Just Keep Writing #AcWriMo2018

November is national academic writing month (#AcWriMo2018) and we are sharing our writing tips and techniques here at University of Venus. Last week, we started with a post on Writing Accountability Groups and this week, several writers share their secrets on getting unstuck and sticking with writing routines.

 

 

I live to write. I’ve been writing up a storm lately, and now I’m stuck on editing, which I’m not so good at. I want to be writing, not editing. Having said that, it’s necessary. Words on paper aren’t my problem; getting the right words on paper is. So right now, I’m reading as much as I can about editing, writing reflections about editing, and listening to the signs the universe it sending me. Corny, I know, but just being quiet and listening has been a) a challenge for me, and b) beneficial. 

 

When I’m writing, I love it. When I stop, I avoid it. I am finally back to writing every day. I begin each day writing at 750words.com very early in the morning on my iPad. It is stream-of-consciousness journaling. I’m usually sitting at my kitchen table with headphones on, listening to some low-key playlist on Spotify - lately, the Lo-Fi lists have been on heavy rotation. It’s early in the morning (between 4 and 5am) and I’m the only one awake in the house. I’ve got my first cup of coffee of the day next to me and I’m typing away. 

 

At times, it can be weeks before I realize I haven’t written in a focused way. I get into a groove of editing upon editing, writing bits and pieces of collaborative grants, going to meetings, and teaching. But then something gets me back on track. This semester, it was reading a post at Get a Life, PhD, on writing daily and productivity. Suddenly, I am reminded of a love I had forgotten, free-flowing thinking and writing on a topic I’m passionate about. In the past, this jumpstart has been mini-writing retreats created to bring together other mother scholars or going through training as part of a National Writing Project. I get back into the flow and use pomodoros to track my time and work. One way or another, I’m always led back to writing and savor the time examining and playing with new ideas. 

 

Writing comes very easily and I usually try to write at least 500 words every day, regardless of the domain. Very early in the morning, inspired by the shades of the red and yellow of the morning sun, with a fresh cup of coffee, the words come faster than ever. After a solitary walk in the forest or an inspiring intellectual discussion, words set themselves up smoothly and my stories or articles are ready for the press. But actually, there were times when I just write, regardless of the inspiration and the ambiance and the company. Nowadays, I have the luxury of choosing my own writing rituals, company and environment. Editing is just another story and I need focus, preparation and silence; therefore, the early morning hours are always the best. 

 

I’ve been struggling with writing lately.  I don’t have a lot of alone time to get into the groove, and when I do, I am wracked with insecurities about my writing.  I think the thing that motivates me is an idea that I should be a good writer, so I keep coming back to it. When I can get into the mindset, I love to write.  Daily writing would be a good goal for me.