23 tips for writing

that work for me. actually, no—now there are 29...

a few years ago I started systematizing things and making lists—the idea being to create lil resources I could go back to so I’d (hopefully) be accumulating some earned wisdom. things to remind me and help me. (maybe others too?)

this is a list I compiled of notes to self for when I’m wanting to get serious about writing (which I’m currently wanting to do—I have been avoiding my LOTTD line item of “10 mins try and write” for about a week now… to be honest, this is usually a sign that I need to open up the bottle and pour out some nard, re: #5).

photo: Drew Willson

you will notice that some are not, strictly speaking, about writing. but I am interested in becoming a human who is healthy and whole, and so I am trying to get at the roots, that the little offerings of fruits in my writing will be nourishing, and not plastic. good roots > good fruits > good seeds > feed the keeds…?

anyways, here’s the list. what helps you?

29 TIPS FOR WRITING (that work for me)

1. Turn off your phone / airplane mode

2. Get a writing journal

3. Say it, then edit it—let yourself be creative and write bad/maybe uninspired things to get to the good you need to say

4. Write things no one will ever read—don’t try to milk every thought, just go ride a horse sometimes

5. Similarly, make music for God that no one will ever hear

6. Know yourself—where and when do you write best?

7. When it’s time to write, give yourself to it—be disciplined

8. Commit to 10 mins of writing/something doable—you almost always go over that, but the easier goal helps you with buy-in

9. Like above, write the bad line to get to the next lines/next part/keep the flow

10. Don’t be afraid to let an idea steep/marinate for a few days/years

11. It’s okay, you can let your ideas talk to each other

12. Creativity begets creativity—poetry, gardening, being around nature, playing…

13. Creativity increases with discipline—think of a well-tended garden (“A professional is someone who can do his best work when he doesn't feel like it.” - Alistair Cooke)—poetry, gardening, exercise, self-control…

14. Don’t compare—you are not ____________. You are you and that’s better than another ____________. Comparison is a thief of joy (and creativity)

15. Know the seasons—when the season of writing is here, write, and don’t be afraid to let it rest/lie fallow when it’s not—I once didn’t write a song for a year b/c of other music work, then wrote most of an album in 3-4 months when it was time to write