Writing is like reading except the book is trying to kill you

Lauren DeStefano

original post

Why write?

or Create, if you prefer, for writing is an art as much as painting, sculpting, dancing, and music making.

Why do it at all?

This isn’t a rhetorical question.

I’d really like to know what you think.

I can tell you why I do it…then again…I wonder if I can.

Because it’s private, isn’t it? Maybe we’ve never asked ourselves the question before, but we know immediately it’s off-limits, at least until we’ve had a chance to view it.

Well, here we go…

Why do I write what I write how I write it?

because it’s true. the worst thing you can do in fiction is lie.

this one’s me

My truth is dark.

I don’t know why. I probably wouldn’t have chosen it that way, if I’d been given a choice. Then again, I’ve always been a red-pill kinda girl.

My point: I wouldn’t have chosen the pain, but I don’t regret it. Pain is an excellent if harsh, teacher. Experience is another.

Fiction is the truth inside the lie

Stephen King

If we continue to be afraid of the dark, the light cannot win. I want to look at the ugliness and pain that is in the world and show it I am not afraid. It can’t scare me.

I am a Lightbringer.

Why create??

Because I can’t not.

If we refuse to bring the light, the darkness will win.

And we can’t have that.

xxxlinsey

When is the best time of day for writing?

I’ve added my own answers and polled some hope*writers for their answers as well.

The truth is, there is no best time to write.

Or, conversely,

EVERY time is a good time to write.

It doesn’t matter what you write or when, the fact that you are writing is the important part. I broke the day down into three categories: Morning, Afternoon, and Evening and listed the pros and cons for each time of the day. Let’s get into it.

MORNING

Pros: Let’s face it, you’re at your best. You’ve just come off a good night of sleep and your energy level is at the highest it will be all day. This is a great time to get going and start your day at the computer or with your notebook. Many people decide morning is the best time to write because they and their ideas are freshest. Many writers can think more clearly, get more done, and have fewer distractions.

Cons: Not everyone is a morning person. It can be hard to get up in the morning for something you technically don’t have to do. Some people have early morning responsibilities, such as getting kids off to school, making lunches, and commuting to work. Some folks can get up an hour early to work out or have a quiet time or write, but it’s not a possibility for everyone.

AFTERNOON

Pros: Some people may have more free time in the afternoon when kids are at school or in activities. Benefits of the afternoon include not being so tired or so rushed to get from point A to point B. Most people are already awake and well into their day by lunchtime and the afternoon can be a reprieve from morning or evening activities. If there’s a lull, it can be a great time to write. Sometimes the afternoon just works better.

Cons: On the flip side, some people are worn out by the afternoon and hit a slump. Ferrying kids to and from school and after-school activities can leave little time for creativity. It’s also a somewhat awkward time of day in between busy mornings and evenings. Unless one has a designated writing time for the afternoon, the creativity can get lost in the activity shuffle.

EVENING

Pros: Day is done and so are most of life’s responsibilities. After dinner and kids’ bedtime, there can be some glorious writing hours, especially for those who consider themselves “night owls.” Many people find it easier to think about themselves and their writing after they’ve had a full day of activity. Plus, the ideas have had all day to mull around your brain and take shape. Evenings can be the quietest time of day and more conducive to concentration and productivity.

Cons: Most people have been zapped by the end of their full day. Work, kiddos, and other responsibilities can wear on a writer, and it can take major self-control to sit down to write when all you want to do is hit the hay. Not to mention, you may have more evening activities to attend to and your day may not end until quite late.

So what’s the answer?

Write whenever works for you.

The most important thing about writing is consistency. Writers have to make time to write, and that means utilizing the “crack” space in between activities, or scheduling a “chunk” of time in which to be productive.

What works for you will depend on the kind of writer you are.

The most important thing is to write.

As for me, I find my best time is in the morning, though I do schedule some writing times in the evenings like my LIVE@5 WRITING STREAM on Tuesday nights. I find it best to write in “chunks” (though I do occasionally take advantage of the “crack” time) because I can concentrate on my subject and minimize distractions.

What about you? Do you write in “cracks” or “chunks?” What time of day do you write?

I’m going to a writer’s retreat. Check out the details below or go straight to the source.

January 15-18, 2023 in French Camp, Mississippi. We’ve rented the whole bed and breakfast (and then some) for this creative retreat and guess what?

You’re invited!

Historic French Camp, Mississippi

Remember back in February when I went on a creative retreat and had a blast? Well, I’m doing it again next year…and this time, I’m leading a Vision workshop and holding editing sessions.

What happens when 4 Creative Queens get together for a Creative Retreat? They have so much fun that they plan another one, and this time you are invited!

“Connecting with other writers keeps me moving forward on my writing journey. I
am excited about creating a time and place for other writers to experience this as
well.”

Erin Ulerich

Erin has done such a phenomenal job planning this retreat, and I’m honored to be part of it. Check out what she says about Space to Create:

Writers from all stages of the writing journey will be in French
Camp, MS this January discovering how to make space in their
everyday lives to move forward with their writing goals.

Step away from the to do lists and noise. Connect with other
writers, attend workshops, and enjoy creative activities as you soak
up the quiet charm of the French Camp Historic District.

Upon registration, you will have access to a private Facebook group
for Space to Create attendees and be able to reserve a 30-minute
editorial critique with author/editor Linsey Ewing.

Sign up now on Erin’s site or comment below to get more details about my part in Space to Create.

IN-VISION Presentation:

I’ll be leading the breakout session about creating a vision board. This exercise has changed my life, and I am honored to be asked to share it with you. Here’s what Erin says about the activity:

“Linsey’s vision board workshop helped me identify where I wanted to aim in
different areas of my life. It brought dreams I had buried back to life. Telling
others about those dreams helped me decide which ones I was excited about and
wanted to pursue.

The weekly goal sheets allow me to put the items from my vision board into
action by dividing them into smaller steps. Linsey’s workshop is helping me take
consistent steps toward my ideal life instead of waiting for things to just happen
one day.”

Editorial Sessions:

I’m offering editorial help for retreat attendees for a fee.

Early bird discount is $60 for a 30-minute session-Deadline January 15th.

At the conference, the price will be $75.

So what are you getting? A deep dive into your manuscript and expert help with the writing, concept, or language.

Dates:

Retreat: January 15-18

Early bird registration: November 20

Final Registration: December 28

See you there!

xxxlinsey

Sorry, no cool song to go with this one.

I’m curious, where do you find yourself today?

Are you looking for help or encouragement?

You’ve come to the right place.

My new motto for life is:

YOU CAN.

I hope this is helpful to you wherever you are. Maybe you feel stuck or out of place.

YOU CAN get out of it.

Movement is the best antidote for feeling stuck. Do something. Anything.

Maybe you don’t know what to do next.

YOU CAN do anything.

Anything is SOMETHING, something is NOT nothing, and HERE is as good a place to start as any.

Maybe you need that extra bit of motivation to get you where you’re going.

YOU CAN contact me for help.

I spent years dragging my feet, waiting for the right time, and depending on others before I realized this was MY life and I could have it any way I wanted it.

Whether you’re stuck in work or in life, I CAN help you.

I’m simply a message away.

Do SOMETHING today. Even if that something is messaging me to tell me you don’t know what to do. I promise I will help.

Have a great week and keep your chin up. Remember, YOU CAN.

xxxlinsey

Well hello there!

Now that I’ve reviewed who I am and whom I serve, let me tell you where you can find the help and services you need online.

BLOG

Since you’re here, you already know I blog on a weekly basis. This is my creative outlet and accountability for each week. Usually, you will find whatever is on my mind, though I am structuring this blog more to be helpful to all my clients and readers.

You will find the freshest content here and on YouTube.

Stay tuned for more fiction, writing advice, and general life stuff on the blog.

WEBSITE

The website is my home base. This is my commerce and business hub. You will find my portfolio, bookshelf, and writing freebies here. You can also make an appointment with me for individualized help.

Check out my website for a list of services and the best way to contact me.

YOUTUBE

YouTube is where I do most of my writing. Every week I host live writing and productivity streams to help you (and me) stay on track and keep writing. You will find me there every Tuesday night at 5 PM Central Time. Please drop by and leave a like or a comment and let me know what other videos you’d like to see.

Stay tuned for new PREPTOBER and NANOWRIMO updates and streams on this channel and maybe even an all-day (12 hours 10k words) stream sometime in November.

INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK

My Facebook page and Instagram accounts are relatively recent, but this is where I’ll be doing most of my advertising as well as linking back to the blog on occasion.

Follow me for more personal fun, business updates, and pictures of my dog and my art.

Have a request?

I’d love to hear what you think about these channels and what you’d like to see on them in the future. Comment below or on your favorite medium to let me know!

xxxlinsey