Everything Is The Book

Everything is the book, but everything you write doesn't have to go in the book.

There is no wasted writing. I say this a lot, that there is no wasted writing. I guess because well, it's true, there is no wasted writing.

If you worry about what you're writing before you write it, then you will most likely stop writing, or not even start. Or, your writing won't be as good as it can be.

But, when you focus on your practice, the exercise of putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, then you're focusing on the work, the writing and your writing will be better.

It's like anything in life. Energy flows where your attention goes. If you focus on where you're going to fit what you're writing into your story and how it's going to turn out, you are, in fact, focusing on worry, not writing. It's hard to write when you're worried about what you're writing.

But, when you focus on your writing, just for the sake of writing, you shift into a more productive use of your time. And, most likely your writing will be better.

What I mean by exercise is shifting the focus to something you can use to get out of your own way. Like a mantra or focusing on breath in meditation. Get out of your head. So, whether you're practicing "Image Moment," which means you're writing scenes: vivid, imaginary, compelling scenes. Or maybe you’re trying to write like a specific poet or writer. Or maybe you’re just writing, going to Ralphs, buying a chicken, and staying open to where the writing takes you.

This shift of focus onto the writing, the process rather than the product, can change everything.

If you’re a writer, then write. If you worry about what you’re writing, and how you can use it, then you’ll stop writing.

So, Don’t worry, and keep writing.

"Yeah," you might be saying to yourself right about now, "but I still don't know how this writing is going to fit into my book."

Everything is the book and that doesn't mean everything has to go into the book. And thus, my answer is that it may not fit in the book.

And there is no wasted writing.
It is all part of the book, it just might be part of a DIFFERENT book.

I’m finishing my novel. About two weeks ago, I was reading a book, I think it was Gangsterland by Tod Goldberg. Anyway, as I was reading, the book an idea came to me. I grabbed my journal and began to write. And what came out was the origin story of my antagonist. Well, the beginnings of her origin story anyway.

This won't end up in the novel I'm currently writing. And, I think it is the beginning of my next novel. I'm curious about this character. And so I plan on writing more.

Follow your curiosity. Don't stop writing something because it won't fit in your current project. Keep writing. It might turn into your next project. Or the one after that.

If something wants to be written, let it be written. Write it. Stay curious. Stay open. And please stay out of your own way!

Be willing to write something that won’t be part of your current project, knowing that everything is the book, you just don't know which book!

Make sense?

And, if you want or need or desire more. join me the week of May 15
for Found Voices™ Next-Level Writing Support series. Here are the dates and times... only 6 in a class, so if you want a seat in one of these amazing classes, email me!

Mondays, 2:30 pm Pacific
May 15, 22, Skip this week due to Memorial Day,
June 5, 12, 19
4 Seats Still Available

Tuesdays: 8:00 am Pacific
May 16, 23, Skip due to Memorial Day week,
June 6, 13, 20
5 Seats Still Available

Wednesdays: 2:30 pm Pacific
May 17, 24, Skip due to Memorial Day week,
June 7, 14, 21
4 Seats Still Available

See below for more details or my website

Email me to reserve your seat. Please indicate which day you prefer!