Some of the most successful programs for self improvement in the world are what is know as a twelve step program. Modeled, I think, after the system used by Alcoholics Anonymous since its inception, the programs are outlines for healing.
So like any good netizen, I googled Twelve steps for Writers. And yes, there are lots of articles out there. Mostly they appear to be comedic, tongue in cheek articles that are entertaining, but not really helpful. There were some that made sense for article writers, maybe even blog writers. But what we are dealing with here are writers of fiction. Story telling.
So I thought I'd see if i could come up with twelve steps. Maybe even helpful steps. Rather than force myself to come up with all of them in one sitting, I'll do what will necessarily end up on the list, and take my time. In fact, let's make that number 1.
1. Take your time. Hear the voices.
By this I mean that it is great to stream of consciousness write whatever comes to your head. Most writers I know do ten minutes of free writing, or three pages or 750 words. Or they open a paper journal and go outside and just write the weather. Remember the sunrises I used to write? Like that.
All of those are just methods of clearing the cobwebs. They let you move from the focus on life as you know it, from the kids and puppies and telephone and clock and all the other things that insist, demand your attention. Until you can give yourself a chance to put them aside, it is going to be tough for your characters to whisper to you what they want to do. Impossible for your plot to show you the interlocking pieces.
And when the characters do speak, or the plot unfolds in your head, get it down on paper, but don't go running to Aunt Martha, your biggest fan just yet. Let it sit. For hours, days, or in some cases, even years. Good writing doesn't expire. Later on we'll have a step on revising, but for now, just take the time you need to go a little crazy and hear the voices.
(by the way, if you stumble across this blog and think, how sad, she's writing and no one is reading, don't worry. I've been around a long time, and I'll get the hang of marketing some day. I think that may be step 12.)
If you are reading and you have things you think should be included on this list, don't hesitate to comment or shoot me an email. I think I'm all linked up now.
So like any good netizen, I googled Twelve steps for Writers. And yes, there are lots of articles out there. Mostly they appear to be comedic, tongue in cheek articles that are entertaining, but not really helpful. There were some that made sense for article writers, maybe even blog writers. But what we are dealing with here are writers of fiction. Story telling.
So I thought I'd see if i could come up with twelve steps. Maybe even helpful steps. Rather than force myself to come up with all of them in one sitting, I'll do what will necessarily end up on the list, and take my time. In fact, let's make that number 1.
1. Take your time. Hear the voices.
By this I mean that it is great to stream of consciousness write whatever comes to your head. Most writers I know do ten minutes of free writing, or three pages or 750 words. Or they open a paper journal and go outside and just write the weather. Remember the sunrises I used to write? Like that.
All of those are just methods of clearing the cobwebs. They let you move from the focus on life as you know it, from the kids and puppies and telephone and clock and all the other things that insist, demand your attention. Until you can give yourself a chance to put them aside, it is going to be tough for your characters to whisper to you what they want to do. Impossible for your plot to show you the interlocking pieces.
And when the characters do speak, or the plot unfolds in your head, get it down on paper, but don't go running to Aunt Martha, your biggest fan just yet. Let it sit. For hours, days, or in some cases, even years. Good writing doesn't expire. Later on we'll have a step on revising, but for now, just take the time you need to go a little crazy and hear the voices.
(by the way, if you stumble across this blog and think, how sad, she's writing and no one is reading, don't worry. I've been around a long time, and I'll get the hang of marketing some day. I think that may be step 12.)
If you are reading and you have things you think should be included on this list, don't hesitate to comment or shoot me an email. I think I'm all linked up now.
