In one of the exercises in my "Getting Started as a Freelance Writer" workshop, I ask participants to describe what a "perfect day" would be like for them.
The responses are frequently tender, wistful and unfailingly vivid. Those who've taken my course write about waking up first thing in the morning, refreshed and filled with anticipation for what their "perfect day" holds in store. They paint lush and lovely surroundings with their words, serve up exquisite foods, and spend endearing or romantic time with loved ones. They describe feelings of peace and deep contentment, so often lacking in their day to day realities.
But what invariably surprises me is that these writers seldom include time to write in their "perfect day" narratives. Nor do they mention that such a day would include the thrill of opening their mailboxes to find acceptance letters or checks for something they've written. What I had thought would be an exercise that would enable workshop participants to visualize writing as an integral part of their lives, generally turns out to have nothing to do with writing whatsoever.
Not that I'm criticizing--there are no right or wrong responses to these writing exercises. I simply wonder whether placing such a low priority--or none at all--on writing as part of one's "perfect day" is a reason for lack of writing success. In other words, do people truly dream of being writers, or simply dream of what writing might bring them--fame, fortune, freedom--while skipping the process altogether?
The idea of being a published writer, or a six-figure income writer, is indeed glamorous. But make no mistake--writing is hard work for most of us. Rejections outpace acceptances, at least until we're very well established. Making a more-than-decent living from stringing words together takes extensive persistence, diligence, dedication and chutzpah. Moreover, you've got to love doing it.
I do a lot of writing during my vacations from my day job. All of my "perfect days" include stints at the keyboard, or filling page after page in a paper notebook when I'm far from home. As a matter of fact, I am on vacation as I write this. It's a stunning day outside, deliciously warm and gloriously sunny. I will venture out soon enough, to run errands and bask in the day's beauty. But right now, in front of my PC, I am perfectly content, my fingers clicking along the keys, putting black words onto a white screen.
Certainly my own perfect day scenario would include a beautiful and peaceful setting, excellent cuisine, time with John and my family, and the freedom and energy to volunteer my services to a worthy cause. But I believe that a "perfect day" for all writers must include writing. If it doesn't, how could it ever be perfect? And even in an imperfect world in an imperfect life, every day that I do at least a little bit of writing comes that much closer to perfection.
? 2004 Mary Anne Hahn
Mary Anne Hahn is editor of WriteSuccess, a free biweekly ezine of ideas, information and inspiration for writers. She is also building a Web site that hopes will someday be one of the best online resources for new and experienced writers alike. To check out her growing site and subscribe to her ezine visit http://writesuccess.com.
shuttle from Midway Glen Ellyn ..What do people expect when they join a writing group?The... Read More
Have you ever considered writing a book? If so, maybe... Read More
How do you describe a scene without slowing down the... Read More
This article contains a short guide on how to edit... Read More
Creative Writing Tips ?Your theme has to be something you... Read More
Recently I was watching the Oprah show and it was... Read More
What is a prologue? When should you use one? Should... Read More
If you are a serious writer who wants to publish... Read More
As a professional copywriter, not only do I do a... Read More
As in all endeavors, toil is necessary to succeed and... Read More
Sometimes I can be dense when it comes to realizing... Read More
It would be very selfless or noble of me to... Read More
Reading through a writer's notebook or journal is like discovering... Read More
Everone knows that comedy is mostly about timing. If you... Read More
The Hottest Word on the WebDid you know marketing people... Read More
Peter Abrahams is the author of thirteen novels, including "The... Read More
WRITING THE PERSONAL STATEMENT TO GET INTO UK UNIVERSITYHOW DO... Read More
You may not remember this, but in the early days... Read More
ELICIT, ILLICITElicit means to extract or draw out; illicit means... Read More
Many experts recommend reading as a way to get ideas,... Read More
If your articles aren't getting published very often, or you... Read More
Listen, consider this scenario.You have a deadline to honour. Time... Read More
Everyone has a unique story to tell. From explaining business... Read More
You must write a hypnotic persuasion letter to help you... Read More
'Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented... Read More
shuttle from O'Hare North Chicago ..1. Set aside a time to write and keep it... Read More
Is it possible to improve your writing instantly? The answer,... Read More
The writing community is a strong one, with many new... Read More
Today Norm Goldman, Editor of sketchandtravel and bookpleasures is honored... Read More
Beyond three and four act story structure, lies the Hero's... Read More
What a wonderful resource the Internet is!Students find information to... Read More
When you write for international audiences, mainly directly in English,... Read More
There is an image most people carry of the artist... Read More
Compiling a list of the history's ten best writers is... Read More
Have you ever written a letter to a friend? Ever... Read More
Day after day, writers tend to sit for hours writing... Read More
Readers often send me interesting and exciting e-mails about the... Read More
When a writer is working on their next literary masterpiece... Read More
The Internet has truly revolutionized the careers of writers worldwide.... Read More
When the writing bug hits you, get out your pencil,... Read More
ELICIT, ILLICITElicit means to extract or draw out; illicit means... Read More
The Hottest Word on the WebDid you know marketing people... Read More
Interested in breaking into writing or breaking into a new... Read More
When we think of writing it triggers many thoughts and... Read More
Not long ago, I took stock of my unrealized desire... Read More
Word processors are so widely used now that I tend... Read More
Regardless of what sort of writer you are and how... Read More
So you've got your plot outlined, a title lined up... Read More
Most writers are familiar with first and third points of... Read More
"This is just brilliant. The whole interview is incredible? I'm?... Read More
Writing |