What do I write?
For those who want to write, but don't
In the next weeks, I’ll be writing about finding something to write about, getting unstuck, getting weird, sometimes defeating, feedback, and getting past being told or feeling you aren’t a “good enough” writer. Today is “what do I write?”
Write the truth. Write what you remember, what you experience, or what YOU need to know.
What is important for you to share with others? What is the thing you want to scream from the mountaintops? What is the thing that you want to continue beyond your lifetime? Are they stories for your family? Is it a message? Are you trying to make more money? Do you want your life and your life’s work to continue? Write that down.
DOING #1: Set that timer for 10 minutes. Write quickly without stopping. If you aren’t sure what to write, just write, “I don’t know what to write until the next thoughts come. It won’t take long.
Write a list of memories you want to share.
Write about someone you are related to.
Do this again on a separate occasion. Pick someone new or write more about the first person.
Something about setting the timer for five minutes helps turn off your internal judge. Writing your words down is enough. You are enough.
DOING #2: Go some place and take notes about what you observe. You can make lists. You can write in paragraphs. Whatever you like.
Set a timer for 15 minutes. Go to a busy location and write what you see, hear, smell. Add your personal reaction and interpretation to those sights, noises, and smells. Do it in the opposite type of location--some place quiet. What’s the difference in the two? Try typing and handwriting and see which one works best for you.
Shoot me a note in the comments or a message and let me know how it goes.
The process of writing heightened a remembered experience. It developed a way of seeing. —Donald Graves
Me and graduate students after a busy day of organizing for a writing workshop.