“How do I start writing?”: Breakthrough tip for the week of 9/6

I read with two women poets in Silver City, New Mexico last Saturday, for the 2014 Prologue for The Southwest Festival of the Written Word. The room was packed, the audience intelligent and receptive, my sister readers, Denise Low and Elise Stuart, were gifts. We were all given an additional gift when a woman asked, “How do I start writing?” The two poets and I were quiet for a few seconds. Then I borrowed a pen from someone, tore out a page from my notebook and walked up to the woman. “Here,” I said. “Start now.” She laughed. “Really?”

“Absolutely,” I said, “here’s your beginning sentence: ‘I have a story to tell…’ Start with that and keep writing  – no matter what –  till I tell you to stop.”  She wrote, kept writing.  When I said, “Stop.”, she did. “That’s it.” I said. “That’s the big secret.” The audience applauded. She bowed.

So, readers, please do as the woman did. And, send me what you’ve written. The only way Breakthroughwriting works is if it’s reciprocal. I’m beginning to feel that I’m launching my words out into silent space. I don’t like the feeling.

 

Share on Your Social Media

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Search My Site

Subscribe to My Blog

Copyright©2019. All Rights Reserved. The content of this writing services website is exclusively owned by Mary Sojourner (Flagstaff, Arizona). Duplication and usage of all literary writing, short stories, writing tips, writing workshops coursework, and mentoring instruction is prohibited without direct permission from the author and writing teacher.

Writing & Literary Website Designed by Reliable Web Designs.