Ten Reminders for the Writer*
*or any creative, probably
(Filed under: things I need to hear, always)
Writing involves brutal honesty. This is daunting, and it is normal to feel afraid of facing the page for, when you do, you end up facing the hidden parts of yourself.
Sometimes the things that make your soul feel most alive are the hardest to do. I am not sure why this is.
You can be as inconsistent in your writing practice as you like. You do not need to monetize it. You do not need to post regularly. You do not need to share it, at all, if you don’t want to.
Speaking of sharing, we all know the algorithms-that-be do not prioritize written content much these days. Still, there are people who value your words and benefit from reading them.
It is not easy to face a blank page and create a life out of words. If you are faithful to the process, the words come eventually. It may take minutes, or days, or years. It does not mean anything negative about you if the words are taking their time.
Writing is as much about paying attention as it is about stringing words together. You write when you think, when you consider, when you wonder, and when you notice the world around you in all its beauty and horror.
The world does not benefit from your silence, but it benefits from your listening, your humility, and your wisdom. You do not need to speak on everything, but may use careful consideration in the things you choose to.
Stop criticizing yourself while you write. Critiquing someone in process is rarely, if ever, helpful. The same is true of your words.
Creating, in any way, is deeply spiritual. It takes you beyond yourself, into something bigger and more connected. This is beautiful, but can also be what makes the process difficult.
Our culture believes everything needs a point, a purpose. We are obsessed with end results. In writing, most of the point is the creating in and of itself. It is the process that will change you, not the final piece.