers promote and publish.
Gabriela Pereira - Do it Yourself MFA. Great articles and tips for writers at all stages.

Now, let's get back to writing.

Write on!

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