Writing Priorities: Slice of Life
"I must write it all out, at any cost. Writing is thinking. It is more than living, for it is being conscious of living." --- Anne Morrow Lindbergh
If you didn't have time to check out this week's Big Fresh by Brenda Power be sure to stop by. In it Brenda talks about the different kinds of writing we do and compares our writing to gardening. She shares, "A garden is a great metaphor for writing, because it helps me to think about what I need to prune, plant again, or trim back to keep myself thriving as a writer."
I've been trying to rethink my writing habits --- or maybe I should say begin to shape strong writing habits. I really value my time writing like some people make time to exercise, quilt, or read books. Writing helps me to make sense of life. Writing makes me pay attention more to all that happens around me.
There are many types of writing I enjoy doing, but finding time for them all is a challenge in the busyness of life and teaching. This has especially become apparent as I do more writing online. More and more communities are forming that are finding common ideas to write about. I enjoy these writing communities, but being a part of them means finding time to write, to read, and to comment.
Writing I Enjoy
- Slice of Life: Every Tuesday
- Poetry Friday: Every Friday
- Celebrations: Every Saturday
- Professional Blog: Reflect and Refine
- Professional Writing
- My Writing Playground: Merely Day by Day
- Poetry
- Family Stories (past and present)
Epilogue
I really wasn't sure whether I would post this. It really has no voice. I'm still trying to figure out want I want to say about it. I stopped by Two Writing Teachers to see what was happening and stumbled upon Stacey's recent post, Climbing Out of a Rut. When I read her words, I knew just what she was talking about and loved these two quotes:
The problem: "I don't feel like I've written anything that is fueling me as a writer." Stacey Shubitz
The solution: "Clearly, something has to change so I can make time to write the stories that live inside my head that are yearning to make their way on the page." Stacey Shubitz
What changes do we need to make as writers to find time for the work we value most?
What changes do we need to make as writers to find time for the work we value most?
So I Wonder
What do you like to write? How do you carve out time for this type of writing? What's most important?
We are all struggling with this, aren't we? Finding the time and space to write is so hard once the school year begins is such a challenge.
ReplyDeleteIt is increasing, isn't it, Cathy. With your work, I've been wondering whether I should add a new blog, personal and professional, but don't know if I have the time, because I've been carving out-first-time to work on poetry, something I am trying hard to focus on. So, I have the blog commitments, school writing, and poetry, and a host of other projects I'd love to get started. It's a positive that we can be so excited and motivated about something, but very hard to make 24 hours into 36! I'm glad you posted-happy to hear your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteDeadlines push me to finish -- I really appreciate them! I think having quiet time (away from the computer, away from home) can help with inspiration. Whatever most interests you bubbles to the surface.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if you know this, Cathy, but I meditate daily. I started doing it this past spring and it's been great for me. I use a program called Headspace (http://www.getsomeheadspace.com/) and I'm doing the Creativity Series right now. For the next ten days the focus of the meditation is about moving an obstacle from one's midst that is getting in the way of being creative. I've chosen to think about the obstacle of time and how it is affecting me as a writer. I will certainly share if I've uncovered anything big! (BTW: I responded to your comment, which I'm thankful you left, over at TWT.)
ReplyDeleteStacey,
DeleteThis sounds interesting. I'd love to hear more what you discover.
Cathy
Rethinking writing habits?? I, too, am trying to find time to write more; be more organized in my writing. It is tough. It even feels that the shorter fall days are making lose some time in exchange for more sleep. This question, "What changes do we need to make as writers to find time for the work we value most?" will stay with me for a long time. Thanks for keeping me thinking!
ReplyDelete