Last week I hosted (and participated in) three consecutive days of my Just Write! Virtual Workshops. I usually offer one a month, but I thought since last year's dead week between Christmas and New Year's was so popular last year, I'd do a three-day run.
There were seven of us writing for the three days, and it was an amazing experience. I was, at times, exhausted, exhilerated, proud, dejected, inspired, creative, plodding, on fire...
And it was even better than I'd hoped. The seven of us created a lovely bubble around us. Even though I was the only common denominator (no one knew anyone else), we all came together so nicely. We were supportive, understanding, nonjudgmental, and motivating.
Here is a snapshot of some of our experiences:
- I didn't get as much done as I'd planned, but then I hadn't exactly scheduled it all out. "This sales page will take this much time. Add time to write this campaign..." etc. AND I also know that what I got done wasn't done before; it's done now.
- One writer finished the draft of her book. She met her writing goals each day and felt that she earned her downtime after the workshop.
- Some writers deliberately planned activities for when their energy lagged (usually the last segment of writing). This might be looking through magazines for article ideas, filing, light research... whatever could be done that didn't take too much brain power but was still part of the writing process.
- One writer gave herself permission to write poetry and journaling to help clear her mind, instead of the business writing she had planned. She followed her energy and allowed herself to whatever writing called to her. She also found that some things came out that she might not otherwise have allowed.
- Another writer learned she needed to be easy on herself.
- A new-to-Write-Well-U workshop participant (but actually a high school friend - cool!) worked on two novels. What he found most helpful was to break the projects down into bite-sized chunks. It's awfully hard to cross off "Write novel" on your daily to-do list. :)
- We learned that it doesn't have to "look" like writing to be part of the writing process.
- One writer found that not editing during the creative and writing processes allowed her to be much more productive and helped quiet the inner critic gremlin.
- We found that setting aside the scheduled writing time allowed (and in some cases forced) us to focus and get a lot more done. (Having to call in and tell the others what we accomplished helps that too!)
And then some general tips we can all benefit from:
- Just do it.
- Good enough for now.
- Once the din settles, you can hear your authentic voice.
What is your best writing tip?
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