You Say You Want to Write a New Book?

Writing is a trying and difficult activity, calling upon one to translate deeply held thoughts, feelings, and visions, into digestible, relevant, inspiring and entertaining narratives for the public.

-You have to figure out what is deeply important.

-You have to discern who will care about what is deeply important.

-You have to carve out relentlessly necessary amounts of time to put your message on paper.

-You have to summon great courage, for writing is a brave act.

-You have to struggle vs. any number of hindrances like:  self-doubt, laziness, fear, resistance, and confusion …

You have to do all of this ALONE mostly.

ALONE IS HARD.

During this surreal time of an epic pandemic and terrifying civil unrest, I’ve chosen to write a second book with the support of a remarkable writers’ group I know well. Good or bad timing? 

And as I sit and try to assess my “goals” for this somewhat formless project, I see the urgency to push ahead come into clear vision.

Why urgency?   

I’m not getting any younger, and I’ve just been through the publishing of a book that was happily well received – and therefore I need to flex those creative muscles again to make sure I still can write while I have the time.

During the time of isolation and loneliness what has come into sharp focus for me is that I have many worthy ideas and I know how to write terrific prose (assuming I sit down and actually do the work!).  And it feels somehow necessary for me to get these ideas out there.  I am worth listening to.

Writing puts me in touch with my best self, or so it seems to me.  Does it make me happy?  A lot of the time; I especially like watching words fall across the page, as though I’m riding on a stream of thought and emotion towards some as yet unknown end, patiently waiting to find the form I need.

What can I do for this fluttering heart so I can keep telling my story?

-practice lovingkindness and mindfulness both of which strengthen self-care, fortify against doubt

- sleep and eat well

- reach out to loved ones and to fellow writers

- laugh, walk the dog, and watch the wild birds

- create a refuge for my work – a place dedicated to writing

- return regularly to my one seat where I open the door to that inner voice that needs to pour out words

LISTEN TO YOUR OWN VOICE  -  the carrier of your gifts to the world

Simple sounding, but not really (of course).

Worthwhile?  Absolutely.

Even in my darkest loneliest hours as I deal with the impermanence of this human incarnation, I have my own authentic voice to listen to as it shows me who I am…

Blessings to those who travel this road with me.  May we all continue to listen to one another.