eWriteLife Blog

This is the second installment from How to Arrive at Breakthrough Writing and Find W.O.W. (Words of Wisdom) Factors.

Face Your Writing Fears

Another tough task, I know. But, I had to, so I’ll know how to overcome these fears.

If you haven’t done so yet, make a list of these fears. Give them a name.

Some of my fears were (and some still insist on coming back every now and then):

• Getting criticisms, especially for my grammar and other inadequacies.
• Falling short of people’s expectations.
• Sounding too “mushy” or unprofessional.
• Being misjudged or misunderstood by family or peers.

What about you? Do your fears have names yet?

The W.O.W. Factor
Words of Wisdom

It is not easy to admit faults and face criticisms. Whether I’m writing from the gut or from a far-off point of view, I’ll still make mistakes. Some people will still find fault. But then, do these people matter more than your writing? Do judgments or expectations weigh more than your passion to write? If yes, maybe it’s time to shift gears and stop calling yourself a writer. Because truth is: no matter how many articles, stories, or books you publish - nothing will be “perfect enough.” Critiques and critics will still come. Writing in and of itself should be more important than any of your fears.

This is the first installment from How to Arrive at Breakthrough Writing and Find W.O.W. (Words of Wisdom) Factors.

Ask Yourself Some Tough Questions

This one made me really feel uneasy at first. But, once I gave in and asked away, I found a release. Some of the questions I had to face were:

• “Are you writing what you really want to write?”
• If not, “What’s keeping you from writing things that really matter to you?”
• “What is it that you actually want to say to others through your work?”
• “Are you just weaving words or do you really have something to say?”

The W.O.W. Factor:
(Words Of Wisdom)

Life is too short to waste on non-essentials. Yes, even in writing. Sure, there are projects that we need to take on so that there’ll be food in our mouths and money to pay off our credit. But, don’t let these things distract you forever in doing what you love to do best. Make each moment count. Let your writing matter deeply. Passionately.

There’s no doubt about it. My writing picked up ever since I “re-discovered” Breakthrough Writing. Reader response improved, articles and stories just kept coming, ideas are in abundance, and most importantly, I feel good about what I’m writing about.

In this three-part series, I’ll be sharing with you some tips, ideas, and exercises on how to arrive at Breakthrough Writing. Here’s the outline of this series:

• Ask Yourself Some Tough Questions
• Face Your Writing Fears
• Be True To Your Writing Voice

Once we ask tough questions, face our fears and use our own voice, we will come right at the heart of Breakthrough Writing.

Copyright �2000-2005 Sheila Ann Manuel-Coggins

Here it is. A real travelling machine. Take it. It’s yours for the day.

Now, tell me, what would you do with it?

Write down your first thoughts (and feelings?). Write them quick.

“Writers, by their nature,
spend their time thinking about,
wondering about, delving into,
trying to understand -
the very things
that the rest of the world
doesn’t like to think about.”

- Harry Crews

If you haven’t done it yet, why not try to create a writing goals checklist? Once you’re done, try to go over it with a writing buddy or a close friend. This might just help give you a good kickstart.

1) What is your current writing project?

2) When is your deadline for this project?

3) What is your short-term goal/s for the next 3 months?

4) Any long term goal/s you wish to share (1 to 3 years)?

5) If you’ve got a writing buddy, what kind of help do you need or can offer to reach writing goals?

“And the vessel that he was making from clay
was spoiled in the hand of the potter;
so he made it over; reworking it into another vessel
as it seemed good to the potter to make it.”
- Jeremiah 18:4 (The Amplified Bible)

Lyndie McCauley, author of the devotional book, DAY BY DAY wrote: “There is nothing wrong with starting again if you do not get it right the first time.”

I know she meant that as people, we need not get it right the first time in our walk and work in life. We are allowed to make mistakes, but we need not stay wrong. We can always start over. The idea seem just as apt for writing.

You see, both in life and in writing, I’ve found myself starting over many times. There was a time I didn’t like the idea of beginning again and again. After all, it is tiring and frustrating.

Continue reading ‘On “Potter’s Hands” and Revising’

I’ve always enjoyed exploring creativity. Perhaps, you can also join this exploration…

- What is creativity to you?

- Do you consider yourself a creative person? Why or why not?

- How do you express creativity?

- How do you stifle creativity?

“To be a good writer, you not only have to write a great deal but you have to care,” says Anne Lamott. She advocates the belief that writers should be part of ‘the solution.’ Perhaps, we may not be able to find a cure for cancer or initiate world peace, but we can be part of humanity’s journey to a better world.

BIRD BY BIRD: SOME INSTRUCTIONS ON WRITING AND LIFE by Anne Lamott.

“Good writing has revelations.
Readers want truths about their own lives.”

- Nancy Kelton,
author of Writing From Personal Experience