OK, I know, I am preaching to the choir. I get the feeling that most of the visitors to Jane Be Nimble are fellow bloggers, so if you are, you’re writing often. But, hey, if you’re not a fellow blogger, email me to say hello or comment here, I’d love to meet you, and why aren’t you blogging?
It is one thing to be a reading fanatic and to progress through a dozen books simultaneously, but it is a different beast to then put pen to page. Often, avid readers make great writers, but that is not always the case.
Two reasons why I think everyone should write as much as possible—
ONE: Being a good writer will come in handy someday.
What if one day in the future…
- you’re asked to write a book review?
- a friend needs your help with his or her resume?
- you’re asked to write an obituary?
- you need to write a proposal or business plan?
- aliens land and the only way our species is allowed to survive is if you can construct compelling prose with excellent grammar?
Wouldn’t it be great to be able to help someone with your awesome prose, or to save the world?
TWO: When you write for only yourself and only for your private reading, magic happens.
I don’t know why, but I’m not going to argue.
Putting pen to page every morning, or every night, will open your brain and show you parts of yourself you never knew you had. I literally mean writing longhand and not tippty-tip typing on a keyboard. I’m talking lo-tech stuff here—a cheap, floppy spiral-bound notebook and a favorite pen. My current notebook was US $1.04.
And I’m not talking about keeping a cutesy diary or journal (although, it really doesn’t matter what you call it). One of my favorite writers, Julia Cameron, calls this type of writing her ‘Morning Pages.’ It clears your brain. It wipes out the chitter chatter and lets you get to it.
You can ask yourself things and let your deepest mentor answer you. You can write what’s bugging you. You can describe your life-long goals. You can write what you dreamt last night, and often it will make some sense. I’m not joking around here, try it!
I’d like your opinion. How often do you write? If you’re a blogger, how often do you write things NOT destined for another post? How often do you write just for you?
I’d like to sign off by introducing you to my cyber-friend and fellow blogger colleague, Tim. I found his site when I happened across an awesome video he posted, one of my favorite vids of all time in relation to speaking well and with conviction. I feel as passionate about writing as I do about speaking with conviction, and this video creatively addresses this point. Plus I love typography. Go watch the video—it will only take a few minutes. Then, hang out at Tim’s newly revamped site for awhile.
Lastly…
Create a great day!
[photo sent to my by my sister, who lives in Nebraska. Need I say more?]
Personally, I’m a big fan of the alien scenario for learning, and practicing, any new skill. Those pesky aliens – you just can’t tell what they’re likely to want from us. In addition to writing, I suggest everyone should learn how to breakdance, juggle, play at least two musical instruments, draw, and shoot a bow and arrow.
It probably wouldn’t hurt to learn how to freestyle rap, too.
Bring it on, alien scumbags!
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..These Dreams
Jay,
Oh man, how did you know? How did you know that I’m a freestyle rapper? OMG, that’s too weird.
As far as the alien thing goes, I completely agree. I actually sleep with a notebook next to my bed in the case that it becomes invasion time and I’m chosen to be the Earth’s Prose Protector.
You’re too funny, Jay.
Thanks for making me laugh today.
I love #2, it’s so true! I was going to write a post on the merits of keeping a private journal. I’ve always felt that we can discover what we feel, what we think, and who we really are through writing. I used to teach writing, and I’d often tell my students that they didn’t have to know what they thought before they wrote. Just write! You’ll discover what you think as your writing. Magic really does happen there.
Miche | Serenity Hacker´s last blog ..Lighten Up: You’re Really Just a Bozo, Anyway!
Miche,
You sound like an awesome teacher, Miche.
Wow, that’s awesome that you formerly taught writing! All of a sudden, I’m really self-conscious of what I’m saying here. I’m just a dorky scientist pretending I can write.
If you do end up writing a post about keeping a private journal, I’d love to read it. I hope you do.
Thanks for your comment here at JBN.
Ha! Funny that you should say all that!
There’s a saying in English departments: Those who can’t write, teach. So there you go!
I think I make more mistakes than anyone I know! (Hint, there’s one in my last comment.) I don’t teach writing anymore so I usually don’t see errors unless I’m hunting for them. Problem is I now overlook my own! People expect that I don’t make them, but I do, and plenty.
Anyway, that’s the thing about writing. It’s messy, creative, chaotic, wild. That’s what I love about it: The adventure of discovery you go on in your own writing and the adventure another person can take you on through theirs. I’m not much of a grammarian; I love ideas far more…
Which is why reading the blog of a scientist is so enjoyable! You’re not pretending, you’re inspiring! I have often said if I could do it over I’d be a physicist… seems like way more fun!!
Miche´s last blog ..Simple Pleasures: Put Your Dreams into Your Routines
Hi Miche,
What an inspiring comment! I love that you think of writing as messy, creative, chaotic, and wild! Excellent!
And thanks for the kind words. I am certainly still in, “I’m a crappy writer, boo hoo,” mode, but I’m becoming less self-conscious about it and simply letting it rip.
So, thanks for your support.
Yeah, physics is fun! I happened to get part of my training in a lab that combined physics with molecular biology as a part of the lab’s focus (DNA bending models). It’s never too late to geek out, Miche! Climb aboard – the water’s warm.
Lori´s last blog ..Find a Passion for Writing
Hi Lori,
I’m with Jay – you never know when an alien attack could happen – and we best be prepared!
I write mostly for my blog. Although I do write for work, and for some volunteer activities I do too. Writing for just myself…hmmm….not so much. Maybe a little bit of work in this area would be good…
Lance´s last blog ..What Is Love, Really
Lance,
I’d put you and Jay front and center to write us out of oblivion! I’m glad you’d be up for the task.
Your life is so full, Lance, and so many aspects of that include writing. And I’m so glad you’re pouring so much of yourself into the world of writing. You are destined for it. It is in your nature!
Carving out one page in the morning or 10-15 minutes really helps me in so many ways. If you try this, just for a week to start, let me know if you have any interesting discoveries. Er, uh, or you can keep it private.
Hi Lori:
Thanks for a great post on a very important topic…and thank you for mentioning my site. I have kept a journal since my college days, but I haven’t really gone back and read any of it. Interesting that you mention Julia Cameron’s book — I had it for years, but resisted doing the morning pages because I was already doing my journal. I did morning pages for about two months over the summer and I noticed that my writing did get better…there is something to be said for writing when you don’t feel like writing (or you are half asleep):). It is really like meditating and doing a brain dump.
BTW, I hope some younger ppl rd your blog bc therz mr 2 rtg thn txtg.
Tim´s last blog ..Too Much Advice?
Tim,
Hey, cool cat. I’m glad you didn’t mind that I gave you a shout out on my post today. I really, really loved that video! And you delve into interesting topics at your site, which I enjoy.
You know, I’ve kept a journal since 4th grade, but I rarely go back and read them. The few times I have done so, I get this sinking feeling, thinking how could I have thought this or done x, y, z? What a moron. Weird, I know.
You’ve hit on the MAIN reason I write morning pages. Most days, I actually don’t feel like writing. Once I get going, I love it, but that initial start feels horrible. So, I use the process as a jump start to get the juices flowing.
Your last line really cracked me up, Tim! I’m glad, too, because I really needed a giggle this morning.
U R a fny guy! C U ltr!
Lori, I’m not sure if you know but I am the messiah of aliens – see here (OK, I’m terrible with code so hopefully that worked!). I’m all good if they invade (stick with me girlfriend and I’ll be sure you don’t get probed, unless of course you want to!).
This is a great idea. I must give it a go. My writing has been a little lack lustre lately and I think this may help clear all the crap out of my head (and yes, there is quite a lot of crap in there). Thanks for the inspiration!
Love the post, love the video (VERY clever) and that pic is something else. What a fantastic shot.
Sami – Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s last blog ..An Interview With The World’s Strongest Librarian
So the freakin link didn’t work because I’m code-inept so here’s the URL; http://www.lifelaughsandlemmings.com/10-ways-to-get-inspired/
Sami – Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s last blog ..An Interview With The World’s Strongest Librarian
Hey, thanks for linking that post, Sami! I knew you had *something* about you, Ms. Alien-Close-Encounters-of-the-Third-Kind Prophet. I guess that proves a point, even the messiahs need help with HTML.
Oh, any by the way, I can not ascertain that your writing has been lack luster! It rocks! Now, the crap in your head, that’s another story…
I’m glad you enjoyed the video, too.
Yes, and my sis sent me that photo, but whomever took it must have been out of his or her mind. Geez!! What the…??!!??
I mean, dude (or dudette?), head for cover! Are you crazy???
Have a great day, Sami the Great.
Great post about writing! I love to write and I think it’s really important for everyone to do… It’s such a great way to express emotions and share thoughts.
Positively Present´s last blog ..light up your life: 5 ways to make your path brighter
Great! I’m glad you’re writing. I think it is important for bloggers, especially successful ones like you.
Stepping away from the posts and comments to get to know what’s going on in the noggin has been really valuable for me. I’m glad you think so, too.
::Waves To Lori::
Hello, new friend! After your wonderful guest post on Josh’s “World’s Strongest Librarian” blog, you mentioned in a comment that you sensed a deeper connection.
Here it is!
I’m in Week Six of my second time through The Artist’s Way. LOL In fact I wrote a review of the book not long ago on my own blog/site.
And I got you beat … my own current morning pages notebook was 29-cents in a bargain bin.
And tell your sister that is one ROCKING photo!
Gayze´s last blog ..Creature Thoughts (October 2009)
Hi Gayze!
::Waves back to you::
Hello bird of a feather! Hey, thanks for stopping by my “coffee table.”
That’s so awesome that you think the same thing about the Artist’s Way. I’ll have to check out your review. I like how Julia Cameron can get to the deep to the source of things: writers’ block, productivity, perfection, etc.
Excellent! I love it when people don’t overcomplicate and simply write – 29-cents is perfect!
Hi Lori,
First of all, I loved the picture that you used with this post. Very cool.
As for writing, I totally agree. For me, I think I write almost every day in some shape or form. It is amazing how something in your brain takes on a different meaning when you write it down.
So writing rocks and it truly is an amazing art form. It is one of those things that looks so simple but yet it is not. When I look at my first writings when I was a teenager and I see what I write today, they are worlds apart.
And Julia Cameron’s book is awesome, isn’t it?
Nadia – Happy Lotus´s last blog ..What You Can Learn from a Burger
Hi Nadia,
I still can’t believe someone actually caught this photo. I’m happy you can appreciate it! This is one of my favorite photos of all time. It’s how I feel when I’m writing a lot of the time – in a whirlwind of emotion or ideas.
I like how you expressed the thought of the meaning of thoughts changing when you write them down, so true.
Yeah, and Julia Cameron rocks!
lori´s last blog ..Find a Passion for Writing
Writing has this incredible ability to focus our thoughts and calm the mind.
While I don’t consider myself a writer, I have always been writing. (Really! I have reams of angst ridden poetry from my teenage years.) I am beyond thankful for the power of expression and catharsis that writing engenders.
Hayden Tompkins´s last blog ..The Awesome Post of Awesome
Hello Hayden!
Thanks for visiting my blog and taking time to leave a comment. Awesome!
Your writing energy comes through in your comments and blog. You should consider yourself a writer, you certainly have the chops for it! And, you’re blogging!
I loved what you said here. I agree – when I write, tornados form and I feel that my mind starts whipping my world into motion. What a roller coaster ride!
Enjoy your weekend, Hayden. I’ll be seeing you over at Through the Illusion (love the look and feel of your blog, BTW).
xo
“tornados form”
YES!
Hayden Tompkins´s last blog ..The Magic of Having Your Own Transformers
Also, I realized that I met all these amazing people through Twitter but hadn’t taken the time to explore further than that. So, I am stepping out of my rut and expanding my digital horizon and kicking myself for not having done it sooner!
Hayden Tompkins´s last blog ..The Magic of Having Your Own Transformers
Hi Lori! Nice to see you again! I almost feel like this post was meant for me. I actually feel like an alien amongst great writers because I’m not a writer and I’m not a blogger. I struggle to write anything; I have a hard time putting my thoughts in order and on paper. (If this doesn’t make sense now you know why, lol). Yet, I love to read! I read all the time and I really wish I was a better, more creative writer. Can creative writing be learned or are you born with it?
Happy Friday!
Hi Mary Double-Oh-Seven!
I want to fly through cyber space and give you the biggest hug! Thanks for your comment, Mary!
Before I established my blog, I was just like you, I felt like an alien here in blog land, living amongst cyber athletes. But, you know, it took a strong woman to comment, I commend you for it, and thank you! You belong here blogging, too, if ever you so desire. (If you’re bored, check my post called “Start a Blog” for more ‘stuff’ like this post.)
I could write a gargantuan-long comment here addressing your question, because I mirrored your thoughts for a really long time and you touched upon a really important point.
In short – EVERYONE IS BORN WITH AN INHERENT GIFT FOR CREATIVE WRITING. I firmly believe that – it started with cave painting a bazillion years ago. Right? Just start writing every morning or night, just two or three pages of longhand, in a notebook. You’ll get the swing of things. Practice, find a good friend to share with when you’re ready (or email me
), and get to it! Time is ticking…
Thanks for stopping by today, and thanks for your comment over at WSL, Mary. You rock!
Thank you for such an inspirational message!! Like you, I have found my agility and comfort in writing. It helps to write, especially when you don’t feel as in control of your life as you’d like. I appreciated your advice on Josh’s site about me trying swimming as a more serious endeavor. Maybe I’ll take you up on that.
I do believe that writing regularly helps provide a balm for the mind and soothes the soul.
Love your postings so much, I subscribed to your blog.
Hi Beth,
It is great to see you here! Thank you very much for your comment.
I’m sending you the best vibes in the world right now that you can find your ‘natural’ fins and boost your power in the pool. I think you’ll love it. (Thanks for taking this idea under consideration)
Hey, I like that idea of writing as a balm. Sometimes, even when I’m leaving comments, I feel incredibly soothed. That’s a super analogy. Thanks, too, for your kind words about my blog. I’ll try my best not to disappoint you.
Hi Lori,
I “met” you via the 31 days to kick to blog in the ass programme and thought I’d wander past your site to say hello!
I enjoyed this post. I only started blogging in May or June this year, but had had a life-long desire before that to write. I’d done the Julia Cameron stuff, but it wasn’t till I started creating a blogsite that magic started to really happen in my life. It’s like I’ve set free a part of me that’s been tied up for years and now things I’d never have imagined are happening. For one, I’m trying to create an online learning community and develop a whole different way of working for myself. Which is kind of neat, because that’s really the essence of what I set out to write about, except I was thinking about it from other people’s perspective!!
Good to meet you and good luck with you blog. Looking forward to continuing our development journey together!
Hello Christine!
Nice to meet you. How are you liking the kick *ss program? I think it has been interesting thus far…and, hey, I’ve met you!
I enjoyed hearing your experiences with J. Cameron and also about your blog. I feel very much the same way! I’d love to hear how your online learning community is coming together and what you enjoy about it. Good for you!
Enjoy your day and I’ll be seeing you around cyberspace!
Thanks for introducing yourself to me. Cheers!
Lori´s last blog ..Your Body is a Fortress, Part 6 – The Pectoralis Minor