This is where I write about why I'm not writing. The excuses that pull me away, the chores that need to be done, the money that becksons me, etc. etc. etc.
It is my hope that I will get tired of complaining about never having enough time to write -- and just write.
Since you are here -- please leave a comment.
Thanks and Enjoy!
Like the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland said (paraphrasing here), if you don't know where you're going, I'm sure you'll get there! Goals help give a bit a discipline as you say, and they also help focus the mind and provide a path to a destination of your choosing. Without them, you do end up somewhere, but it may not be where you want it to be.
Interesting! I don't really set writing goals -- I just write when I feel inspired and that suits me fine as I'm not really wanting to make a career out of it or anything. I should probably set goals for reviewing though -- I need to be more disciplined with that!
Dee,
The activities you listed all sound like great ways to practice writing. I have heard some of these, but not all (in fact I plan on stealing a couple ). I agree with you about needing to practice the motions. This month's Writer's Digest contains suggestions from some top selling authors, which say the same thing. In order to be able to write we have to write, not only when the mood strikes, but daily.
As to your questions about what I and other writers use. I read a lot, I enter contests, I am taking a grammar class. Recently I have also begun looking around me and attempting to describe what I see; while waiting at a red light I will attempt to mentally describe the skyline, or the car next to me. Sometimes I look around at the people in a restaurant or store and try to read their body language; I attempt to find connections between the way they carry themselves and who they might be.
Yes, Christine. I have read almost all of Julia Cameron book - ones on writing, and even her poetry. She is one of the original inspirations for my writing over ten years ago! I used to do her "morning pages" but only kept it up about a year, then got so bored with my output - seemed like I just kept saying the same thing every morning probably because I'm not generally a morning writer -- I'd rather write at 2:00 am; then get up at 5 to write!
The one thing I have heard / read from many, many successful writers is to pick a time, book it on your calendar, and just write. Even if its only an 1/2 hour, that's the time you write. Maybe I'll try that. This catch-as-catch can only works so-so for me.
As for waiting for inspiration? Based on my personal experience in other areas, I have found that the biggest break throughs in sucess comes when I practice - inspiration or not. Then when inspiration does come -- WOW! watch out. There is no other profession I know of that you aren't expected to practice, study, and experiment .
For some reason, many potential writers think that it's all talent. I'm of the believe that it's part talent, big part skill (which is learned), strong dose of persistence, and all steeped in a great love for what you do!! Now that's a recipie for great writing.
I can surely identify with many of the things you said, but one thing I have learned is to stop nagging myself and beating myself up over not writing. When the inspiration come it comes and I work with that. I can't make myself do what I feel I should, need, must, etc. do. It has to come from the inner child being free to play. You mentioned reading writing books, have you ever read ones written by Julia Cameron? Hers were the most helpful to me.
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The excuses that pull me away, 
the chores that need to be done, 
the money that becksons me, etc. etc. etc. 
It is my hope that I will get tired of complaining about never having enough time 
to write -- and just write. 
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). I agree with you about needing to practice the motions. This month's Writer's Digest contains suggestions from some top selling authors, which say the same thing. In order to be able to write we have to write, not only when the mood strikes, but daily.