We hold beliefs that affect our writing, whether we are conscious of these beliefs or not. Years ago I started a list of my writing beliefs so I could become more aware of how they help or hinder my work.
Some of my beliefs are smart, others are pure neurosis, and from time to time I revisit my list because I’ve noticed how my beliefs change. Here is just some of what I believe about writing:
- Talking about writing is not writing.
- When my life is difficult or depressing, I think: it’s all material.
- Don’t get stuck in an idea when another one is trying to happen.
- Writing well isn’t easy; otherwise, everyone would do it.
- I will always be learning to write.
- Sometimes the workshop group wants you to write your stories their way.
- Get rid of a sentence that gives you a hard time. You didn’t need it anyway.
- I have often proved my inner critic wrong.
- My ex will think everything I write is about him.
- Creation is painful. Revision is a blast.
The only time I feel like doing housework is when I have a writing deadline. - Reading work out loud is a good way to detect errors, tangles, and crap.
- My standards are higher than my abilities allow me to reach.
- My best writing happens when I’m not thinking about it.
- I am cautious about sharing my work in draft. It’s fragile then, and so am I.
- There is always a nugget of truth in every criticism.
- Time slows down painfully when you wait for someone to read your work.
- All the good sentences might already be taken.
- I am kinder to other writers than I am to myself.
- The hardest thing about writing is believing you can make it whole.
- Laughing out loud while writing is good, even if it’s not during the funny parts.
- Typos magically appear a nanosecond after you send off the piece.
- I’m a better writer than I used to be.
- Writer-friends. Necessary.
What beliefs do you hold about writing? Do they help you? Or hinder you? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
MAD about Words
is the brainchild (and heartchild) of
Mary Ann de Stefano
{ 9 comments }
I believe: don’t worry, be writing.
Talent always comes through.
When I surpress the thoughts pouring through my mind that need to be placed in the written form, I am surpressing my growth in life.
Don’t worry that you’re going to forget a good idea when it pops into your head and you have no computer/paper right in front of you. The good ideas have a way of hanging around, evolving into what they’re supposed to be.
The writer’s life is one of constantly thinking, “how can I put this situation into words?”
When I’m stuck, it’s time to read a good novel.
Great idea to make a writing belief list. I’m doing mine today.
Alex & Al, Yayyy for persistence!
Linnie, I love that idea that our creative work is a vehicle for personal growth — growth that is meant to happen.
Kathleen, I agree that the good ideas have a way of hanging around. Still, I write things down in notebooks and on scraps of paper. You are more confident in this area than I am. Great definition of a writer’s life. Yes, I believe that thought is always in the background.
Nancy, Great! Over time I’ve compiled 70+ beliefs. Some items are totally neurotic. But perhaps over time I can make them less operative in my writing life. Then, of course, there are other items I’d like to make more operative. The key is self-awareness. Writing the list encourages that.
Get it down on paper; right, wrong, somewhere in the middle, get it down on paper.
Note: This was a great Monday Morning Muse.
Gene, So true. You can always fix it later, but you can’t fix what you haven’t even set down. Thanks for the compliment about the Muse. It’s always good to know that people are reading and enjoying.
I love your list. The one about the housework is so true of me, it made me laugh out loud. Thank you for that. I’m just realizing how true it is that, “My best writing happens when I’m not thinking about it.” But, since the thoughts are always there, in the recesses, they come out at some really surprising times.
My addition: It’s hard to read others’ writing without interruption, because even very unrelated words will give me ideas for my own writing.