It sounds so stupidly simple, yet it's something we need to hear every now and then. Writing anything is better than writing nothing at all, and that's okay.
I've been trying to implement the same flexibility as yours, except I'm currently working to redefine which writings I consider 'worthwhile'. I used to think I could only consider it 'actual writing' when it was for a manuscript. Now, I look at all the plans and snippets and random ideas to connect in the shower or at night, and I see just how much I am occupying myself with writing after all. We say writing is a process, and yet it's easy to forget the process itself can count as writing too.
It's good to sit down behind the keyboard or that notebook and pen and assemble all your ideas into a piece of writing. But it's also good to recognise everything beforehand as just as valuable, and I've already been doing it every moment I open the notes app. That is what keeps me going on the busy or quiet days. The knowledge that the threshold to get started isn't as high as I thought it was.
AVERY!! I love this, I love everything about this. When I was first starting out writing (and identifying as a writer), one of the things I did was look for all the ways I was already writing. Texts, emails, journal entries, cards—if it all counted, then I was already doing the work of a writer. That helped me lower the bar on my other writing, just as you pointed out. Expanding it out to include the other parts of the process is absolutely brilliant, and sounds like such a generous way to treat yourself and your writing on the slower days. Yes!!
Thanks, Dylan. I get so guilty when I fall off for even a day that I end up not even resting with the time ive specifically dedicated for resting and recuperating so I can write again. I need the flexibility you've managed to build. I hear an incredible amount of self trust here and that's a beautiful thing. Needed this today as I'm sick with a cold and didn't move my WIP forward!
Maryellen! Thanks so much for your honesty. The guilt for not showing up is real, but in my experience it comes from internalized stories about productivity and worth (stories I absolutely still struggle with!). I think for me focusing on flexibility has given me a workaround: If the options are write or not write, then any writing is a good thing—that makes a single line count. And if I can’t write (or don’t want to), then that’s okay, too, because flexibility means I can go away and come back again; my writing project/practice is flexible, it doesn’t need me to be always on at 100% to work for me! I think if flexibility could speak to your situation, it’d say, “Just rest up for now. You’ll write again soon.” Feel better! 💛
Thanks so much for taking the time to share this fabulous advice. I definitely have an “all or nothing” mentality that holds me back and doesn't allow me to see one gorgeous sentence as progress, but we all know one senrence is a hard battle that was won! Really appreciate your advice on this messy journey!
Thanks so much for the kind words, Mark! There more ways around not writing at all than we think, if we’re just willing to be flexible in our approach.
It sounds so stupidly simple, yet it's something we need to hear every now and then. Writing anything is better than writing nothing at all, and that's okay.
I've been trying to implement the same flexibility as yours, except I'm currently working to redefine which writings I consider 'worthwhile'. I used to think I could only consider it 'actual writing' when it was for a manuscript. Now, I look at all the plans and snippets and random ideas to connect in the shower or at night, and I see just how much I am occupying myself with writing after all. We say writing is a process, and yet it's easy to forget the process itself can count as writing too.
It's good to sit down behind the keyboard or that notebook and pen and assemble all your ideas into a piece of writing. But it's also good to recognise everything beforehand as just as valuable, and I've already been doing it every moment I open the notes app. That is what keeps me going on the busy or quiet days. The knowledge that the threshold to get started isn't as high as I thought it was.
AVERY!! I love this, I love everything about this. When I was first starting out writing (and identifying as a writer), one of the things I did was look for all the ways I was already writing. Texts, emails, journal entries, cards—if it all counted, then I was already doing the work of a writer. That helped me lower the bar on my other writing, just as you pointed out. Expanding it out to include the other parts of the process is absolutely brilliant, and sounds like such a generous way to treat yourself and your writing on the slower days. Yes!!
Thanks, Dylan. I get so guilty when I fall off for even a day that I end up not even resting with the time ive specifically dedicated for resting and recuperating so I can write again. I need the flexibility you've managed to build. I hear an incredible amount of self trust here and that's a beautiful thing. Needed this today as I'm sick with a cold and didn't move my WIP forward!
Maryellen! Thanks so much for your honesty. The guilt for not showing up is real, but in my experience it comes from internalized stories about productivity and worth (stories I absolutely still struggle with!). I think for me focusing on flexibility has given me a workaround: If the options are write or not write, then any writing is a good thing—that makes a single line count. And if I can’t write (or don’t want to), then that’s okay, too, because flexibility means I can go away and come back again; my writing project/practice is flexible, it doesn’t need me to be always on at 100% to work for me! I think if flexibility could speak to your situation, it’d say, “Just rest up for now. You’ll write again soon.” Feel better! 💛
Thanks so much for taking the time to share this fabulous advice. I definitely have an “all or nothing” mentality that holds me back and doesn't allow me to see one gorgeous sentence as progress, but we all know one senrence is a hard battle that was won! Really appreciate your advice on this messy journey!
It really is!! Even an ugly, imperfect sentence added to your WIP is worthwhile, though. Through that flexible approach, it all counts!!
This is very helpful. Experience-based and clearly written! Ways to conquer discouragement.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Mark! There more ways around not writing at all than we think, if we’re just willing to be flexible in our approach.