Everything You Do Supports Your Writing
As I step back from teaching and coaching for the months of July and August, I wonder if you might also be feeling like you need a break from your routines. I’ve talked to writers who are afraid to step away from their manuscripts, worried that they may never pick up their projects again. In previous posts, I’ve stated that one of the most important things for an artist to commit to is “returning to your project.” Breaks are important, dare I say essential. A purposeful pause in putting words to the page has the power to sustain you and replenish your creative well. In the words of one of my mentors: “Everything you do supports your writing.”
Live life to the fullest
Give yourself opportunities to live your life to the fullest, without having to put words to paper in any way. Give yourself permission to fully enjoy whatever you’ve decided to do, without a nagging sense of undone work. This is a piece of wisdom I had to learn through experience, especially when I was in the midst of completing my memoir manuscript. I’d be out sea kayaking, and I’d feel guilty because I also felt I “should” be working on my memoir. Then when I was revising my manuscript, I’d wish I was out kayaking. I had an “aha moment” during a retreat about being in the present moment. Now, whenever I feel the old tug of guilt, I remind myself: “When I’m paddling, I’m paddling. When I’m writing, I’m writing.”
Look ahead
I don’t stop at scheduling my time away from my desk. I also look ahead to when I’ll return, and what I will do to pick up my projects again. In your case, you might want to plan the next writing class or group you want to attend after your time off. Put that program in your calendar. Commit to an activity that supports your practice. One way to maintain and sustain your writing is to know that you have committed to nurturing your creativity in some way – whatever that may be for you.
If you are looking to sustain your writing practice this summer without the support of groups and classes, here are some practical suggestions for what has worked for the writers I support:
- Find a writing buddy! It’s best if this person is on a similar writing path to yours. Make commitments with each other and support your respective progress. For example, every two weeks, you could promise to swap a piece of writing between 500 and 750 words. Set a date, then follow through. I’ve had a writing buddy since 2012, and we still meet after sending each other drafts and more polished copies, supporting each other in whatever project we are working with.
- Read inspiring books by authors you love, not necessarily about writing. Dive into a favorite memoir and savor the language. Notice how the story evolves, the structure, believable dialogue, or character development. You can then practice incorporating some of these techniques into your own writing when you take up the pen once again.
- Immerse yourself in nature, either by gardening or another outdoor activity that you love, with who you love. Creativity is nurtured by love.
- Meditate and/or practice yoga, tai chi, or qi gong. These are all practices that strengthen the mind/body connection. For anyone who writes with me, you will discover that the strongest writing comes from the body, from a deep heart connection, a place beyond the rational mind.
Take charge of your writing process. Remind yourself that Your Writing Matters! Your Words Matter! You Matter!
marie
If something in this newsletter inspired you, send me a note at marie@mariemaccagno.com.
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1 thought on “Everything You Do Supports Your Writing”
I appreciate the reminder that everything I’m doing supports my writing. I’ve gotten off track in the last year and miss my daily prompt writing, even though I’m still heading a side program for a recognized writers’ group. I just haven’t gotten my head straight enough to sit down and put this fifth novel together. The nudge is growing to set the time aside to sit and regroup the novel as well as work on another writing project. And I found you website thru happenstance. So it seems more than timely for your essay here. Thanks.