Writing Everyday

There are truly remarkable benefits of writing things down. I'm not just talking about utilizing the notes app of your iPhone via voice text, or getting comfortable in front of the keyboard to quickly type out your to-do list. Those are definitely helpful, and a to-do list written like that is better than no to-do list at all, so you won't find me shooting down whatever method you use to keep yourself organized, but have you considered the art of actually holding a pencil between your two fingers and scratching out the words your brain is producing onto a textured grain of paper—and how differently your brain responds to such a tactile process? The writer digests and internalizes the material in a more in-depth and multi-sensory way. Read: It helps improve your memory! I mean, c'mon! Who doesn't want that?

What are the other benefits of writing?

1. Writing things down gives your brain the ability to let go of the mental clutter and helps you focus on the bigger tasks at hand. Think back to a time it looked like a bomb hit the interior spaces of your home. What was your tactic to clean up the mess? You probably didn't choose to start with the deep-cleaning tasks. Maybe you traversed the entire house to first gather all the clutter, move chairs around in order to sweep underneath them, and gather dirty laundry. It's not until you tackle those chores that you can then put all your focus on the deep cleaning. Right? It's the same with your brain! Once you relocate all the small tasks taking up valuable brain space to a physical to-do list, you can focus on the bigger items without the fear of forgetting the smaller tasks.

2. Writing helps process emotion and helps you understand your feelings about a certain event or topic. Have stress? Writing can be a very good therapist! It can also help place a proper perspective on the struggles you are having. Above all, breathe!

3. Writing gives you a way to document and record your life, your processes, and your progress, be it personal or business related. And, as a bonus, if you are writing about goals or commitments, it keeps you more dedicated to the end goal.

4. Writing helps increase creativity and productivity by allowing your mind to brainstorm BIG possibilities! Write it down and MAKE IT HAPPEN!

So what about the dreaded "Writer's Block?" Basically, Writer's Block is when you want to write but just can't. The causes are varied: fear, anxiety, being overwhelmed, feeling unoriginal and lacking creativity, etc. It is a phenomenon that all writers seem to complain about at one time or another—and many times over. I loved Stephen King's book, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, and what he had to say in regards to the remedy for writer's block:

"Reading is the creative center of a writer's life."

It's that quote that keeps me reading. I know that if I stop reading or decide that "I don't have time," I will dry up and not be able to creatively produce anything. You can check out my 2022 book recommendations here.

And if that isn't enough? Write anyway. (Actually, I like what Joan Didion used to do when she got stuck on a piece. She'd take her entire draft, stick it in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer until she felt she could go on again.)

Who's with me? I am going to commit to more writing this year and wonder if you'd like to join me. My goal is to write every morning and to free write a full three pages at least once a week. We can support each other in this journey of being more reflective and purposeful with our time.

I was commissioned to write a poem about writing to be used in a video about creating and writing comics. I wrote several pertaining to writer's block or pushing through the dry spells and really like the way this this one turned out. It describes the dreaded Writer's Block and how the writer decides that he isn't going to be pushed around by his lost craft. He is going to write anyway.

By Jen Wieber

Writer's Block

What is this illness

that infects the hand?

What is this ailment

that threatens the brain?

My words don’t come.

They were stolen from me

when fear came lurking

in the dark of night.

Gone half mad,

I hop in the car

and my tires squeal after him,

but I don’t get far.

The flashing orange diamond

brings me to a full stop.

Detour.

Road closed ahead.

And while I sit there waiting for the flagger to nod my ascension,

to tell me it’s my turn,

I wonder what damage to my hood would be worth the end of this misery.

I have words to say, thoughts to paint on this canvas.

It is then that the waiting becomes more painful than the misery.

I pull my car into drive.

And with a rapid intake of breath

I am sailing.

Sailing through the roadblock,

sailing past the flagger with mouth agape.

This thrill, this wind

makes me wild with inspiration.

Bravery?

No, this is art.

This is life.

When your heart screams

for you to get on with it.

To put pen to paper.

To be true to yourself,

you must.