Tomorrow marks the beginning of a journey I'll be on for the next 90 days. I am doing something I've never truly given myself permission to do or perhaps better said, to really be. I have made the commitment to be a full-time writer for the next 3 months and while it thrills me to no end to say that, it also scares the living crap out of me.
A thousand questions have already surfaced...how many hours will I write every day? Will the words flow easily into the stories I want to tell and share with the world? Will I stay focused or will I be tempted to do other things that I know are utter distractions? Most importantly, will the truth of what I have to say appear gracefully on the page? I pray that the answers to all my questions will be found (as the poet Rilke suggested) by living my way through them.
Yesterday I had a wonderful conversation with a woman who is a gifted writer and a dear friend. When I first met her last summer, I felt like she was the older sister I never had. Anyway...she gave me some lovely advice and reminded me of a few important things as I prepare for my writing adventure.
- Write "a shitty first draft" not an incoherent one.
- It's not the story, it's HOW I tell it that will make the difference.
- When I get stuck, remember to ask the question "What would be more true here?"
- Break down the big picture into small bits.
- I don't need to learn just one more thing in order to write my book. I just need to write it.
I feel like I've prepared all my life for this moment. As long as I can remember, I've been a writer. I feel like I'm coming (or maybe it's more like returning) home. I'm ready.
How incredibly lucky you are! May the next three months be filled with many words and all the inspiration you could possibly need! :)
Here's to a wonderful new beginning!
Posted by: Jessie | October 31, 2007 at 04:56 PM
You have the discipline and the passion it takes.
Safe journey, Lisa!
Posted by: Rick | November 01, 2007 at 03:59 AM
You have the discipline and the passion it takes.
Safe journey, Lisa!
Posted by: Rick | November 01, 2007 at 03:59 AM
I enjoyed your post very much. I would like to do this too. I agree, I just need to write as well. That is really what it comes down to. Getting the writing done daily.
I seem to get a lot of inspiration when I get out and go for a walk or a ride . When I get back I always feel like writing. Good luck with your writing. I am pulling for you. xoxo Nita
Posted by: nita from red tin heart | November 01, 2007 at 08:15 PM
Lisa -- Enjoy the process and I'm sure you'll do great! Thanks for sharing Jen's advice here. I've copied, printed and posted it by MY computer to keep ME on track as I write. The perfectionist in me needs regular reminders to write "a shitty first draft" ... and the question is PERFECT! Of course we need to find & express our truth!
Posted by: storyteller | November 04, 2007 at 11:41 AM
i love this photograph...
and this story...
greatest blessings of adventure and discovery on your writing journey...
Posted by: Goddess of Leonie | November 04, 2007 at 04:42 PM