Mar 112008
Recently my writing instructor asked everyone to reflect on what their rules for writing were. Some of those rules hinder writing while others encourage it. Most of my rules have been helpful.
- 1. Use your journal to vent feelings, process thoughts, practice writing skills etc.
- 2. Never destroy anything you have written in your journal. You can’t predict when you might have a use for it.
- 3. Don’t edit while writing your first draft.
- 4. Record the date and time of each journal entry.
- 5. Don’t worry about who is going to read your journal entry or what you are going to do with it. You can decide that later.
- 6. Always travel with your journal but if you forget it, then use any piece of paper. You can always glue it into your journal later.
- 7. Cross out or scribble or curse if you feel like it.
- 8. Keep writing until you feel satisfied.
- 9. Start your book or piece at the easiest point. You don’t have to start at the beginning. I started Not of My Making in what is now the middle of the book, went back to the beginning and then wrote the end.
- 10. Don’t be afraid to adapt and change with circumstances. Before the birth of my grandson I would have suggested you set a specific time to write each week or day. I would have also said to turn off the television and find a quiet, private place. Now I agree with Hannah, my writing instructor,
“Don’t wait for the perfect moment to write.”
I am now learning to write even when I am watching my grandson or my husband is watching sports or even while I am cooking.
Some final tips: I like to use different color pens for writing assignments, letters, spiritual entries, summaries etc. I also use a highlighter to mark key words and/or I title an entry after I have written it. When I am looking for something specific in my journal it makes it easier to find.
