A Day in the Life of Writing ....

One of my writing friends, whom I always consult when I'm deciding an issue on a WIP, lamented to me that every once in a while she finds herself in a writing rut.  She asked me if I ever had the same experience; and I assured her I, as well as many other writers, often do.  That's when our conversation turned to deliberate steps we needed to take to get out of our comfort zone when we find ourselves in the same writing circumstances day after day. 

So, today, I decided to write at the base of this waterfall very near my home.  This is where I usually do Tai Chi every morning, and after that I made a day of it - taking my picnic basket filled with a great sandwich, wine and cheese, and other goodies designed to get those creative thoughts out of my head, across my fingertips and down on paper. It worked - and so well that I may even go back tomorrow.

On another note, I'm re-reading a book written by a well-known author who has some sage advice for writers of any stage in their writing process.  The Maeve Binchy Writers' Club  published by Anchor Books and released in March, 2010 is filled with lots of good insights and encouragements for those who make their living by pen.  More information can be found here: readinggroupcenter.com or here: www.maevebinchy.com

Earlier this week, I was privileged to make another progress note on someone else who has a life in writing.  Jane Friedman - author, muse, consultant, writing coach and speaker, extraordinaire - has now dedicated her efforts completely to her website: janefriedman.com   I've had the good fortune of following Jane's advice since 2005 and have referred many others to her over the years.  For those of you who were fans of her former blog, "There Are No Rules, you'll be happy to learn that all of the subjects covered there will continue to be addressed at her new residence.  Be sure to check out the "Free Advice for Writers" page.  Jane has proved herself to be a trusted and reliable source of guidance for many writers finding their way in the world of letters.

Finally, a word about a website specifically designed to assist writers.  Penmusings.com was launched May, 2011 as a way of giving back to the writing community.  Many of you already know you can follow Penmusings on Facebook,  Twitter  - and soon, Google+ .  You'll find all the resources you need to write your book, movie, poetry and other prose - and get it published - on the Publishing Processes page. For those who summon  your muse through crossword puzzles, author quotes or other words of wisdom, you'll find writing resources on every page of Penmusings.com.   Enjoy!

I'll close for now so I can get back to that picnic basket for tomorrow; but, in the meantime . . .

. . . keep writing!

6/15/11 Excerpts: From "The Right to Write," by Julia Cameron

Excerpts . . . 

"We should write because it is human nature to write. Writing claims our world. It makes it directly and specifically our own. We should write because humans are spiritual beings and writing is a powerful form of prayer and meditation, connecting us both to our own insights and to a higher and deeper level of inner guidance.

We should write because writing brings clarity and passion to the act of living. Writing is sensual, experiential, grounding. We should write because writing is good for the soul. We should write because writing yields us a body of work, a felt path through the world we living in. We should write, above all, because we are writers, whether we call ourselves that or not."

- from The Right to Write, by Julia Cameron

6/15/11 Excerpts: From "Writing Down the Bones," by Natalie Goldberg

Excerpts . . . 

"To begin writing from our pain eventually engenders compassion for our small and groping lives. Out of this broken state there comes a tenderness for the cement below our feet, the dried grass crackling in a terrible wind. We can touch the things around us once thought ugly and see their special detail, the peeling paint and gray of shadows as they are -- simply what they are: not bad, just part of the life around us -- and love this life because it is ours and in the moment there is nothing better.  - from Writing Down the Bones, by Natalie Goldberg

6/15/11 Insights . . . on Jane Friedman

Insights by Anne Adams on Jane Friedman

Everyone who knows anything about me knows there’s only one thing I like to do more than write – attend a writer’s conference! Along with the usual workshops, break-out groups, and panel sessions there are, of course, many opportunities for networking, purchasing your favorite author’s latest offering and submitting your own work for writing competitions. Sprinkle all of this activity with opportunities to meet literary agents

and publishers on an individual basis and you’ll understand why I call these venues “Playgrounds.” In my writer’s world, it just doesn’t get much better than this!

As an extra reward, at most writers’conferences, you’re likely to meet someone whom you know is genuinely sincere about what they have to offer. It’s “written all over them.”  You may see it in their smile or posture; but, most of all, their attentiveness to your questions as a writer is what will really win you over.  In return, you’ll vow that you’ll buy every book they write, read all of their published articles and follow their advice for as long as you participate in the creative art known as “writing.” In November, 2005 at the Florida Writers Association conference that someone for me was Jane Friedman. So far, I’ve kept my vow.

Many of you know Ms. Friedman through her responsibilities as a contributing editor to Writer’s Digest magazine. Others, through her entries on the WD blog, There Are No Rules. Still others, through her monthly contributory blog posts for Writer Unboxed or through her Writer’s Digest University online classes.  And then there are those of you who have recently learned how to Write Your Novel in 30 Days – once again, thanks to Jane’s tutelage.  Many would think that she’s all things to all writers – but, if she’s not, it’s not for lack of trying! 

Taking her own advice, she also authored an e-book, The Future of Publishing, released it in a PDF format and at a most reasonable price.  Her Twitter presence also has a great offering – Best Tweets for Writers Daily.  A little over a week ago, Ms. Friedman was the keynote speaker at a recent Arkansas Writer’s Conference, and was appointed Arkansas Traveler & Ambassador of Good Will by Governor Mike Beebe - so I guess they spotted her as that someone, too.

And, all of this in addition to maintaining a full-time position as Assistant Professor of E-Media at the University of Cincinnati. I guess now you see why I felt it was worth my time to follow her continued professional growth.  Now through her When Mom Was My Age series on her website, janefriedman.com, it appears she also values the untold life stories of those around her.  No one works this hard at anything if they’re not sincere.

Jane Friedman is what old-school writers call a “quick study.” But, the refreshing part is that she believes in sharing her knowledge - affordably. The event calendar on her website will attest to this.  Her simple query of “Are you looking for an experienced writing instructor who knows the industry inside and out? I know what helps writers better than anyone—plus I’m friendly, flexible, and won’t break your budget.” is genuine. As a former officer of the FWA, I can attest to this: Jane believes in what she’s offering, and has her own views about what writers’ conferences can do for those who want to know more about flexing the muscles of their pens. When I asked her about this, like every good writer, her answer was succinct and to the point:

“As far as what writers can gain from conferences, two things: a)  It shortens the learning curve in terms of both craft/technique and the business of publishing. I don't know of a better way to supercharge one's learning and progress; and, b) For those who are actively trying to get published, meeting with an agent or editor is invaluable in figuring out why your work might not yet be ready or marketable. Often rejections through the mail (or e-mail) never offer any valuable insights. But in-person critique appointments and pitch sessions often deliver immediate insights that can help you improve your work or change course in a productive way.”  That’s good enough for me. 

6/15/11 Inspirations: Jeffrey Stepakoff, author of "Fireworks Over Toccoa" and "The Orchard"

Inspirations: Jeffrey Stepakoff

 
Jeffrey Stepakoff has always been a man to watch when it comes to telling a story. As a “son of the South,” Jeffrey has learned his lessons well on this particular art.  The logistical course of his education also shows that he has another valuable characteristic – determination. He received his BA in Journalism at the

University of North Carolina, enrolled in the MFA program at Carnegie Mellon and within 24 hours after this graduation drove to Hollywood to pursue a career of writing for both the small and large screens. Soon afterward his name would be associated with such television series as “The Wonder Years,” “Sisters,” “Major Dad,” “Beauty & the Beast” and “Dawson’s Creek.”

Upon my first meeting with him, none of this impressed me that much. I knew some of the same people he did in both Los Angeles and Atlanta. Later, in

panel discussions and a speaking presentation, I watched his mannerisms, posture and general attitude toward those in the writing industry. I was impressed. In my notes, dating February 2010, I scrawled such words as “personable,” “humility” and “timidity.”   Maybe those who know Jeffrey Stepakoff better than I would disagree with the word “timidity,” as there was no obvious display of a lack of self confidence or hesitation.  However, I’m pretty sure there won’t be much of an argument against “humility.” One of the well-known “secrets” of success by those in the writing world is the personal characteristic of humility.  Many times this particular quality will spill over into an author’s manuscript characters as well - Jake Russo in Fireworks over Toccoa is a perfect example.

It was my pleasure to buy his first book the day it was released. And, there is “talk” of its movie adaptation – no surprise. With an upcoming release of his newest work, The Orchard, scheduled in just a few short days, Jeffrey Stepakoff will continue to be a writer worthy of watching. But, just as important as viewing the television episodes listing his name in the credits, reading his books or being mesmerized by the movie adaptations of his scripts, is the significance of listening to his shared words of encouragement for writers. They go like this:

“While a writing career certainly requires a commitment to the mastery of the craft, the most important thing is just writing. I think it’s critical that one makes time every day for story – the development of new ideas, the planning and construction of outlines, and of course, the execution.  Put in that time every day to write. That’s the best advice I can give!”

There’s a perfect example of his determination – without timidity – and certainly, inspirational.   - Anne Adams