Twenty years ago, when I started writing with the intention of being a published novelist, I read books, I joined organizations, I took classes, and I went to a weekly critique group. I did it all. I wanted to learn everything I could about writing and I somehow hoped that I would discover some magic or secret way to get published.
I found myself following advice that didn't fit me or my personality or my habits. I tried to find the Way of the Published Author through the methods that had worked for other writers. And I failed to use those tools effectively. We all know that the truth about publishing. The only way to get there is to write and to submit and to never give up. I write full-time for New American Library now, and it was a long road to reach my dreams of publication. I learned a few things about my own style as a writer, and a few things about staying inspired.
How you choose to bring your dream into reality how you choose to write, to submit, and to stay inspired, is up to you. Trust yourself. Sometimes, it's difficult to hear the inner voice. We let everything and everyone outside of us influence our decisions because we fear we're making the wrong choices.
Sophocles said, The only thing I know is that I know nothing. I interpret that as we should always be a blank slate. We should always be open to learning and to new ideas and to be unafraid to question established ways of doing things. Just because it's right for someone else, doesn't mean it's right for you. Most writers say they write because they have stories to tell and they want to share these stories with readers. This may be true, but it is not the only truth. Most writers write because they are intimately connected with the process of creating and expressing through the written word.
When we admit, "This is what I want," we have to prepare for two things. First, we have to work toward that goal. As my grandma used to say, If you pray for potatoes, you better grab a hoe. Second, we have to accept that how that desire is achieved may not fall within our current expectations.
Letting go is not easy. Change is uncomfortable, sometimes difficult, nearly always unwelcome. We need the jolt out of our complacency so that we can progress in life and in writing. We cannot escape that life carries sorrow and pain and terrible, terrible things. In Lessons of Love, Melanie Beattie wrote, Change is constant. But change wrought by some moments is more profound than others. Sometimes we turn a corner. Sometimes we're pushed off a cliff.
Recognizing and actively appreciating the blessings and the people in your life inspires you. Commit to starting your day by acknowledging the positive aspects of you lifewrite down one "blessing" every morning or search out a daily affirmation. When you get frustrated, depressed, or angry, write a gratitude list. There's nothing like counting your blessings to find that moment of clarity.
As writers searching for our own truths, we must learn to savor the moment, be mindful of the present, and learn satisfaction is about quality, not quantity. Even if we could do this two or three times, or heck once a day, we might feel less stressed and more joyful.
Sometimes, it's difficult to hear the inner voice. We let everything and everyone outside of us influence our decisions because we fear we're making the wrong choices. Sometimes, you gotta make a leap of faith ... you may fall or you may fly, but you'll never know until you jump.
The following steps can be done as journaling exercises. The goal is to help you figure out how you can stay inspired to reach your writing dreams.
1. Admit what writing means to you.
Albert Einstein said, The tragedy of life is what dies in the hearts and souls of people while they live. Take a few minutes to explore what writing means to you.
2. Determine what you want to achieve as a writer.
Write down one thing that you want from your writing or from yourself as a writer. It can be big or small, general or specific, fantastic or realistic. Remember, nothing is set in stone. What you decide now is what you need or want at this moment.
3. Let go of the conditions attached to your desire.
Write about your fixated hopes, write about letting those fears go, and how it feels to let go of your expectations.
4. Set two goals to accomplish in the next 30 days.
Write down at least two actions you can take in the next month that will help you toward your writing goal.
5. Rearrange, delegate, or let go.
Write down at least three tasks that you're willing to give up or to change for your writing.
To bring daily inspiration in your writing and in your life, I encourage you to take seven minutes in the morning to do the following exercises. I know you can find a way to squeeze seven minutes into your morning routine to open your heart and mind to living an inspired day. And you can certainly spend as much time as you want on each task if you have more than seven minutes to devote to these exercises.
1. Meditate/breathe for two minutes.
2. Free write or journal for two minutes.
3. Take two minutes to answer the following questions:
Today, the one thing I want to accomplish is ______.
Today, I will not fear ______.
Today, I am grateful for ______.
Today, I will write ______ number of pages.
4. Spend one minute visualizing white light and love surrounding you, supporting you, opening your mind and heart to the experiences that await you.