I was supposed to work on my second book this morning. However, I laid in bed thinking about this blog post instead. I also did some self-visualization. I imagined my goals and what I wanted them to look like. Some may say that I wasted my time. They may be right. Life isn’t perfect and I am an imperfect writer.
I Don’t Write Everyday
I read the book, The War of Art:Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield, earlier this year. If he knew I didn’t write everyday he would probably shake his finger at me. Tsk Tsk. Steven Pressfield insists that in order to become a better writer you have to write everyday. I agree with Steven. But again…I don’t write everyday. I’m becoming consistent. I made a schedule for myself this summer to write first thing in the morning three times a week. There are some days where sticking to the schedule simply doesn’t happen. But I am getting better.
I am not an avid reader
Over the last 4-to-5 years I have read about 1 book a year (and that’s being generous). Currently I am on book 3 for 2018. I don’t believe you have to be a “reader” to have a knack for writing. I kind of treat writing a story like a stand-up comedian treats writing a joke. I don’t want to be influenced by anyone else. Also, I don’t want to spend too much time focusing on someone else’s published work, when I could be working on my own non-published work.
I thought I would be 3 books deep by now
At least three books deep! But that hasn’t happened. “Maybe you should write everyday” – is what Steven Pressfield might say. I have several story ideas but for some reason they haven’t gone past the ideas stage. Writing takes so much more creative energy than I thought. Once I commit to writing a piece of work I know it will take some time before I finish…and that’s just the first draft!
Putting thoughts to paper isn’t as easy as it looks
Like I mentioned before, writing takes a lot of creative energy. Words don’t always flow as easy from the imagination to paper. Sometimes I can see things so vividly in my mind but when it’s time to place those words on the page…I’m stumped. A thesaurus has become my best friend. Writers block is a real thing. I haven’t figured out the best cure for it. Some of the things I’ve done to fix it have been writing about something completely different than the current topic, stepping away for a little while, or even being entertained via a movie or music.
I guess all my confessions are pretty normal.
Keshia
ColorMyFootsteps 