So, how's the writing going?
Not to worry, the work is getting done.
When I started this blog, I told you I was going to focus on writing a book about growing up in my crazy ass family. Since then, I’ve posted about all the fun things I’m doing here in Key West. From visits by my sisters and events with the Art and Historical Society to numerous happy hours, one might ask, are you getting any writing done? The answer is yes…yes, I am. Although maybe not in the way you think.
Here's three tools I’m using to achieve my goal:
1. The Gateless Writing Academy
One of the first steps I took was to enroll in a unique writing course called The Gateless Writing Academy. According to their website: “This ten-month sanctuary and mastery program for writers with work-in-progress is the most comprehensive book-building program in the world. Writing really can be doubled-over laughter, a hit of the divine, a wild uncovering of untold stores, a daring ride into the singular genius you hold inside.” Heck yeah! Sign me up!
The academy is an online course supplemented with weekly calls to learn about various craft techniques, gain insights from luminaries in the business and receive feedback on writing samples. The first month was focused on how to handle the internal critic. I really needed that one. Despite being a writer for my entire marketing career, I was intimidated by the prospect of writing to entertain, rather than educate. In one of the exercises, we were instructed to write out all the things our internal critic was saying then go back and answer each objection. It was a real eye opener. The second month was about writing a first draft. In my career I was used to writing a piece pretty much in a straight line, from start to finish. The Gateless technique says I can write what I want each day. I was told not to worry about how it will all come together,,,just write a ton and patterns or themes will appear. The academy’s loosey goosey method is new to me, but I’m embracing it. This month’s classes are on the craft of beginnings. How do you start a book, a chapter or even an essay and hook the reader? Lots of options are at my disposal and I’m starting to recognize the techniques in TV shows, books and articles. I’ve also submitted some of my work for review and it’s been very well received.
2. The New Rules Studio
Another very valuable tool is the New Rules Studio, an online writing salon. Four times a week we meet via zoom to meditate, receive a writing prompt, write for 15-20 minutes, then share our work. For example, one of this week’s prompts was to write about a time you or one of your characters was locked out. The first story that popped in my head was the time I locked my sister Patty in a locker at the Y as a joke. As it turned out, once I slammed the door it locked automatically and I couldn’t get it open. Of course, panic ensued as Sue and I raced against the clock to get her out before my mom emerged from the showers. Without that prompt, I’m not sure the locker story would have come to light. I’m finding more and more stories are pouring out of me each week. Hopefully, I’ll figure out a way to weave them into a cohesive book that makes sense.
3. Local Writing-Related Events
This past week was the Key West Literary Seminar. I did not enroll because I’m spending enough on the first two tools. However, the festival offered a few open sessions to the public which I attended and enjoyed. Basically, the events were a series of interviews with multiple well-known, national authors about their process, techniques and opinions of the industry. It was very interesting and opened me up to new ideas. I definitely plan to attend next year. In the meantime, I’ll keep an eye out for other writing-related events such as visiting author presentations at The Studios of Key West.
Together, these three tools are helping me to focus on my writing and improve my craft. I’m so thankful to be here in Key West where I can tap local and national resources. But in the end, it comes down to writing. So, each day I sit myself in a chair, do a bit of meditation, open my laptop and my mind and see what shows up on the page. It’s an interesting journey, for sure.
"Writing is easy. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein." Whether you attribute the quote to sports writer Red Smith (1949 with Walter Winchell) or any one of half a dozen others who've said similarly, there's nothing quite so painful. Best of all, though, is that relief when you're done. Onward!
First time I have heard the story about you and Sue locking Patty in the locker. She really was treated like a typical middle child. And yet, she still loves you two so much. You are like the three musketeers. Completely supportive and devoted to each other. Keep writing. I love what you are doing.