Ask the Author: Cindy Cunningham
Answered Questions (4)
Cindy Cunningham
I find inspiration from listening to other writers read their work, from reading, from relaxing in nature or pampering myself (such as having my hair cut and styled.) Sometimes I need immersion therapy--plunging into reading and journal writing and community, and sometimes I need to hang in a world where no one understand what a writing retreat or a writing group or a creative nonfiction class is.
Mainly, though, putting pen to the page brings on more inspiration. That is my most accurate answer: writing inspires me to write.
Mainly, though, putting pen to the page brings on more inspiration. That is my most accurate answer: writing inspires me to write.
Cindy Cunningham
I am writing a Life in Ten Minutes for Teens book. This will be a book filled with writing portals (often called prompts) that will encourage teens to write more deeply about themselves and their experiences.
If teachers wanted to use this book in a classroom setting, they could do so--I will also provide a teacher's guide. After teaching 20 years in the high school classroom in addition to working with adults, I have learned a great deal--mainly, that we are trying too push young people to write only what we THINK they should write. They already have so many stories they need to tell already, and we should help them share those.
I am also working on a memoir of my own experience.
If teachers wanted to use this book in a classroom setting, they could do so--I will also provide a teacher's guide. After teaching 20 years in the high school classroom in addition to working with adults, I have learned a great deal--mainly, that we are trying too push young people to write only what we THINK they should write. They already have so many stories they need to tell already, and we should help them share those.
I am also working on a memoir of my own experience.
Cindy Cunningham
When I awoke, she told me this was now a world without books. As I reached for her hand in comfort, she turned to ash.
Cindy Cunningham
I am not sure that writer's block exists in the way that some people believe. Sometimes we calculate and process our stories in our unconscious or subconscious minds and the story is not yet ready for the page. At those times, the words just won't feel right. This doesn't mean you shouldn't try to get them on the computer or on the page, but if they fail to appear, that's okay too--they're percolating. Maybe you need to experience some non-writing life at those times. This can last for days or weeks or months (or years for some people.)
I do believe that you can keep writing through it, though. You may write lists or a daily journal or come at your writing sideways (use prompts; set a timer and write without thinking; write from a different Point of View, etc.) Change your focus, your topic, even your genre for a bit.
Most writers will benefit from the butt in the chair regimen however. If you keep a routine, then eventually the words come. Keep writing, no matter what, allow yourself to write badly, then eventually the practice pays off. Always expect the muse to call and eventually she will. I would recommend this as the first advice. Don't judge your first drafts too harshly as you create them--understand that you will revise often!
I do believe that you can keep writing through it, though. You may write lists or a daily journal or come at your writing sideways (use prompts; set a timer and write without thinking; write from a different Point of View, etc.) Change your focus, your topic, even your genre for a bit.
Most writers will benefit from the butt in the chair regimen however. If you keep a routine, then eventually the words come. Keep writing, no matter what, allow yourself to write badly, then eventually the practice pays off. Always expect the muse to call and eventually she will. I would recommend this as the first advice. Don't judge your first drafts too harshly as you create them--understand that you will revise often!
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