Unconventional Wisdom for Writers
When visiting any blog for writers or searching for articles, I see the same old content regurgitated. I know if I’m seeing it, you are too. It’s not that it’s bad advice; we’re just looking for something more. We’re ready to go deeper.
I’m going to share with you some of the things I know to be true that have helped me take my writing to a new level. One that resonates in that inner place that exists in all of us, that place that doesn’t jive with conventional structure. That place that wants to go another way.
That place can be a writer’s goldmine!
The key is learning to unleash it in a healthy way. And writing just happens to be an excellent prescription for doing just that.
As writers, we often struggle with self-doubt and insecurity, especially when it comes to our writing.
Embrace your insecurities!
Recognize your fears and imperfections as powerful creative forces and harness them.
Allow your vulnerability to spill out onto the page. Use the very parts of yourself you’re afraid to show as fuel for relatable stories and characters that will resonate with your audience.
People are drawn to authenticity. We all appreciate someone else’s willingness to be raw and vulnerable.
Do it messy. Do it afraid. But, do it!
Get Distracted!
We’re always being told the importance of limiting distractions and learning to focus. What about the value of distractions?
Allowing our minds to wander can lead to unexpected connections and creative breakthroughs.
Practice purposeful distraction.
Throughout the course of your day, give yourself permission to let your mind freely explore. Then, during your scheduled writing time, try free writing about any ideas or interesting topics that came to mind during these times of purposeful distraction.
Deconstruct to construct.
Instead of spending your writing time constructing a story, try deconstructing your favorite books, movies, or shows.
Analyze their structure, character development, and pacing.
Strive to understand how they were built and to identify any elements or patterns you can apply to your own writing.
Try one or more out each writing session.
Master the Freedom of Bad Writing
Give yourself permission to write poorly.
Forget grammar, spelling, and every other rule you can think of when it comes to writing. Let the mistakes flow without judgment. They’ll make solid learning opportunities upon review.
Nothing hinders the creative process more than focusing too much on perfection.
This is actually a great way to overcome writer’s block and improve your writing. Over time you’ll come to recognize the types of mistakes you’re more inclined to make and through frequent editing and correction will come to make them less often.
Set “Anti-Goals”
Instead of setting conventional “to do” goals; set some “not to do” goals.
For example, instead of writing a certain number of words per day, strive to avoid specific writing cliches or to break writing habits that have become all too comfortable.
Anti-Goals tend to involve things that ultimately push you out of your comfort zone and encourage you to take more risks with your writing.
Participate in Creative Challenges
Break out of your usual writing zone with community-style creative challenges.
Flash fiction contests, fanfiction exchanges, and poetry slams can be great ways to grow as a writer, explore outside your comfort zone, and develop new skills.
Prioritize Self-Care
Burnout is a real risk. Writing can be an emotionally draining process.
A healthy and balanced life can lead to a more productive and inspired writing experience.
Mediation. Sleep. Sleep!!! Exercise. Time with friends, family, and other loved ones.
We can benefit from stepping off the beaten path and exploring unconventional methods to sharpen our skills and ignite our creativity.
Break the mold.
