Keep the Space and Write

Photo by Danielle MacInnes

By Janine De Tillio Cammarata

Writing is a lonely and self-disciplined art that takes a great deal of time sitting somewhere and delving into your imagination or research. It’s a time consuming process that can feel like you’re pulling out your own teeth or riding the highest wave without a care in the world. It’s tedious and exciting at the same time and can make the most confident person doubt themselves. Most people write because they can’t imagine doing anything else, have something important to say, or find that writing is healing. There are many reasons to write but for those who have felt the irresistible urgency to write, you know there’s nothing else you’d rather do.

            Then why is it so hard to find time to write? Self-doubt and fear of putting your words out there can be daunting. I have found that not creating the space to write has paused my process. So I suggest Keeping the Space and Write.

            Here are some ways to Keep the Space:

Schedule time for writing and respect your calendar just like any other appointment.

·      I know that I’m most productive in the morning when I put what I want to get done first.

·      Based on my writing goals, each Sunday I set up my weekly calendar. On a typically good writing day, I schedule from 9am-12pm for writing. Writing time can be anything to do with your current project:

Writing your draft

Research

Character/Setting development

Editing

·      Respect the time you scheduled for your craft. You wouldn’t blow off your friend if you set up a coffee date or not show up for a doctor’s appointment. If you take yourself seriously as a writer, then show up for your writing.

·      Let people know what you’re doing. They’ll respect your time even more when they know that you’re setting a positive boundary for yourself.

Create a space to fuel your writing that grounds as well as inspires.

·      I tend to switch spots to write based on what I’m writing or my mood. When the weather gets nicer, I’ll write outside for most of the day.

·      During the first half of my current draft of Through the Mists, I wrote in my journal from a cozy chair in my library. Nothing like seeing all the books I’ve loved reading to inspire me to write my own.

·      I have my laptop set up on my desk so I can continue working on my draft and easily access files about my characters, setting, and research. If I need to look something up, it’s a quick way to get the information and not stop the flow.

·      In addition to my journal and my laptop, I have my favorite pen, highlighters, sticky notes for books I’m researching, how-to books, water, tea, Chapstick (it’s an obsession!) and hand cream (another obsession—can’t write with dry skin!).

·      Music--Each book I write has a playlist depending on the mood. That’s in the background as I write.

·      What tools do you need or find inspire and set you up for a positive writing space?

In the space

·      I start my writing time with journaling

o   How do I feel about writing today?

o   Where am I in the story?

o   What do I want to focus on?

o   What’s flowing and what’s in the way?

·      I review where I ended and noted to work on the next day or time I write.

·      I set a timer so that I remember to stand and stretch (Writing can be tough on the joints when sitting for too long.) Sometimes I get lost in my creative world and go with the flow.

·      End at a clear spot. Write a note on where to continue so that you don’t have to waste time reviewing.

·      I add in word count if I have goals to hit and journal how the session went. I also add in questions to ponder.

Make room for stillness, observation, play, and imagination.

·      Writers observe the world for inspiration, dig deep internally to connect to emotion, fly high into the stratosphere of imagination, and especially if they are children’s writers play along with their child-like self.

·      Sometimes the time you spend isn’t writing--it’s being immersed in the world in whatever way speaks to you.

·      Create the space and give yourself permission to be in those places. It will make you a better and authentic writer.

Carry a journal

·      Always have a space to record ideas and observations that pop up in your day.

·      Don’t count on your memory to remember that special phrase! I’ve repeated a sentence over and over either on a walk or while driving thinking I’ll remember it, then I get distracted and it’s gone!

·      In addition, keep a journal or your phone by your bed so you can write down snippets from your dreams. They are part of that creative space where your mind is soaring into possibilities!

Creating the space and giving yourself the time to do what you love, no matter what it is, fuels your soul. Notice how you feel when you do and when you don’t. I guarantee you’ll be happier when you’re writing on a regular basis.

For more tips and journal prompts from Janine, visit her website at www.janinedetilliocammarata.com