THE SECRET OF WRITING IS YOU!

Over the centuries, many myths and mysteries have been applied to the writing practice, with most being simply ridiculous.

 I have always been a complex person who chooses to do things simply. It makes sense to me. Why complicate an already complicated world? Simplicity is the answer for me.

 Most new writers seem to want to make the mastery of writing into a mystery, and it isn’t. You aren’t channeling the long-dead. You aren’t collecting gamma rays from another planet. You are practicing a skill, a mastery of words, an application of grammar, and using your imagination (that you either have or don’t).

 Most new writers are cruel to themselves; they cast shame on themselves because they didn’t write that day, or they didn’t make the word count, or they didn’t get accepted by the publisher, or they can’t be flexible and balance writing and life. They often punish themselves with words like, “I can’t do this.” “This is too hard.” “I will never finish this.” or “No one will like this.”

 Stop doing that. Using your creativity or imagination for the negative prevents you from accomplishing anything positive. Remember, every time you write, you are practicing your skills; you are getting better with every word and thought.  If you realize this simple truth, you will start to believe in yourself. Every time you sit down and write, it should be recognized as an opportunity for growth. Your life, on your terms, is the goal, not a single word, article, or book; it is the accumulation of your work and your chosen life. Don’t let the small stuff get in the way of the big stuff, or you will never move forward.

 Now, I must be honest. Magic, myth, and mystery play a role in the writing practice, and that is where and how you find your inspiration. Inspiration is the “breathing in” of life, and all that is God around and in you. Inspiration is a flutter, like a baby's first movements in a mother’s womb, not missed if you haven’t felt it, but never forgotten once it is known.

 Inspiration is all around you. If you have trouble finding that inspiration, give yourself the gift of going out to find it; call it research. What makes you happy? When are you happy? What does happiness look like to you? What colors are happy to you? These things seem ridiculous to some, but take a minute and think and feel. This is your life, and a writer should understand themself first before they give birth to characters. Take time to find your inspiration; if you discover that for yourself, you will not have to worry about copying other authors’ writing styles. That will only make you a second-best them.  As an inspired author, you want to be the first-best you.

 Find your writing lifestyle. Find your inspiration. Don’t take something this magnificently positive and make it negative. Don’t carry shame or guilt or beat yourself up for not reaching a particular goal. See each word written as a gift of sharing, and you are the creator, birthing each work at just the right time, in its own time.

 There is no real magic to writing. There is just you, the writer.