70 pages a month

In “Writing Down the Bones”, Natalie Goldberg tells stories and gives tips from her life as a writer. She calls her daily writing “practice” and equates it to meditation and practicing Zen. Over and over she talks about her spiral bound notebooks. Years ago she made a commitment to herself to fill a 70 page spiral bound notebook each month. I’ve heard of other writers making similar commitments. Write everyday for 1 hour each day. Or, as I have done in the past, practice Morning Pages from “The Artist’s Way”, which is writing 3 pages each day. Write 500 words a day. Keep a dream journal. Write the day’s events before going to bed each night. Keep note cards in your purse because you never know when or how inspiration will strike. Share your writing with others. Write all the junk that goes through your head that says you are not a good writer and should be washing the dishes instead – then throw it away.

I’ve tried them all. And here is what I’ve found that works: just write. Find a balance that works for you. If you can write everyday, that’s fine. If you can write one evening a week, that is fine too. Be gentle with yourself, don’t judge and don’t feel guilty for not writing more or better, or without spelling errors. Just write.

My interest in writing grew out of my passion for literature, and I’ve found that writing takes me to places I could not have gotten to otherwise. It is space to explore my emotions, problems, dreams and even boredom. It takes me to the place inside where I store all my truths. I love the experience of pouring everything that I have out onto a piece of paper until I think I have nothing left to give, but then feeling myself become full and whole again. I’ve known nothing else like it. The closest experience I can think is the release and centering that happens after having a good, hard cry.

There is no wrong way to practice writing. Everyone has their own tricks and tips, that is why there are thousands of books and blogs about writing. Also because I think writers often enjoy reading about writing as much as they actually enjoy writing.

Anyway, here are some tips that I do practice with my writing:

• I do not edit while writing.
• I keep a list of topics at the front of my notebook for times when I want to write, but don’t know what about.
• I tend not to set a limit, I just write until I’m done or tired – then I try to write a little more. I’ve got this funny idea that is how I will build up endurance.
• I can’t buy pretty, expensive notebooks – they are too intimidating.
• Sometimes I write, “I don’t know what to write.” Over and over again until something comes up.
• A walk or a few minutes of yoga is a great way to start a writing practice.
• Sometimes a new practice can energize my writing because I like the challenge. For example, for the month of May I’m going to attempt Natalie’s practice of filling up a 70-page spiral notebook.
• I am one who enjoys reading about writing as much as I enjoy writing because I need to be fed. I need the encouragement, the inspiration, the words of wisdom – and the reminder that nearly every writer struggles from time to time.

For those of you who write or journal, what pieces of wisdom have you picked up over the years?