This week’s writing tip is an oldie but goodie.
I credit Anne Lamott with introducing it to me though I expect writing teachers have been saying it to students for hundreds of years.
Don’t be afraid to write crap.
That’s it. That’s really all we need to know about writing, especially when getting your feet wet for the first time or coming back to writing after being away for a while. Don’t be afraid to write crap.
When we expect everything we write to come out ready for publication the fear of not living up to those expectations can keep us from getting those first words down on the page, those first few words that start the momentum of the story and keep us coming back to the page. Trust me, I know this to be a fact. I have written very little since Hugging the Rock. I can say it’s because the day job was stressing me out or because of being laid off or because of worry about my kids or my health or money or because I got up on the wrong side of the bed.
But none of those is the real reason I’m not writing right now. The real reason I’m not writing right now is because I’m afraid to write crap.
It’s as simple and as complicated as all that.
I was reminded of this recently whenhulabunny got brave enough to ignore the worries swirling in her brain and just sat down and started writing. She was sure she was writing crap but dang it all, she was excited about writing crap.
She sent me a few chapters. And she kept on writing. Every night, after her young children went to bed, after taking care of her family and knowing that the alarm clock would be ringing way too early for her to have to get up and go to her very stressful day job. Night after night she keeps writing and I keep reading because I am totally hooked on her story, her first draft.
And you know what? It isn’t crap at all. She’s on her way to writing a dang fine novel. All because she wasn’t afraid to write crap.
Way to go, Eileen!
Writing crap. Yep. I have this one mastered!
Good for you. I’m still trying to climb that mountain.
I know you said this doesn’t work for you, but the thing that has really worked for me these last few months is meeting friends to write. We goof around, talk, write. Force each other to be quiet and write, goof around some more… I’ve been pleasantly surprised as I’m rewriting now to discover a lot of really good stuff mixed in with the crap! I think hanging out with friends just puts me in a better state of mind.
Well it didn’t used to work for me but I need to try it again. First to find someone local who has the time to try it too.
Thanks!
Once upon a time, I remember how excited I was to write and even though I was sure it wasn’t the best writing, it was mine and it was exciting! Somehow, from the millions of crits, how to books and lessons, agent responses and my own growth as a writer I lost that ability to enjoy my crap.
Thank you for reminding me where the fun starts with writing! 🙂
I’m glad you are remembering the fun parts of writing. I seem to have misplaced mine. Sigh.
It (almost) never is as crappy as we’re afraid. How great for her to have you reading and encouraging.
You’re very right – it’s rarely as crappy as we are afraid it might be. I’m really thrilled for Eileen and a little jealous too. I can’t seem to get anything down, crap or otherwise.
Might I echo your sentiments on how lucky I am that Sue is reading and encouraging my crap!
I’ve been thinking that Plant Kid may be in there somewhere, happily observing as you work on your lawn …
I keep thinking of Plant Kid too, hoping he will whisper in my ear. Or perhaps Max as we have these new adventures with Cassie.
But nothing comes. Not yet. No story. Only people. So I wait.