Deep Dive Into Writing

Thank you Subhi Najar

1. When did you start writing? Is there a specific story?

I’ve always been an avid reader and therefore, an avid writer. I believe I started writing in elementary school and the attention and compliments I received were enough to keep me in the game. I have written for school publications, educational research, and for myself for as long as I can remember.

2. Do you have rituals in writing? If yes, then please share them with us.

I have my own version of the writing process, I choose an idea, brainstorm, free write, revise, and edit. I rarely edit as I write and sometimes return to the same article ten times to make changes. Sometimes, if I struggle with ideas, I stop and read and return to it later with a new outlook. Sometimes when I return, I scrap the whole thing and start over. Sometimes, I am able to pick up right where I left off and bang it out. No rituals is the answer, but I am adamant about a schedule, five days a week for one hour, usually in the morning — but if the morning gets away, I tackle it as soon as a one hour slot opens up.

3. The ugliest monster that writers are afraid of is writer’s block. If you have a recipe to deal with it, kindly share it with us.

I don’t think I’ve experienced writer’s block since I’ve jumped back into writing daily. Once I opened the gates, I freed decades of pondering. What I do struggle with is self censorship. I find myself shutting down when I think my topic may bother people in either my personal or professional life. Me, myself, and I have had some very serious discussions about this but we’ve yet to come to a solid solution or create a plan to get over this hump when we encounter it. But writing is a process just like living and I know we’ll get there.

4. Describe the process of finding ideas your stories. Please elaborate.

It’s funny. Now that my writing is so public, friends will often stop a conversation and say, “you should blog about that.” Also, now that I have such a regular writing schedule, I keep a running list of topics in the notes on my phone and in a notebook I carry in my purse. Then, I go into my Medium drafts and set up documents for when I’m ready to start them (title, subtitle, image). This way if I sit down without an idea, I have sone created to choose from. Also, I created monthly writing posts for my publication Bacon and Beach days. And, I know share this responsibility with Linda Osipow ~ Crazy, Almost Old Farm, swapping off creation from month to month.

5. As humans, we suffer without knowing it by choosing not to move outside our comfort zone. Do you have a “comfort zone” in writing ( i.e a topic that you always like to write about)? Have you tried to step outside your comfort zone and write something drastically different?

No, and I need to. I have found here that my work is all over the place: parenting, aging, life advice, career advice, etc. I occasionally think I need to find a niche, but then don’t want to box myself in. I’d also like to try my hand at fiction. A novel was my childhood dream and I’d love to accomplish this. However, for right now, I am happy with my effort and the product.

6. Besides Medium, do you use other writing platforms? Please share our experiences.

I only use Medium at the moment. I am curious about other platforms and ways to publish my writing but, for now, I’m happy with this.

7. Have you published a book? If yes, how and where…etc. Plz, feel free to share your links with us.

Nope.

8. You write because writing provides you with something special. Could you share your experience?

I am at peace when I’m writing. I forgot how much I loved it and didn’t realize what was missing in my life until I started doing it again. I imagine this is how long distance runners feel. Note, imagine. But, you want to do it and you need both the time and the energy, you put it off for perfect weather, perfect conditions, the right equipment, etc. Then, once you finally get out there and start doing it, you can’t imagine your life without it.

9. Do you write a paragraph, a chapter, or a story with the end in mind or not? plz explain.

Sometimes, I start off with an ending in mind. Other times, I start with the body paragraphs and then finish with my introduction and conclusion — once I see where my writing took me. There is no rhyme or reason as to when or why this happens.

Sometimes, I start off, guns blazing, and then need to walk away mid piece. Some days, I can see the whole piece in my mind but can’t decide how to get it on paper. I try to just take it as it comes. I do keep paragraphs, story starters, and notes for future writing. When ideas creep up on me, I write them down, which means I have whacky notes all over the place. Sometimes I have to remind myself to tuck things away or add an additional sentence in case that’s the day I get hit by a bud and in tracing my steps anyone finds notes that my appear to mean more than they actually do.

10. Every writer has an idol. Who is yours? And what do you find inspiring in her/his trajectory?

I have so many favorite authors! When I write here, I try to channel by inner Beverly Beckham. Beverly is a columnist for the Boston Globe. In her column, she shared stories of her life and occasionally editorials on society. She has an amazing way of welcoming her readers beyond the page into her world. She also uses these everyday experiences to leave you thinking about your life. I met her once and she’s very approachable and kind. I don’t think she had any idea that, to me,meeting her was as big as meeting Salinger or Irvine Welsh.

11. Does being on a writing platform like Medium help your writing plans? Plz, elaborate.

I am not sure! My only initial plan was to write for an hour five times a week. So, it has definitely helped there! The longer I write here, the more I start to explore new goals. I often wonder what I am capable of beyond this. Is there a book living in my mind? Could I write more fiction? I am sure we will find out together!

Thank you!