I came across an old article in Beginners Basic Magazine by Writer’s Digest. Freelance writer, Linda DeMers Hummel writes that, “Writers should delve beyond the regular rules for writers to make your next book the best it can be.”
No. 1 on her list is to put a desk by a window. I write at my desk in front of my window. I posted on hearthealthyboomer.wordpress.com on that very subject.
No.2 is let the wall inspire you. I have plaques and awards that I hold dear on one wall; my favorite being a water color of a Brownie Girl Scout, a gift for serving as the day camp director one summer in Houston, TX. Another wall is filled with books and pictures of my grandchildren; a third wall has a piece of hand blown glass, and pen and ink prints of scenes on the Mississippi River in Louisiana, my home state. And the last wall is where my writing desk and window sit.
No. 3 suggests making a list of negative people in your life. These are the people that don’t read your work, don’t give you support when you think you need it. When the list is complete, tie the list up and throw it away. I have not tried this literally, but I do struggle to accept when I write something and then don’t seem to get any feedback or comments from some in my family. But then No. 9 is don’t let your love ones read your work. “They love you. It isn’t their job to guide your career. So I will quit stressing over that issue and move on.
No. 4 is my favorite suggestion and that is to make a list of twelve people you, “Like, love, admire, and don’t hear enough from.” Then write them a letter (emails and cards don’t count); a relative who would love to hear from you; an unknown author who appreciate your praise; an old college roommate. “Good writing is about relationships, so resurrect, enhance, create or feel some of your own relationships.”
No. 5 is eavesdrop on the public. I do that all the time and written about it. She adds, “The best dialogue you’ll ever write has already been said.” With No. 6 suggesting you give blood and not just because it is a good thing to do, but “It’s and eavesdropping paradise.”
No. 7 is to learn a new word every day. She signed up for a free email with a new word. So I did too at A.Word.A.Day by Anu Garg. Today I learned the word picaresque.
No. 8 is don’t throw anything away and keep a notebook. I carry my notebook everywhere I go, but what I didn’t know and do now is that I should not throw away my notebooks.
No. 10 is to start over every morning. Basically she is telling us to keep on writing.
Today, I will write about something I have never written about before; I will write a letter to someone who has not heard from me in a long time; I will take the time to soak up my surroundings inside and outside and expand my mind; I’ll listen to the rhythm of words that I hear; and I will write about the things I know and then some that I don’t know.
Lifetime Writing 