Dear Reader Column 02-28-08

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Dear Reader,

I love to hear from readers. Margy wrote to ask for my help and reading her email helped me, too. It reminded me that I'm not the only one.

"Dear Suzanne, My day starts with you. It is not until I've read your Dear Reader column do I feel sufficiently equipped to commence my writing, so I wish to thank you for the inspiration. I identified with [your column about trying to fix yourself] because I have been trying to 'fix me' for some time now.

You see I have been formally studying the craft of writing and am in my final year writing a fictional manuscript. It has been an arduous time, what with life's challenges; rift in my marriage and an unexpected death of my brother. Since then my writing has changed and I've not been as diligent with my writing as I once was.

But I have continued to hang in there and write, if only irregularly. I have noticed a shift in the quality of my writing and I don't know how to get back what I once had. My writing has changed and my inner critic often sabotages my attempts to write.

Do you have any suggestions how a writer can change their mental state and produce improved work? Have you had to endure hardship during a time when deadlines were expected, meet family demands and still write?

Your column has a ripple effect, from baking cookies which has been adopted by so many, to inspiring writers to get beyond the pulsating cursor on the blank screen and for this, I thank you."--Margy Chappell

(Suzanne responds)

When I think about the times that I've noticed "a shift in the quality of my writing," it happened when my life suddenly felt out of control. Something happened that overwhelmed my senses and then it made me feel unsure about everything else in my life, including my writing. Three situations immediately come to mind. One was when my mother was dying from cancer, another was when my two month old grandson had a mysterious illness and then there was the day I realized the book I'm working on was going to become a reality. (Yes, that last one should have been a good news, jump-for-joy thing, but instead it made me second-guess everything I wrote, even before I finished the sentence.)

It's easier for me to deal with something if I can understand why I feel like such a mess, even though I might not be able to change whatever's going on in my life. Understanding "why" allows me to face the beast that's messing with my writing.

I'm glad to hear that you've continued to write. I think it's important. Practice makes perfect. I write every day, so even when my heart is broken, my mind recognizes this "writing thing," it feels familiar--and I'm able to push through and meet my deadline.

Margy, when you "hear" yourself criticizing your writing, please interrupt yourself and hear me instead, "You are doing a great job, keep writing."

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
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http://www.DearReader.com

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Comments

[Pat]

That was a great answer to a very poignant question from Margy, Suzanne!

I've heard that keeping a journal is a very helpful stress reliever in times of emotional or personal upheaval, and I imagine that continuing to write an essay or novel or daily column, etc, would be just as helpful. The style of writing might change, but it's part of a healing process and can be edited later, if needed.

Joan Didion's book "The Year Of Magical Thinking" is a perfect example of writing through grief.

I'm looking forward to reading your book when it is published --congratulations!

Have a good day!

Pat

[Carolyn Dowbiggin]

Many thanks, Suzanne, for the inspirational words in your February 28th feedback to a fellow writer. I truly admire your willingness to take risks and share some very personal information with your readers. Whether it be about happiness, struggle, humour, sadness I always come away with something to think about. Your daily columns are an important part of my day. Admittedly, on a busy day I may have to postpone reading the book selection, but I always read what you have written for your readers.

Happy reading, Suzanne.
Carolyn Dowbiggin