I have never found writing to be a formula or a set of steps to be followed. If the time is right, it just flows. If the time doesn’t seem right, we can wait. Or, we can fall back on habits and helpful practices.
After chasing this pursuit for 15 years of SOLC writing, I have found some ideas to be useful along the way. Somehow my thoughts arranged themselves (flowed?) into some A,B,C’s. Points to ponder:
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awareness
When we write, it’s important to be in tune with what is going on around us, and to listen to those “voices in our heads.” In turn, when we put our thoughts into words, the writing process makes us more conscious of our world. We become more mindful of our thinking and notice the ways things connect. It truly becomes a give-and-take journey.
authenticity
We should write what we know. We should share what we feel. Sometimes it is hard to be that vulnerable, but those are the words that speak to others.
accountability
The Slice of Life Challenge sets a goal for daily writing, and knowing I’ve committed to that makes me more responsible with my time. Some people find groups to join, online or in person. Usually it is harder to “disappoint” someone else (rather than just yourself) by not showing up.
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balance
The best way to become a better writer – besides writing – is to be a faithful reader. Books and stories inspire me, not as models to copy, but as examples of what rings true, and springboards to what I want my writing to become. Reading and writing go hand-in-hand.
brevity
This is hard for me, but being concise is good. It leads to precise word choice and finding the essence. It’s why songs are memorable and why the lyrics cause us to think. (Others are more likely to read short passages, too.)
bookkeeping
After all these years of writing I have accumulated more that 700 pieces of writing. I have never used tags or labels, and I have failed in my attempts to catalog my work. I regret this very much, but I am finally determined to figure out the best way to keep track of my words. (Please share suggestions in the comments!)
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comments
When I started this, I never really considered that anyone would read and comment on my work. But they did. (Thank you!) And I would have never guessed how very encouraging that can be. Savor the ones you receive. Be generous in the ones you give. Recently I was asked to gather with a small group of friends to encourage each other with our writing. This was planned as temporary – now we are each trying to figure out how to keep it going, as it has been so encouraging and life-giving to us all.
conversational
I want my writing to sound as if the reader and I were having a chat, and I hope my voice comes through my written words. These relatable kinds of passages resonate in our hearts, and hopefully they are the words that we remember in our souls.
credit
My inspiration and ability are not my own, but they are endowments that God has given me. He gets all the credit, and all the thanks.
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When I think of what writing means to me – how it has
- changed my perception of the world around me
- opened my eyes to the value of recording important thoughts and memories
- given purpose to my spirit
I want to find a way to make it integral to my daily living. Perhaps these ideas will help me do just that.
fireflytrails 