Dear Reader,
Book club reader, Marlene, asked me a question about writing, one that I frequently hear from readers, especially in the midst of my annual Write a DearReader Contest, which, by the way, launches August 23rd this year.
From Marlene...
"My writing question to you is, How do you get started writing?
I have set up the perfect place to write with a beautiful view, have all the tools ready, my favorite pens and writing pads, the computer and 'Roget's Thesaurus' at hand, a comfy pillow in the chair to ease the strain of weary bones, a cup of my favorite tea made, dog and kitty treats nearby for the inevitable interruptions.
But every time I sit down to write, all the wonderful ideas I've been thinking about for days have somehow become not write-worthy. I've taken how-to classes and read how-to books. I feel over-prepared and under-able to write anything worth reading. So I go clean the kitchen or weed the garden, tasks that I know I'm good at and that give spectacular results with a small investment of time."
--Marlene in Pittsburg
Dear Marlene,
Sounds to me like "you're all dressed up with no place to go." I chuckle because I've been there. Years ago I bought a fancy pen, picked out the "just write" notebook, created a romantic writing nook, poured coffee into my favorite mug, twisted up my hair, tucked a glittery pin in it and finally--I was ready to write. But the moment had passed, so I took a nap instead.
The window dressings in life serve a purpose. They inspire us to dream about what it would feel like to wear that gorgeous skirt on page 23 in the latest designer catalog, or what it would feel like to see our words published in a book. Those dreams keep us pushing forward, but how does a writer get started?
My advice is to forget the window dressings (for now). Grab any pen and pad of paper that's handy, rewrite the paragraph you wrote to me, word-for-word about your writing preparations, and after you finishing rewriting the last line, "So I go clean the kitchen or weed the garden, tasks that I know I'm good at and that give spectacular results with a small investment of time," ask yourself why you are good at doing those tasks, then write down your answer and keep on writing. You see, Marlene, you already 'have' started writing--don't stop now.
But if you would like one "window dressing" be sure to enter my giveaway for a writing journal. (It's the last day to enter), click here.
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Start writing,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
KIDSBUZZ: Click here to discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win.
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