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The Anti-Writing Demon
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Two things I've got on my mind lately are writing and credibility. I took up leadership credibility earlier last week so today I'll toss out some thoughts on writing.
I just started reading Thinking Write by Kelly L. Stone. Besides thinking the title of her book would have been an awesome name for a blog if I only would have thought of it first, I was drawn to the tag line, "the secret to freeing your creative mind." Now, my mind could use a little freeing these days. I love to write, am committed to writing more, would welcome a little mula for my writing . . . but now I digress.
I am finishing up chapter 2, The Anti-Writer. The term "anti-writer" is basically the doubt that works against a writer and it does not work alone. Along with the anti-writer comes sabotaging actions. Two scary dudes. I am only up to Chapter 2 and already I have an assignment. For the next two weeks, I am to write down all of the negative thoughts and comments about my writing or my abilities as a writer and ways I sabotage my writing efforts. Ach, who needs 2-weeks! I know the voice all too well. I am going to give myself a 2 minutes on each to capture the thoughts and actions right here, right now.
Ready? Here goes nothing:
Anti-Writer Thoughts: Not good enough, others are better, don't know how to do it right, not interesting, not relevant, too much like everyone else, will run out of ideas, can't write more than 500 words, no one would ever pay to read, too difficult to break into the field, not enough time, don't know how to market, too personal, not authentic enough, not original.
Sabotage Writing Efforts: Twitter, Facebook, Google Reader, email, Yammer, laundry, too tired, not enough time, thinking must have an entire afternoon free to write, paper is not quite right, pencil is too dull, pen doesn't flow easily, coffee is too hot, water is not cold enough, need perfect writing snacks, television, have to exercise.
The rule follower in me will continue to capture the thoughts for a few days although I expect them to be variations on the same thing. I already know a few things I can do right now: recommit to posting here at least twice a week, post on Raising Tarah once a week, and carve out 30 minutes per day to write.
To jazz me up, I bought a new red Moleskine notebook that will be at arms length throughout the day.
What tips do you have for me to keep the words flowing? What has worked for you?
Reader Comments (7)
It may not give you more confidence, but it will definitely give you at least one more idea for a fun post. True? lol
thanks for sharing these ideas. I have been trying to up my output to my blogs, and your post really hit home. Thanks for sharing your challenges, and keep protecting those 30 minutes!
My tip: don't think so much about carving out the time, but decide exactly where it will come from. Less Twitter, less tv, less something. When I set exercise goals that exceeded last year, I had to choose what I would spend less time on if I am to exercise more.
-I keep my phone nearby and make notes on it constantly. Mel keeps threatening to destroy it. From a short phrase to a 1000 word rant, I've written all kinds of things on my phone that later turned into posts.
-Good posts can come from nearly anything. Learned a new word? Can you twist that into a post on learning/development? Saw a neat sign on the side of the road? Make a case for internal communication. Et cetera :-)
-I have a "writing ideas" label in Gmail that is FULL of things to write about (and that's not including my 50+ drafts in the blog at any one time).
-When I'm feeling stuck, I go through my Google Reader and try to find one post that I can build on and add value for readers.
-Sometimes you just get stuck. It happens to everyone. Instead of trying to grind something out when you're not feeling inspired, try something other than writing and keep the thought in the back of your head. Sunday I was stuck with my blank draft in my face. Monday I picked up 4-5 ideas and had 50% of ALL of them written while waiting for Mel to leave the school where she teaches.
-Using the notebook or phone (whatever's comfy) at different places gives me some good ideas, too. When I have it standing in line at the post office, I can think of an idea and at least jot the outline while I'm standing there. Being able to write down those fleeting thoughts makes a huge difference.
-And if all else fails, I have a ginormous list of things to give you ideas. :-) http://upstarthr.com/20-ideas-to-inspire-creativity/
I've talked to several writers and bloggers over the last couple of years about how to solve some of my issues and their advice has been universal - set aside time each day for writing, just write and don't judge. Some will be good/worth publishing and some will only be helpful in continuing to exercise and develop the writing muscle. So I'm trying, but it's still tough. But much like working out at the gym - the end result is usually worth it!
Thanks for sharing, Lisa. I think you're terrific and I love your blog. Keep doing what you're doing. You're an inspiration to me!! ;-)