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.
Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..Since the headline is the first contact your readers have... Read More
Good writing requires self-examination. Why is one writing? What part... Read More
Creative Writing Tips ?Writing is a creative process and how... Read More
Kallu was a tenant of Santosh Kumar Nayak. Santosh Kumar... Read More
1. Write it fast, fix it later.2. Commit to writing... Read More
Ah, the age-old writer's debate--to outline or not to outline?Outlines... Read More
Do you suffer from writer's block? Is there a pending... Read More
Questions and answers on writing life experiences for ourselves and... Read More
10 - You will always have a job. As long... Read More
In this article you will find tips on: How to... Read More
As a child, I loved to write. I can't remember... Read More
Mix a martini, don't forget the olives, or pour yourself... Read More
ADAPTATION 101Brimming with confidence, you've just signed the check purchasing... Read More
A few months ago, I wrote a guide entitled: 101... Read More
Productivity begins by recognizing and valuing your brilliance, time, and... Read More
~TYPES~You Want Us to Write What? Understanding the Task AssignedWhich... Read More
Many experts recommend reading as a way to get ideas,... Read More
1. Remember publication is a business; writing is an art.... Read More
SO YOU WANT TO BE A WRITER?Many people have entertained... Read More
I've seen it time and again. One of the most... Read More
Complaint letters aren't always fun, but sometimes they need to... Read More
How to Come Up with Fresh Story Ideas When Your... Read More
'Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented... Read More
When you sit down to write a steamy romance, a... Read More
If you have an online home based business you know... Read More
Western Springs shuttle limo ..Mix a martini, don't forget the olives, or pour yourself... Read More
Poems. Just the mention of them makes me smile. Why?... Read More
I recently set up a website to promote a new... Read More
Hundreds of writing contests tempt screenwriters with the lure of... Read More
So you want to learn to research well, and not... Read More
Do you suffer from writer's block? Is there a pending... Read More
Creative Writing Tips ?It should.A theme is a one-line explanation... Read More
"You should write a book." For years, I had been... Read More
Q: How do I expand on an idea without getting... Read More
Finding the time to write a novel is one of... Read More
In the ten years that I've taught people how to... Read More
I'm willing to bet that quite a number of you... Read More
The biggest mistake authors make when trying to get free... Read More
Short Story Writing Tips -We've established what a title should... Read More
The only way to become a writer is to write.... Read More
The rejection letter says: "Your story, on the surface, appears... Read More
I recently read a book where everything was akimbo. Arms... Read More
Riding on the fumes of potential, you take pen to... Read More
1. No one else will do it for you.2. No... Read More
Today it begins.I have always known I was a freelancer.... Read More
If your writing muscle isn't in shape, writing a novel... Read More
Has the thought run across you mind that you might... Read More
Originality emerges from structure. Once you have a story idea,... Read More
WRITING THE PERSONAL STATEMENT TO GET INTO UK UNIVERSITYHOW DO... Read More
Mindmapping is better than linear outlining because authors can use... Read More
Writing |