Much as I love Cathy Rentzebrink and her approach to writing, I disagree that if you write every day, you won't get better at it. I think you do. And faster, and more confident. Following the cake analogy, we do become better bakers of words over time.
I think Cathy would love you to disagree with her - she likes nothing more than debating this kind of stuff!
To add my tuppence worth, my understanding of her quote is based in mastery and psychology of expertise. As we progress, we are always working at the edge of what we are capable of, in terms of skill, craft, experience and practice. That means the fears stay with us, they are just different. As we get confident at one element of writing, a new fear emerges, that's progress. The most successful writers are still full of doubt - though they might have found a way to keep going while still feeling like that.
I'm a zigzagger and I've only recently learned to embrace it! For a long time I listened to the advice to produce a 'shitty first draft' of my first novel as fast as I could, then go back and edit it, then do the same again and again until it's finished. But I just could not get this to work in practice, and I eventually ended up taking a break from that manuscript partway through the second draft, drained of all energy and ideas.
Then I started a new project, this time letting myself write whatever I wanted in whatever order I liked - basically, just writing what I felt like writing, and really paying attention to what I seem drawn to, and what demotivates me. I've now got around 40k words of a draft that's little more than a patchwork of seemingly random scenes/chapters, and I'm letting myself go back and edit whatever I like - or just leave the editing for later. So I'm very much zigzagging all the way through this story. It seems chaotic but this approach is working *much* better for me and I'm really enjoying novel writing once again! I've been writing it since the start of the year (after reading Written!) and I just find it so much more interesting and engaging than the last project.
I love this comment so much and fully endorse your approach Dipika. It's great how you learned to follow your own instincts and in so doing, you are getting the words down. Lots of them! It's odd how advice, however helpful and well meaning, can blind us to what we need to do to get our draft written. Keep zigzagging!
First - I LOVE your work! I have given your book to a number of my colleagues.
I’m a professor in literacy education and just earned tenure. I finally figured out the book I want to work on! It look time to get to this place. I now need to get the writing going. I set a deadline of October 15 to get the format figured out and a literature review underway. I just (literally just!) made it through a lumpectomy and have treatments to get through next month - so I won’t be able to work at my normal speed. That’s my challenge - getting started and sticking to a deadline - and being kind to myself if I physically can’t meet the smaller deadlines.
Hey Elizabeth - lovely to meet you and thank you so much for kind words (insert big grin). Huge congratulations for getting tenure - that's amazing!
It's great you know your goal and have a plan for the book. Brilliant start. Plus, you have picked a very auspicious day for your deadline as the 15 October is my birthday. You are absolutely right to be kind to yourself - start from a place of kindness and build up from there. I find it's bit like cognitive dissonance to get the writing done - set a goal with a challenging deadline, then lower the stakes to take it in small steps, celebrate each of them and notice what is possible each day (some days that will be nothing and that's OK).
You are doing all the right things and we are cheering you on and sending healing vibes across the pond for the coming weeks. Bec
My Butterfyl brain loves the non linear argument. BUT I know that my brain seeking the glitter of excitement needs to buckle up and put in the hard linear yards as well If not my writing is a series of exciting unlinked ideas. Just writing more or everyday it is the hard lesson of critiquing your words that is where the personal improvement lies. I remind myself everyday - Not every Sentance is Gold = most are Fools gold and should be edited with a hatchet or dispatch.
I've been a freelance feature writer since the 70s when an editor of a Gannett daily invited me to write for him. Hemingway was right when he said that a daily is the best place to learn to write well and fast. Then the Troy-Bilt rototiller people commissioned me to write a book on community gardening. After that, I moved on to a gardening series for the Christian Science Monitor and more recently, six articles for Maximum Yield, the largest online gardening magazine in the world, which also puts out a glossy monthly edition. But I don't just write about gardening. Things were going great until Covid hit. Now, after the 2-year publishing doldrums, I'm having a hard time picking up where I left off because it's a whole, new publishing world out there now. I feel like I'm back in the 70s, starting all over again. Only a few of the inflight mags resumed publishing. During Covid, I researched and wrote 1st drafts of 15 articles. But even pitch letters have a new format that must be followed or risk the delete button right out of the gate. I know my articles will sell, but I'm having trouble finding the right new markets. So frustrating! It's a whole, new publishing world out there. I know you two focus on fiction, but do you have any suggestions to help us nonfiction old-schoolers find our new groove? Thanks for any encouraging words, even if it only means approaching new publications and trying to woo unknown editors.
Also, I find Kate McKean's Agents & Books Substack really helpful on market and what agents think/want and why. Check out: https://katemckean.substack.com/
From my own perspective, my experience is all in non-fiction, business and academic publishing for more than 15 years. One approach is treating publishing as a numbers game - as you say, submitting consistently will yield results. The other approach is that publishing is still a relationship game, so making new contacts, building trust and relationships - so much of your success in the past has come from people. I might be old fashioned, but I find the relationship approach works for me. It is for the most part, still people making the decisions.
Thanks so much, Bec! I'm going through my rough drafts to see what I should work on first and decide where I could best pitch each one with Kate McKean's group and Anne Trubeck's thoughts and posts.
Thanks so much, Bec! I'm going through my rough drafts to see what I should work on first and decide where I could best pitch each one with Kate McKean's group and Anne Trubeck's thoughts and posts.
We welcome all kinds of writers to our community - not just fiction - so it's great to hear from you Diane :) I'm a non-fiction old schooler too with a background in copywriting and PR so I know it's not easy. I think you might have answered your own question though regarding approaching new publications and editors - do that. But I'd also ask you this: What edge could you bring that that other writers can't? Yes there's lots of competition but you are singular and unique with your own perspective and story to tell. How can that help?
Hi Chris, thanks so much for taking the time to send me your suggestions and support. One thing that's worked well for me is using a conversational style(I, you) in some articles to make the tone more personal and direct, and a bit of humor doesn't seem to go amiss. What kind of nonfiction do you write if you've hung up your copywriting/PR shoes?
I’m on day 43 of a 100 day writing challenge. The benefit of committing to this is that it has forced me to take a non-linear approach, on the days when I’m not in agreement with the writer version of me I end up zig zagging all over the novel I’m working on, either to find an way in or just to stop me over thinking a bit that isn’t working (or doesn’t want to work today). Each session takes me by surprise, sometimes the 92 word days are more useful learning days than the 1000+ days.
Absolutely Will - sometimes shorter sessions can be more fruitful. Just make sure you notice why some days are better than others. When a day goes well - what makes it good? Thanks for your comment.
Your analogy of baking a cake is one of those odd coincidences! Yesterday, I was experimenting with using up egg whites by adjusting a recipe I first came up with for cocoa meringue cookies. Deciding on amounts and ingredients was non-linear, following the recipe I devised was almost linear. Tasty result!
Writing my first post on Revelation for my new Substack newsletter early last week was like following Substack’s how-to recipe. But I hit a ginormous block that has raised itself up over and over for a year now. I thought dealing with another retrofitting snafu then getting back to writing, crossing fingers it wouldn’t rise up again, would work as has in the past. But it created so much stress, I realize I have to do something completely different. I have two paths: fire them and leave the work unfinished as no one else on this side of the pond understands heat pumps that well; or have another communicate with them on my behalf. Until I get that sorted, I’m going to try to set aside my fear of seeing any email/text/call from them and finish my Substack post so rudely interrupted. But how do you deal with people who provide a specialized essential service that they never finish even when they say they have (till a -22C cold snap disabuses you of that fiction!) but worsen your health badly and stop your writing cold?
Shireen - your recipes are the best. I remember back in the sprint days, your cookie-based treats paired with a thoughtful cuppa were always mouth watering. So, of course this analogy worked for you!
It is interesting that the Substack recipe didn't work for you, but no advice is perfect or will work for everyone. You more than anyone knows this and you are amazing at finding a way through that is non-linear but works for you. I am sorry it is so damn hard though.
Hi, I'm June and I've been on Substack for just 6 months. The zig-zag thing really resonates with me. I often set out to write on one theme, and end up writing something entirely different, or find that the starting theme leads me into something else. Even writing memoir I tend to write in self-contained essays, rather than a linear form. I think writing often (though not necessarily every day) is key to developing a voice and a style. I don't write every day, but I may edit or re-read, or notate for when I do write.
Hey June - lovely to meet you 😊 Congratulations on hitting your sixth month Substack anniversary. Our first proper post was on 17 February so we're about to hit that milestone too!
I am thrilled the zigzagging analogy worked for you - Cathy is very wise and can articulate stuff we feel. Which I am sure you will know as someone who writes memoir and is no doubt familiar with her writing and writing advice.
I'm really fascinated by how the non-linear informs not just your practice but the format of your writing too. That is so interesting. Writing is such a generative process, we start in one place and end up somewhere completely unexpected. Here's to zig-zagging!
Hi! I am familiar with KZ. During lockdown I did a memoir writing course which used a number of videos from Kathy - very helpful and constructive, plus I've read a couple of her books. Lockdown made me realise I could find time to write, and made me find ways to take myself seriously. Committing to the memoir course was one of those ways.
It is definitely non-linear. I use to think my approach to writing was wrong and wondered how do other writers go about writing daily. It is only when I read many interviews of writer's and their creative processes are all different and divergent. It gave me some encouragement, however, what works for one writer may not work for you I discovered. I tried many of their ideas presented until one resonated and produced results, it was slow trial and error process. Results were mixed. I think you have to find your own way ... and I believe your process evolves too. Recently I wrote 4 chapters of my novel - some 15,000 words inn 4 days. I was excited and amazed at how quickly i wrote this. My approach was to write a collection of scenes that make a up a chapter. When I completed that, i would stop, then later edit for language precision and when satisfied I would logically proceed to the next chapter with a series of questions which led to the progression of the plot. I should mention, I do not like planning, as it tends to fix things in concrete with no fluid flow. What I discovered, even though i was happy editing the chapter, when I read it the next day , there were always little enhancements to make that improved the writing until I could do anymore. So non linearity and layering seemed to be at play here. So how did I go for chapter 5 ? I at a standstill - a creative stop, as I consider the many pathways to move the story along. It has been 2 days since I wrote the last chapter, so I guess I am waiting for clarity and desire and self belief that I can wrote the next 3 chapters or 15,000 words. So for me writing is always evolving and not fixed and each time there is something to solve. Writing is hard but I love it and i hope I can continually correct errors, learn and grow.
Nicholas you are so right. I am cheering at your response - though also cursing that we have to figure this out for ourselves and it takes so long. Finding how others writers write gives such solidarity and perspective - whether this is done in person, in community or by reading.
Congratulations on writing four chapters of the novel and learning some really valuable lessons along the way.
Be patient with yourself as you begin chapter 5. While the first 4 might have flowed, don't carry that expectation forward - it will change chapter to chapter. Lower the stakes. Find a small way in. A tiny step. Free write. Explore. Have some fun. I'd love to hear how you get on.
Congratulations on having an amazing flow of words! Unfortunately, writing doesn’t stay in that realm. I find magical days like that turn into low-flow days or stoppage before returning. Bec and Chris’s tiny steps advice really, really helps on those days when no words come.
I appreciate the reminder that following a recipe is not a a creative process. My early writing was definitely linear, but now I am trying to embed more links across my content which seems analogous to the zigzig concept. The zipzag concept extends for me like this- a zigzag stitch is useful to keep your fabric from fraying. Perhaps zigzags in writing make for a stronger product in the end!
Tricia - I love this. The idea that the zigzag makes us, and our writing, stronger! It reminds me of resilience research, that those who cope best are often those who have experienced most - dealing with downs of life (and writing) gives us the knowledge, experience and strength to keep going. Of course, we'd rather not have that, but we can get through, and the resulting product is better for it.
I suppose I would say that creative writing is not linear because you can discover things by writing that you would never have been able to predict so you can’t expect to go from A to B directly when C could pop up at any point. I have a lot of experience with blocks. And yet if in every 1,000 blocks I get 1 breakthrough I still feel like king of the world and I guess that’s why I’m still writing.
Hello I’m MJ from Melbourne. I just discovered your book through Reedsy and am so happy you’re also on Substack. I’ve been writing short fiction since 2020 and the zigzagging has been a great learning curve - trying to figure out how to embrace the hot, sometimes joyful mess . I’m naturally a linear person - plan, outline then write. Ha! if only! Halfway through my writing, I realise, that outline wasn’t really as great as I first thought. I keep changing my mind. I’ve finished some pieces, but am so slow I don’t even know what to do with myself! Now, I’m embarking on a scary journey - trying to write intuitively - plan a little bit ahead and see where it goes, so that I’m not exhausted by the outlining and feel locked in. The psychological ropes I tie myself in really astounds me 😂. Procrastination, of course, is its own separate dragon to slay. Anyway, enough about my woes, do you think any advice in your book might provide some needed relief?
Hey MJ - thank you so much for finding us on Substack. I love hearing about your writing journey and all its glorious zigzags! I do hope the book and newsletter will help, if only to reassure you that it is normal to feel joy when it goes well as despair when it doesn't. The key thing is to notice what works for you now, to not judge yourself nor compare yourself to others - slow is fine, it's great, it means you are writing and making progress. Embrace slow! There are times when it will be hard - like the sticky middle which it sounds like you are in. Keep going, whatever that takes, the bad bits will pass.
Hi Good People; I enjoy reading about writing very much, collecting perspectives, noting powerful tips.
In 69 years I have never suffered writing blocks, only time issues - life's adventures, kids, businesses, performing = continuous inspiration to note. Nowadays the only restriction left - sifting the mountain, daily, for my substack. Conclusion - evaluate the wisdoms of gurus and be yourself. Peace, Maurice
Maurice - thank you so much for this. I love how you turn the obstacles into inspiration. The more I write and the longer I live, I learn that I'm not alone with the blocks I face - there is much wisdom out there and solidarity to be found. Here's to the mountain and the writing community.
Much as I love Cathy Rentzebrink and her approach to writing, I disagree that if you write every day, you won't get better at it. I think you do. And faster, and more confident. Following the cake analogy, we do become better bakers of words over time.
I think Cathy would love you to disagree with her - she likes nothing more than debating this kind of stuff!
To add my tuppence worth, my understanding of her quote is based in mastery and psychology of expertise. As we progress, we are always working at the edge of what we are capable of, in terms of skill, craft, experience and practice. That means the fears stay with us, they are just different. As we get confident at one element of writing, a new fear emerges, that's progress. The most successful writers are still full of doubt - though they might have found a way to keep going while still feeling like that.
I'm a zigzagger and I've only recently learned to embrace it! For a long time I listened to the advice to produce a 'shitty first draft' of my first novel as fast as I could, then go back and edit it, then do the same again and again until it's finished. But I just could not get this to work in practice, and I eventually ended up taking a break from that manuscript partway through the second draft, drained of all energy and ideas.
Then I started a new project, this time letting myself write whatever I wanted in whatever order I liked - basically, just writing what I felt like writing, and really paying attention to what I seem drawn to, and what demotivates me. I've now got around 40k words of a draft that's little more than a patchwork of seemingly random scenes/chapters, and I'm letting myself go back and edit whatever I like - or just leave the editing for later. So I'm very much zigzagging all the way through this story. It seems chaotic but this approach is working *much* better for me and I'm really enjoying novel writing once again! I've been writing it since the start of the year (after reading Written!) and I just find it so much more interesting and engaging than the last project.
I love this comment so much and fully endorse your approach Dipika. It's great how you learned to follow your own instincts and in so doing, you are getting the words down. Lots of them! It's odd how advice, however helpful and well meaning, can blind us to what we need to do to get our draft written. Keep zigzagging!
Hi from Long Island, NY!
First - I LOVE your work! I have given your book to a number of my colleagues.
I’m a professor in literacy education and just earned tenure. I finally figured out the book I want to work on! It look time to get to this place. I now need to get the writing going. I set a deadline of October 15 to get the format figured out and a literature review underway. I just (literally just!) made it through a lumpectomy and have treatments to get through next month - so I won’t be able to work at my normal speed. That’s my challenge - getting started and sticking to a deadline - and being kind to myself if I physically can’t meet the smaller deadlines.
Thanks again for all the amazing work you do!
:)
Hey Elizabeth - lovely to meet you and thank you so much for kind words (insert big grin). Huge congratulations for getting tenure - that's amazing!
It's great you know your goal and have a plan for the book. Brilliant start. Plus, you have picked a very auspicious day for your deadline as the 15 October is my birthday. You are absolutely right to be kind to yourself - start from a place of kindness and build up from there. I find it's bit like cognitive dissonance to get the writing done - set a goal with a challenging deadline, then lower the stakes to take it in small steps, celebrate each of them and notice what is possible each day (some days that will be nothing and that's OK).
You are doing all the right things and we are cheering you on and sending healing vibes across the pond for the coming weeks. Bec
My Butterfyl brain loves the non linear argument. BUT I know that my brain seeking the glitter of excitement needs to buckle up and put in the hard linear yards as well If not my writing is a series of exciting unlinked ideas. Just writing more or everyday it is the hard lesson of critiquing your words that is where the personal improvement lies. I remind myself everyday - Not every Sentance is Gold = most are Fools gold and should be edited with a hatchet or dispatch.
Nope, not every sentence will be gold - love the hatchet or dispatch ❤️ We can all learn from that :)
Hi Bec & Chris,
I've been a freelance feature writer since the 70s when an editor of a Gannett daily invited me to write for him. Hemingway was right when he said that a daily is the best place to learn to write well and fast. Then the Troy-Bilt rototiller people commissioned me to write a book on community gardening. After that, I moved on to a gardening series for the Christian Science Monitor and more recently, six articles for Maximum Yield, the largest online gardening magazine in the world, which also puts out a glossy monthly edition. But I don't just write about gardening. Things were going great until Covid hit. Now, after the 2-year publishing doldrums, I'm having a hard time picking up where I left off because it's a whole, new publishing world out there now. I feel like I'm back in the 70s, starting all over again. Only a few of the inflight mags resumed publishing. During Covid, I researched and wrote 1st drafts of 15 articles. But even pitch letters have a new format that must be followed or risk the delete button right out of the gate. I know my articles will sell, but I'm having trouble finding the right new markets. So frustrating! It's a whole, new publishing world out there. I know you two focus on fiction, but do you have any suggestions to help us nonfiction old-schoolers find our new groove? Thanks for any encouraging words, even if it only means approaching new publications and trying to woo unknown editors.
Hey Diane! Adding to Chris's comments with a couple of recommendations for places I find helpful.
I'm going share this article in our link round up from the brilliant Anne Trubeck who sends very insightful posts about publishing from her 'Notes From a Small Press' read: https://notesfromasmallpress.substack.com/p/publishing-didnt-used-to-be-better
Also, I find Kate McKean's Agents & Books Substack really helpful on market and what agents think/want and why. Check out: https://katemckean.substack.com/
From my own perspective, my experience is all in non-fiction, business and academic publishing for more than 15 years. One approach is treating publishing as a numbers game - as you say, submitting consistently will yield results. The other approach is that publishing is still a relationship game, so making new contacts, building trust and relationships - so much of your success in the past has come from people. I might be old fashioned, but I find the relationship approach works for me. It is for the most part, still people making the decisions.
Good luck!
Thanks so much, Bec! I'm going through my rough drafts to see what I should work on first and decide where I could best pitch each one with Kate McKean's group and Anne Trubeck's thoughts and posts.
Thanks so much, Bec! I'm going through my rough drafts to see what I should work on first and decide where I could best pitch each one with Kate McKean's group and Anne Trubeck's thoughts and posts.
We welcome all kinds of writers to our community - not just fiction - so it's great to hear from you Diane :) I'm a non-fiction old schooler too with a background in copywriting and PR so I know it's not easy. I think you might have answered your own question though regarding approaching new publications and editors - do that. But I'd also ask you this: What edge could you bring that that other writers can't? Yes there's lots of competition but you are singular and unique with your own perspective and story to tell. How can that help?
Hi Chris, thanks so much for taking the time to send me your suggestions and support. One thing that's worked well for me is using a conversational style(I, you) in some articles to make the tone more personal and direct, and a bit of humor doesn't seem to go amiss. What kind of nonfiction do you write if you've hung up your copywriting/PR shoes?
No problem, happy to help! In terms of my own non-fiction writing it's focused around our book and newsletter :) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Written-Writing-Build-Habit-Lasts/dp/1785789031/
I’m on day 43 of a 100 day writing challenge. The benefit of committing to this is that it has forced me to take a non-linear approach, on the days when I’m not in agreement with the writer version of me I end up zig zagging all over the novel I’m working on, either to find an way in or just to stop me over thinking a bit that isn’t working (or doesn’t want to work today). Each session takes me by surprise, sometimes the 92 word days are more useful learning days than the 1000+ days.
Absolutely Will - sometimes shorter sessions can be more fruitful. Just make sure you notice why some days are better than others. When a day goes well - what makes it good? Thanks for your comment.
Your analogy of baking a cake is one of those odd coincidences! Yesterday, I was experimenting with using up egg whites by adjusting a recipe I first came up with for cocoa meringue cookies. Deciding on amounts and ingredients was non-linear, following the recipe I devised was almost linear. Tasty result!
Writing my first post on Revelation for my new Substack newsletter early last week was like following Substack’s how-to recipe. But I hit a ginormous block that has raised itself up over and over for a year now. I thought dealing with another retrofitting snafu then getting back to writing, crossing fingers it wouldn’t rise up again, would work as has in the past. But it created so much stress, I realize I have to do something completely different. I have two paths: fire them and leave the work unfinished as no one else on this side of the pond understands heat pumps that well; or have another communicate with them on my behalf. Until I get that sorted, I’m going to try to set aside my fear of seeing any email/text/call from them and finish my Substack post so rudely interrupted. But how do you deal with people who provide a specialized essential service that they never finish even when they say they have (till a -22C cold snap disabuses you of that fiction!) but worsen your health badly and stop your writing cold?
Shireen - your recipes are the best. I remember back in the sprint days, your cookie-based treats paired with a thoughtful cuppa were always mouth watering. So, of course this analogy worked for you!
It is interesting that the Substack recipe didn't work for you, but no advice is perfect or will work for everyone. You more than anyone knows this and you are amazing at finding a way through that is non-linear but works for you. I am sorry it is so damn hard though.
Excited for when your substack goes live, Bec
Hi, I'm June and I've been on Substack for just 6 months. The zig-zag thing really resonates with me. I often set out to write on one theme, and end up writing something entirely different, or find that the starting theme leads me into something else. Even writing memoir I tend to write in self-contained essays, rather than a linear form. I think writing often (though not necessarily every day) is key to developing a voice and a style. I don't write every day, but I may edit or re-read, or notate for when I do write.
Hey June - lovely to meet you 😊 Congratulations on hitting your sixth month Substack anniversary. Our first proper post was on 17 February so we're about to hit that milestone too!
I am thrilled the zigzagging analogy worked for you - Cathy is very wise and can articulate stuff we feel. Which I am sure you will know as someone who writes memoir and is no doubt familiar with her writing and writing advice.
I'm really fascinated by how the non-linear informs not just your practice but the format of your writing too. That is so interesting. Writing is such a generative process, we start in one place and end up somewhere completely unexpected. Here's to zig-zagging!
Hi! I am familiar with KZ. During lockdown I did a memoir writing course which used a number of videos from Kathy - very helpful and constructive, plus I've read a couple of her books. Lockdown made me realise I could find time to write, and made me find ways to take myself seriously. Committing to the memoir course was one of those ways.
Hi Bec & Chris.
It is definitely non-linear. I use to think my approach to writing was wrong and wondered how do other writers go about writing daily. It is only when I read many interviews of writer's and their creative processes are all different and divergent. It gave me some encouragement, however, what works for one writer may not work for you I discovered. I tried many of their ideas presented until one resonated and produced results, it was slow trial and error process. Results were mixed. I think you have to find your own way ... and I believe your process evolves too. Recently I wrote 4 chapters of my novel - some 15,000 words inn 4 days. I was excited and amazed at how quickly i wrote this. My approach was to write a collection of scenes that make a up a chapter. When I completed that, i would stop, then later edit for language precision and when satisfied I would logically proceed to the next chapter with a series of questions which led to the progression of the plot. I should mention, I do not like planning, as it tends to fix things in concrete with no fluid flow. What I discovered, even though i was happy editing the chapter, when I read it the next day , there were always little enhancements to make that improved the writing until I could do anymore. So non linearity and layering seemed to be at play here. So how did I go for chapter 5 ? I at a standstill - a creative stop, as I consider the many pathways to move the story along. It has been 2 days since I wrote the last chapter, so I guess I am waiting for clarity and desire and self belief that I can wrote the next 3 chapters or 15,000 words. So for me writing is always evolving and not fixed and each time there is something to solve. Writing is hard but I love it and i hope I can continually correct errors, learn and grow.
Nicholas you are so right. I am cheering at your response - though also cursing that we have to figure this out for ourselves and it takes so long. Finding how others writers write gives such solidarity and perspective - whether this is done in person, in community or by reading.
Congratulations on writing four chapters of the novel and learning some really valuable lessons along the way.
Be patient with yourself as you begin chapter 5. While the first 4 might have flowed, don't carry that expectation forward - it will change chapter to chapter. Lower the stakes. Find a small way in. A tiny step. Free write. Explore. Have some fun. I'd love to hear how you get on.
Congratulations on having an amazing flow of words! Unfortunately, writing doesn’t stay in that realm. I find magical days like that turn into low-flow days or stoppage before returning. Bec and Chris’s tiny steps advice really, really helps on those days when no words come.
I appreciate the reminder that following a recipe is not a a creative process. My early writing was definitely linear, but now I am trying to embed more links across my content which seems analogous to the zigzig concept. The zipzag concept extends for me like this- a zigzag stitch is useful to keep your fabric from fraying. Perhaps zigzags in writing make for a stronger product in the end!
Tricia - I love this. The idea that the zigzag makes us, and our writing, stronger! It reminds me of resilience research, that those who cope best are often those who have experienced most - dealing with downs of life (and writing) gives us the knowledge, experience and strength to keep going. Of course, we'd rather not have that, but we can get through, and the resulting product is better for it.
That’s a neat concept, to see links across writing like zigzag stitches!
I suppose I would say that creative writing is not linear because you can discover things by writing that you would never have been able to predict so you can’t expect to go from A to B directly when C could pop up at any point. I have a lot of experience with blocks. And yet if in every 1,000 blocks I get 1 breakthrough I still feel like king of the world and I guess that’s why I’m still writing.
I love that - such a great description - every breakthrough is like a coronation. Here's to more writing kings and queens!
Hello I’m MJ from Melbourne. I just discovered your book through Reedsy and am so happy you’re also on Substack. I’ve been writing short fiction since 2020 and the zigzagging has been a great learning curve - trying to figure out how to embrace the hot, sometimes joyful mess . I’m naturally a linear person - plan, outline then write. Ha! if only! Halfway through my writing, I realise, that outline wasn’t really as great as I first thought. I keep changing my mind. I’ve finished some pieces, but am so slow I don’t even know what to do with myself! Now, I’m embarking on a scary journey - trying to write intuitively - plan a little bit ahead and see where it goes, so that I’m not exhausted by the outlining and feel locked in. The psychological ropes I tie myself in really astounds me 😂. Procrastination, of course, is its own separate dragon to slay. Anyway, enough about my woes, do you think any advice in your book might provide some needed relief?
Hey MJ - thank you so much for finding us on Substack. I love hearing about your writing journey and all its glorious zigzags! I do hope the book and newsletter will help, if only to reassure you that it is normal to feel joy when it goes well as despair when it doesn't. The key thing is to notice what works for you now, to not judge yourself nor compare yourself to others - slow is fine, it's great, it means you are writing and making progress. Embrace slow! There are times when it will be hard - like the sticky middle which it sounds like you are in. Keep going, whatever that takes, the bad bits will pass.
Hi Good People; I enjoy reading about writing very much, collecting perspectives, noting powerful tips.
In 69 years I have never suffered writing blocks, only time issues - life's adventures, kids, businesses, performing = continuous inspiration to note. Nowadays the only restriction left - sifting the mountain, daily, for my substack. Conclusion - evaluate the wisdoms of gurus and be yourself. Peace, Maurice
Maurice - thank you so much for this. I love how you turn the obstacles into inspiration. The more I write and the longer I live, I learn that I'm not alone with the blocks I face - there is much wisdom out there and solidarity to be found. Here's to the mountain and the writing community.