Write Now Newsletter – September 2005

by | Sep 3, 2005 | Write Now Columbus Essay Archives

“Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the only thing you have to offer.”

– Barbara Kingsolver


Hi Writers:

I dread rereading my notebooks. But when I do, I remember why it’s so important.

As I write, my mind tells my writing stinks. It chatters away spewing negative banter. Meanwhile, I keep my hand moving, pen flying, purple ink splashing patterns between blue lines. There’s a huge gap between what my head thinks and what my hand has written.

If I don’t reread my notebooks, I’ll never close this gap. I’ll never remember writing about dogs in the rain in Taos or how I referred to my father as “the skeleton in the front bedroom.” Those lines will fester and die.

When I reread my notebooks, I see my passions. It used annoy me when I read yet another writing practice about dogs. I’d think, Can’t you find something more interesting? But now I see my fascination with my canine companions as a strength. I pay attention to the things I love; see them through a different set of eyes. What better thing to set down on paper than something I adore and can see clearly? I let myself go there, tapping into my true heart.

Before I reread, I wait a little while – until the blood has dried. Then I haul a few notebooks to a coffeehouse, read them as if they were a great novel, something a complete stranger had written. I highlight passages and use little sticky flags or make notes at the top of the page. I jot down phrases that catch me. After awhile, I’ve fallen back in love with writing, my writing.

In one notebook I’ll find the beginning of a story. Another will be hiding a poem. A third notebook might be filled with great ideas I just need to flesh out. The practice of writing keeps me honest about my true loves, the things that stir my mind, the unique way I see the world.

Have you reread your notebooks lately? You might surprise yourself. Until you try, you don’t know what you’re missing.

Nita (mem-ries. . . mistywatercolor mem-ries)Sweeney
(c)2005 by Nita Sweeney

Subscribe to list
SUBSCRIBE to Write Now Columbus

To receive Write Now Columbus via email every month, SIGN UP HERE! Your information will be kept confidential.

Email Address *
First Name *
Last Name *
How'd you hear about us?

TAGS

ARCHIVES

Verified by MonsterInsights