Thursday, January 17, 2019

Have You Entered the WRITING ZONE?

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson


There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call THE WRITING ZONE.

Okay, I confess. I borrowed the intro from a television cult classic. But truthfully, have you ever read a better explanation of what it means to be a writer?

Today I’m offering some tips to help you find your way to the writing zone.

1. Be Willing to Call Yourself a Writer: Yes, this one is controversial. There are many who argue that we must do much more than just call ourselves a writer to become a writer. I would only say this, I believe that calling yourself a writer is the first step on becoming a writer. Without that step, it’s hard to move forward.

2. Spend time Writing: This may seem like a no-brainer, but spending time talking about writing—as opposed to actually writing is fairly common. Don’t be one of those who only dream, be ready to walk through to The Writing Zone by spending time writing.

3. Invest Financially in Your Writing: Take classes, attend conferences, buy books, join organizations. Do your homework first, but be ready to put your money where your pen is. Here’s a series of posts I wrote about Dollars & Sense for Writers.

4. Develop the Art of Patience & Enjoy the Journey: Finding success in publishing rarely happens overnight. Realize that you’re in it for the long hall and do the next thing. Relax and enjoy the journey, but keep moving forward.

5. Make Writing a Priority: In the beginning, it’s hard for some friends and family to understand the commitment it takes to become a writer. Beginning writers don’t often get paid for writing and it’s easy to assume it’s a hobby. For some writing is a hobby, and that’s fine. But if you’re serious, then act like it. If you don’t take writing seriously, then no one else will.

6. Realize that Failure is an Option—a Good One: We often learn more when we fail. If we never experience failure, it’s a sign that we’ve never tried anything difficult.

7. Talent is a Very Small Part of the Equation: Talent won’t take you far. Diligence and perseverance are where you find the strength for The Writing Zone.

8. Don’t Try to Go It Alone: While writing is a mainly solitary pursuit, we still need others to help us. We need to be a part of a writing community so we can give and receive encouragement and get perspective on what we write.

9. Don’t Kill Your Creativity with Negative Self-Talk: We all do it. But talking down to ourselves will have a negative impact.

10. Comparison is a Death Trap for Writes: It’s easy to look at others and think we’re gaining perspective. The truth is, we aren’t. Everyone’s writing journey looks different. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor.

11. Keep the Faith: There is a reason you started on this journey. Write it down and put it where you can see it. I believe God made me as a person who processes life through words. If I tried to give up writing, I truly think I’d die.

These are the things that have helped me find my way to The Writing Zone. What would you add to the list? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

TWEETABLES

Have You Entered THE WRITING ZONE? - via @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

11 comments:

  1. Wonderful list, Edie. One I'd add is Read - about the craft and in a variety of genres. The bug never fully bit me until I got inspired by reading the works of a few writers. Only THEN did the craft books begin making sense. Only THEN did I understand the need to find my own voice. Only THEN did I understand what was really involved. Only THEN could I decide whether it was more than just a hobby. Only THEN could I see the $$ as an investment rather than an expense.
    Jay Wright; Anderson, SC

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    1. Jay, that's a wonderful addition! Thank you & blessings, E

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  2. What an awesome post! Love your lists.

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  3. Edie, thank you for your post on THE WRITING ZONE. I had to laugh because each morning, as I go to my office to work on my novel, I tell my husband I will be “in the zone.” When I say that, he understands that I can’t be interrupted for a few hours except for an emergency. The term has become a joke between us. Before starting a conversation that will require my focus on it, he will often ask me, “Will you be entering the zone soon?” :)

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    1. MaryAnn, I love that! Thank you for sharing, Blessings, E

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  4. Thanks Edie, great list. #4 & #6 speaking to me in particular today. And #11 - “a person who processes life through words” - that’s excellent insight. I just found out after 30 years of marriage that my husband visualises all words - no wonder he falls asleep whenever I read to him & likes discussions kept to the point! Lol. There is a definite difference, and those of us who “process life through words” have a challenge to make them visual for the other part of the population. :)

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    1. Great insight! Thanks for stopping by, Blessings, E

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  5. Very good advice here. Thank you!

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    1. Candi, thank you for taking time to read and comment! Blessings, E

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  6. A great message! I am now calling myself an "author" because my first book has been published. Before the book was published, I referred to myself as a "writer". Now, I am officially an "author". Love that title!!!! :-)

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