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Is Your Writing (a) Calling?

Writing is a calling. If you have it on your heart to write, that call is there for a reason. Recently I heard Denzel Washington, (you know that ol' actor?,) say that. He’s shared other phrases of wisdom too. But this one really struck me. Probably because it was what I wanted or even needed to hear. And Mr. Washington even went so far as to say that that reason is because God (the divine, Higher power, etc. whatever you believe) who is already in tomorrow, KNOWS that you will in fact succeed. Can that be any more comforting? Can that be any more intimidating? No, you don’t need to know the timing or even the “if” in the “What if?” You just need to answer the call. So, there it is. Pick up the phone. Answer the text. The email. You’re being summoned. Someone out there needs what you have to share. Your exact voice. Your stories. To learn of your experiences that you can tell in only the way that you know how to tell them. I heard on...

Some ideas of where to get your writing done

Most writers advice is to write daily. My own writing muscle is stronger when I do. But part of that routine is instilled and supported when we are able to choose the same place to write each day. Where do you like to do your writing? For years, even while running my own business, I've worked from home. But I was never that productive. The last couple of years, as my husband and I worked to become skilled minimalists, finding new decluttering and organizing projects each month-- it's getting difficult for me to work from home now. When home, there is always another room (or drawer) to declutter, a bag to fill to donate, a pantry to organize, floors to wash, tubs to scrub...you get the drift. I also volunteer for our church so there are varying administrative duties, choosing songs, posting on social media, proofing the church bulletin, etc. All at home. When I am out, I notice, especially at a coffee shop, in order to keep my focus, I slip in my e...

So, you want to write? How to get into a writing habit (and stay in it)

The definition of writer is simple: it's someone who writes. So, by that definition if you are not writing (physical act) of writing, you are not a writer. To be fair, if you don't write on a regular basis, you are not a writer. If you do, you are a writer. How do you feel about that? I've long since grappled with what it means to call myself a writer. I'd ask: Do I need to be paid for my writing? Do I need to be seen and referred to as a writer? Do I need to be listed as a writer somewhere, have "writer" as my bio, my credential? Be an author of some said book? (Have you been asked, what have you written? How silly do we feel when we say, well, we have a blog. We keep a journal. ) But that's still writing, isn't it? Sometimes I think that writing is about how we think. Benefits of Keeping a Journal I often catch myself saying this: "I will have to journal about that later on." Journaling my writing has chang...

Becoming Prolific

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