I’m done. No, not with my revising. Darn it. But, even better, at least from my birds-eye view: I’m done trying to feel like a writer and I am darn giddy to report that I no longer imagine suppose-to’s, like cozying up my studio or writing at coffee shops. No more! For the past few years, I have been a writer; I have kept my behind in a chair. Yes, I still slug through, mumble ugh, write total crap… Doesn’t matter. I am writing!
I know I’m not the only writer who has tried to feel like one. Maybe I’m growing up as a writer. Hear ye! Finally. Oh, I have a long, long way to learn. But I am saving a lot of time – getting right to writing, instead of fussing with lighting candles (great if helps you!). Now, I arrive at one of my favorite writing spots – my studio or kitchen table – and do my quick set-up: cups of java and water to left of laptop, paper and pen to right, blanket o’er my lap, timer set. By the way, my red-black plaid blanket is full of childhood stories from when I would use it to build forts, watch tv, trick ‘n tease with my brothers.
A brief trip back to those days… I always needed complete quiet to do my homework. I vividly, fondly recall high school nights – my brother Jim at one end of our long Formica kitchen table, me at the other. We read, took notes and penned essays in silence, while our dad was at his second job, our mom and youngest brother sound asleep, our oldest brothers away at college. Even though Jim was a quick study, whipping through homework while jotting social plans, he always checked in with me. It was as if he knew the exact moment I got restless, started daydreaming. “How ya doing, kid?” he would say. Whether I grumbled frustration or not a word, he would smirk, jump up and open the fridge. Message: Let’s take a break together.
Together. Today, I still need complete quiet when I write (and lotsa jumping up, taking breaks!) and to be with other writers. I prefer writing alone, but together. So, that’s what I’ve created for myself – being with other writers, being held accountable. Every week, I get and give plenty of “how ya doing?” check in’s and everyone is a-okay with a short answer or not a word. We’re sticking together.
Here’s my list of formal and informal sessions that keep my behind in my chair. There are plenty more, including for writers who prefer chatting, music, dogs barking, prompts… You go! My sessions – with strangers or writer friends – guarantee someone is at the other end of “the table” and we’re together writing in silence. And, I get to stay in my favorite spot! May you, too, find your table and whoever you need at the other end.
Virtual Sessions: Writers from across the globe, including many U.S. SCBWI members.
Writers’ Hour https://writershour.com/
3 times daily Monday-Friday
The Chicago Writers Circle meetup.com/The-Chicago-Writer-s-Circle
1 time daily Sunday-Saturday
My (Private) Writing Session:
Text Partner: I write with a long-time writer friend minimum twice weekly. We text at start and end. Revs my creativity and writing!
My Accountability:
- Monday Morning E-mail: I exchange weekly goals and accomplishments with other children’s writers. Keeps me honest, nudges me.
- YA Accountability Partner: Email and phone call meetings. Motivating!
- Story Spinner SCBWI Critique Group: We meet twice monthly for feedback on manuscripts, query letters, ideas, outlines, research, etc. Can’t imagine writing without them!!
- SCBWI British Isles Group: E-mail check ins. Inspiring!
I am writing the success of my every breath.
–Mahogany L. Browne, award-winning author of CHLORINE SKY and other YA novels, board books
I have never heard a more eloquent silence.
–Laurie Halse Anderson, award-winning author of SPEAK and other YA novels, picture books
Bill Gates said in 2020 — “Everyone needs a coach. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a basketball player, a tennis player, a gymnast, or a bridge player.” But let’s finish that sentence.
I have very strong childhood memories of getting the Highlights for Children magazine in the mail. First of all, it was mail – for me! (And my brothers, but mostly for me.) I’d spot it on the kitchen counter, whisk it off to my bedroom, and immediately turn to the hidden pictures page. Then I’d search and search until I found every last rake, spoon, ice cream cone, and whatever else was listed at the bottom of the page! Today, Highlights publishes entire workbooks of these puzzles. They even have an app.
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Critiquing is a critical part of the writing process – getting feedback from others gives us guidance and can shed a light on where we might focus in revision. There is so much we can’t see as the writer of our own work and getting other people’s responses to what we’ve written is truly illuminating.
