It's a new year. With that comes the usual mix of looking back and regretting what you didn't do and vowing to do better.
That's too much pressure. And it usually doesn't get you anywhere. The energy lasts for a few weeks and then things revert to the way they were before, right? Don't do it, I say. I have a better idea. It's interactive, and comes in two parts, so get a piece of paper and a pen/pencil/crayon/whatever.
What I want you to do first is to make a list of all the great things that happened in your writing life this year. Maybe you found a workshop you like or a writing partner, or you published a poem, or you finally started writing again after years of wishing you could find the courage and the time. Whatever happened, however tiny, or however short the list, get it on paper.
Now take a look at it and appreciate what you accomplished. Bravo, you! Think back to how good it felt to get the letter telling you your work would be published, or how much more and better writing you've done with your writing group. Enjoy the feeling of success and satisfaction, whether you did 1 thing or 16.
Look at the list again. Is there a hole anywhere? Did you start projects but not finish any of them? That should be your new year's resolution - to finish something. Did you buy books on writing and then not read any of them or do the exercises? That's what you should do - pick an exercise once a week, maybe on a Sunday afternoon, and spend an hour giving it your all. For me, it's submissions. With my own writing, teaching, and book-devouring (that was my resolution for 2006), I didn't send out any poems to magazines last year! That will be this year's resolution. Just have one, give yourself a break!
My other suggestion for the new year is to go through your idea pile (or box or folder or notebook - depending on where you keep your ideas as they come in and you write them down) and type them into one list on your computer. Create a separate file on your computer for each of your story/poem/essay ideas. If, as you go through your notes, one in particular appeals to you and the words and images start flowing - go with it! Add new thoughts as they come in, expand on a line of dialogue you wrote down, describe one of the characters. During the year, this is the perfect place to go when you want to write but don't know where to start. Now throw the bits of paper away.
Now you're clutter free and ready for a new year of writing!
Only before you throw the pieces of paper away, TAKE A BACKUP OF YOUR COMPUTER. Preferably two, and keep one of them in a different building to your computer.
cj
Posted by: cj | January 19, 2007 at 08:37 AM