Write on Your Terms Period

Why it’s essential to create your own writing process.

This past weekend I didn’t have time to write. I ran out of time. I felt horrible that I didn’t get a chance to place words into the white void. I wasn’t writing every day, so how dare I call myself a writer.

We read all the time writers must write regularly. The muscle must be exercised. If not, it can become weak and apathetic. If you speak to a fellow writer, I am sure they will echo this advice. It’s an anthem or matra many writers live each day of their literary existence. I am sure it’s on a t-shirt somewhere.

However, sometimes we must walk away from the page. If we don’t, our craft could suffer because of a philosophy which cannot equally apply to everybody. There are many reasons why this particular piece of advice may need to take a backseat. On some occasions, other things may require your precious time.

Time is a commodity and non-renewable resource

Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. Steve Jobs

Time is finite. Once it’s gone, there is no way to reclaim. If we are, to be honest, there are instances where writing has to rest on the sidelines. We cannot give all of our time to writing. Somedays we won’t sit at the laptop or pull out the writing pad for a variety of reasons.

Spend your time as you see fit. Don’t allow dogma, as the above quote states, to control what you do. Don’t live your life according to what others are doing. Create and live your best life. I know personally trying to compete with the publishing habits of others is a futile effort. If I do this, I will find myself frustrated and bitter about my writing process.

I don’t judge others who can publish often. I admire what they do, but I know it’s not for me. If you are attempting to emulate other writers, I beg you to stop and think about if you are happy with your writing regiment. If you say no, then find what works for you.

Time is essential, but the proper mindset is crucial to a writer’s success.

Mindset, it can break or make a writer

You have to have the right mindset. Bonnie Blair

Don’t force yourself to write. If you are not in the right mindset, there is nothing wrong with taking a break to gather your thoughts. I’ve done that on several occasions.

I find when I practice meditating or hashing out an idea the writing is better. The ideas solidify and come together on the page easier after I’ve taken a day off.

The brain is a marvelous piece of biological engineering, and it can process large amounts of information, but sometimes it needs to recharge. If we don’t allow that to occur, then we are doing not only ourselves but our writing a disservice.

Furthermore, don’t guilt yourself into pounding the keys or placing a pen on the pad. I know it’s easy to listen to the little writing elf on your shoulder, who screams you must write every day or you’re not a writer. I encourage you to knock him off your shoulder and do what feels right. I am confident your ideas will wait until you are where you need to be.

Final thoughts

This post was inspired by a conversation I had on Facebook about writing every day and its real importance. I agree as writers we must write. How can you call yourself a writer if you don’t? However, sometimes, life gets in the way and prevents you from writing. Life sneaks up on all of us because it’s an equal opportunity aggressor.

Don’t sacrifice quality for quantity because you want to grow your following or possibly increase income. Write because it fills you with joy when a post sings off the page. Write because it assists you in releasing emotions which would otherwise burn you to the red blood cells. Write because of your love for the written word and its power to change lives.

Keep writing, but do it on your terms — peace y’all.