nurturing creative and community spirit
Six-week commitment?
We're coming up on our two-week anniversary of the Seven Challenges workshop and I am now completing the first week of my six-week commitment, which is: to creatively write for at least one hour per day. That may not seem like much of a commitment, but considering I spend 8-10 hours a day writing for clients (press releases, case studies, speeches, etc.) it was all that I felt I could work into my schedule without coming off the rails. And so, from 5 to 6 a.m. every weekday morning, I've stared at yellow legal pads and scribbled character sketches and other thoughts. I'd love to tell you it's been a picnic, but I'm sure you know better. Permit me to share a couple of observations:
I really latched on to one of the points Jim Shepard made in one of the hand-outs Lezlie shared with us, the idea that "it's also a matter of remembering that we need to reconnect with the notion of this sort of creation as play." Thirty years ago, for me, writing novels was all about the glory and becoming the next Hemingway. Today, I would just like to recapture the pleasure I experienced from that process so long ago. No unnecessary pressure. Just relax and enjoy the ride. I'm trying (-;
The other day, while driving, I enjoyed listening to an interview with Dan Fante on NPR's Fresh Air. He talked about how, after two decades of booze and drugs, he decided to follow in his father's footsteps and take writing seriously. Fante was intimidated by the thought of writing an entire novel. But what he discovered was that he could write one really good page of prose every day. And after so many months, the novel just seemed to write itself. Sounds like a good approach to overcoming the fear.
So how about some of the rest of you? Have you taken up the baton and made any six-week commitments? Care to share?
I really latched on to one of the points Jim Shepard made in one of the hand-outs Lezlie shared with us, the idea that "it's also a matter of remembering that we need to reconnect with the notion of this sort of creation as play." Thirty years ago, for me, writing novels was all about the glory and becoming the next Hemingway. Today, I would just like to recapture the pleasure I experienced from that process so long ago. No unnecessary pressure. Just relax and enjoy the ride. I'm trying (-;
The other day, while driving, I enjoyed listening to an interview with Dan Fante on NPR's Fresh Air. He talked about how, after two decades of booze and drugs, he decided to follow in his father's footsteps and take writing seriously. Fante was intimidated by the thought of writing an entire novel. But what he discovered was that he could write one really good page of prose every day. And after so many months, the novel just seemed to write itself. Sounds like a good approach to overcoming the fear.
So how about some of the rest of you? Have you taken up the baton and made any six-week commitments? Care to share?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mary Ann (Host) on -
Larry --
This is is a wonderful post I know the other group members would love to read it!
The conversation is going on in another place in the Lounge, though. On the main page, on the left hand side of the page, click on the "Seven Challenges" and you'll find the discussion area there!
Sorry, I know this interface is a little confusing at first...
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Permalink Reply by Larry R. Humes on -
Oops. I thought I was in the Seven Challenges area. I'm afraid it doesn't take much to confuse me (-;
Mary Ann (Host) said:Larry --
This is is a wonderful post I know the other group members would love to read it!
The conversation is going on in another place in the Lounge, though. On the main page, on the left hand side of the page, click on the "Seven Challenges" and you'll find the discussion area there!
Sorry, I know this interface is a little confusing at first...
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