Commit to Your Writing Today

Plus, a free writing prompt.

When life gets busy, it can seem like the best thing to do is put your writing life aside. Like most of you, I know this stress. Just in the past few weeks: I completed my semester teaching writing at LSU, drove to several out-of-town literary events, continued the labor-intensive work of revising my latest novel and honored commitments to my loved ones.

But if there's one thing I've learned over the years is that there is never a truly quiet time. Remember that adage about having the courage to change the things that you can? I know now that I will always have too many things on my plate. Maybe that's just how life is or maybe I've made my life this way. Honestly, I can't say. But what I can say is that writing is like dessert: there's always room for it, especially when it's good. This summer I plan on writing lots of stuff and participating in plenty of writing exercises. The change I made was to accept how busy I am and use that to my advantage.

My good friend Jami Attenberg is currently heading up her annual #1000wordsofsummer program. I’m participating. I'm also writing poems daily with friends. I'm going to work on a screenplay. And, of course, I must finish my novel. This is to say nothing of commitments I've made to blurb books, moderate events, and critique other’s work. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

The truth of the matter is that you're going to be busy. What do you think feels better? Finishing a busy period of your life or finishing a busy period with a story, poem, or other piece of writing to show for it? The answer is clear. There's no better time to double down on your writing. I can guarantee you won't be sorry. Find someone to work with or work by yourself. Take a class or find exercises online. It doesn't matter what you do as long as you write. You'll feel better. Trust me.

To that end, here’s a prompt I hope you’ll like. (Normally, prompts are a subscriber benefit, but I just couldn’t stop myself from sharing this one to aid you on your writing journey.)

Today's writing prompt: write about someone who has reached clarity about a major problem in her life. What will she do with this newfound understanding?

Thanks to new yearly patrons: Peggy and Chandler. Double thanks to Donna Ferron, who just became the newest Founding Member of the Inspiration Circle. With her subscription, Donna is entitled to a one-hour zoom session with yours truly to discuss a topic of her choice. Huzzah!

Lastly, I’m teaching a very special writing class online next week (Monday, June 9th). Click on the link for more information.