The biggest single stumbling block I see from the students in my writing classes and writing camps is this: they want to write a book, a best seller, a blog, a how-to, an info-product and they invest in courses and make lists and set intentions but they forget the most important task of any writer who wants to do all the things (and more) on the above list.
In order to be a successful writer (of books, of blogs, of info-products, of sales letters, of whatever!) you must stretch your writing muscles via writing something everyday.
I have long advocated the practice of writing morning pages (3 pages long hand a day) or timed free writing, otherwise known as stream of consciousness writing where you just write whatever pops off the end of your pencils or the tip of your fingers on the keyboard.
This means writing not WITH a specific purpose, but writing simply to write. Sometimes this fits the larger mission of your book or blog or infoproduct or sales letter, but often times it is just about clearing the mind of the gunk that gets in the way of your “real” writing.
Yesterday, I blogged a writing prompt from a quote by Mary Oliver, one of my favorite poets. If you would like to check out that prompt for possible inspiration, visit here (and then come back to this page!)
Today, I want to encourage you to write freely, stream of consciousness style. Set your timer for five minutes – or more, if you are an overachiever.
Use one of these very simple prompts:
If I could write anything today, what I would write is….
Today my intention is to…..
I give myself permission to….
I will no longer put off doing….
When I wake up tomorrow, I want to be able to say I…..
The only rule is to keep writing during those five (or more) minutes. If you run out of thoughts, just continually write the prompt over and over and over… no, not copy and paste, actually type –or write- it out.
Writing every day, in some form or context, will make any other writing you do even better.
Stop short changing yourself, just write, write, write. Just move your pencil, simply allow your fingers to dance upon your keyboard. Be awake to the surprises your brilliant non-thinking mind will offer you.
Let me know how it goes…
Got your timer set?
Ready…. Grab your prompt and…. WRITE!
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© 2012 by Julie Jordan Scott
This is my Ultimate Blog Challenge Writing for the Day. Be watching for my challenge posts which will include Writing Prompts, Writing Tips and General Life Tips and Essays. This is Blog 3/31 for July!
Julie Jordan Scott has been a Life & Creativity Coach, Writer, Facilitator and Teleclass Leader since 1999. She is also an award winning Actor, Director, Artist and Mother Extraordinaire. She was twice the StoryTelling Slam champion in Bakersfield. She leads Writing Camp with JJS & this Summer will be traveling throughout the US to bring this unique, fun filled creative experience to the people wherever she finds the passion & the interest.
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