You Imagine discussion

If you were to make a list of 3 1/2 do's and 3 1/2 don'ts what would they be? I'll go ahead and start :O)

DO:
1. Believe in yourself
2. Keep at it.
3. Keep a journal
3 1/2. Take a break every hour or so. Stretch. Call a friend.

DON'T:
1. Listen to the negative self-talk in yo' head
2. Throw away your rough drafts
3. Forget to back up your work :O)
3 1/2. Neglect your friends

Do:

1. Never give up
2. Believe in you
3. Take time away to write alone in a quiet place
3 1/2. Let your friend read them and maybe edit them. Friends are nicer editors since you know them well

DON'T:

1.Be put down. If you won't let them they'll never bring you down.
2. Write whatever comes to your head in that form. Give it a little form before you start writing.
3. Don't beat yourself up! See number 2 for a back up!
3 1/2. Be over-obsessive and write whenever you can. Other things are needed in life like eating, playing and homework.

These do's and don't's are not strictly for fiction, but apply universally to all writing. They're adapted from "13 Rules for Writing", from my book of tips, tools, inspiration and exercises, The Voice of the Muse: Answering the Call to Write.


DO's --

1. Remember that there are no rules.
There is no right way (including this one). There is no wrong way. There is only your way.

2. Get out of your own way.
Ask any element of your being that is logical, analytical, critical, cynical, doubt-filled or judgmental to step aside for the duration of your projected writing time.

3. Leap into the void...and trust.
Don’t worry about being polite, appropriate or correct. Don’t worry about making sense. Don’t worry about anything. Just blurt it out.

3a. Listen...and always go with your first thoughts.
Second thoughts and second-guessing come from that part of your mind that is judgmental or censoring. Trust that what’s coming to you is what calls out to be expressed. Allow it to be expressed. Trust it and surrender to it.


DON'T's

1. Don't force your words into a straitjacket.
Instead, let your words and their innate wisdom determine the form of your work.

2. Don't reread your work if you're feeling critical or judgmental.
Instead, wait an hour, a day, a week or a month...however long it takes for you to be able to see your work from a place of heartful discernment, not harsh judgment.

3. Don't worry about the next word, the next sentence or the next chapter.
Instead, remember that the next word will come as easily as your next breath...if you let it.

3a. Don't forget to breathe.
Instead, consider that if you're feeling stuck in your writing, you're probably also stuck in your breathing (and vice versa). Take a moment to center yourself and refocus on your breath.

For more tips and inspiration, updated weekly, visit my new blog The Voice of Your Muse.

Wonderful, wonderful tips, Mark David. Thank you.