To revise your writing, of course you must evaluate it. But evaluating is not the same as judging. Judging engages your mental filters and you stop seeing what’s really there. Once you assume something is good, you start seeing all the good things about it. Even neutral aspects will seem positive and negative aspects will … More Discerning Writer’s Guide to Revision
Revision requires that we see our writing for what it is: an approximation of our intended meaning and effect. We’re trying to recreate the same ideas and emotions in the reader that we experienced, to induce the same neurological state of consciousness, and we can’t do more than approximate that. The page will never hold … More How Do You Revise Without Letting the Saboteur Attack?
When J. J. Austrian asked “What’s the difference between the Saboteur and legit self-criticism?” he correctly implied that we have to be able to review and critique our work with an objective eye. Good writing comes from rewriting. He also correctly implied that self-criticism can open the door to the destruction of the Saboteur. (Read … More Is Your Saboteur Blocking Your Revision?
Natalie Blake, an online instructor at the College City, shares her “field research” on the many forms of writing resistance. I stumbled on the Bane Of Your Resistance blog by accident, but after reading through her description of resistance, I decided Rosanne has been peeking over my shoulder. Boy, did she peg me but good! … More Writing, How Do I Resist Thee? Let Me Count the Ways… A Guest Post by Natalie Blake
7. Read! I never discourage anyone who has even a passing fancy of being a writer. But I have to admit that if someone told me s/he wanted to be a writer but hated to read, I’d be at a loss for what to say. Reading and writing are part of the one whole. Writing … More Eight Essentials Every Writer Must Master – Part 4
The previous post identified Essential #4 Care For Your Creative Brain. One of the things that creative brain of yours needs to do is to: 5. Understand and respect the stages of the creative process. Although it is possible to stumble through the creative process without understanding it, writing is so much easier, effective and … More Eight Essentials Every Writer Must Master – Part 3
3. Revise and rewrite. As previously posted, Essential #2 is the willingness to write a shitty first draft. But just because you write a shitty first draft, doesn’t mean you should inflict it on anyone else. Acknowledging that all first drafts are shitty logically implies that every writer must revise and rewrite (except perhaps Isaac … More Eight Essentials Every Writer Must Master – Part 2
1. Show up! The other seven essentials will tell you what to do when you show up, but the most important step is to devote time to writing. Everything comes from simply showing up consistently. You must have the integrity to honor a clearly stated writing commitment. I’m NOT suggesting you have to write for … More Eight Essentials Every Writer Must Master
You can stop feeling regret about not getting around to writing and start feeling proud of the progress you make! The rest of your summer will be so much more enjoyable because you’re taking action. I’ll read and respond to ten pages of your writing when you enroll in any of my Loft Summer Classes: Writing … More 7 Reasons to Join Me in a Loft Class This Summer
“I need more discipline.” “When it comes to my writing, I just don’t have the will power I need.” When students in my Writing Habit and Around the Writer’s Block classes say something like this – and at least one or two always do – nearly every other student nods in agreement. “I’m not big … More No Will Power for Writing? No Problem!
Bane of Your Resistance 