I love Rachelle Gardner’s list of 11 non-writing-related ideas to improve my writing. I’m always looking for ways to fill up my well of inspiration and give my muse some playtime; that’s why I do the Friday Fun feature and my ways-to-play lists.
I found myself nodding enthusiastically at all of Rachelle’s suggestions, except for the one about Twitter (which leaves me just baffled, probably since I don’t have a Twitter account and don’t intend on getting one; I’m trying to conserve my time, not find more creative ways to waste it!). I wholeheartedly agree about doing something to get out of your comfort zone. It doesn’t have to be big (like crossing the Sahara on camelback). Small things count, too! It could be making a presentation when the thought of public speaking makes you blanch, or taking up drawing despite being told for years you were never any good at it. For years I’d convinced myself (and informed everyone I knew) that I was not musical; then I discovered the piano.
I’d also add a caveat to item#5 (take trips): Most of us would love to take trips to exotic-to-us places (I want to visit Mongolia, which would also be taking me out of my comfort zone!), but often do not have the time or money for it. But we can take trips to new places right in our home towns. Go somewhere you don’t normally go. Take part in community activities and festivals; farmers’ markets, library book sales, community dinners. Enjoy exploring the place you live in. There’s something to be said about gaining a depth of experience as well as breadth.
And… read, read, read! Grab non-fiction on topics that interest you. Scan the magazine racks for a new-to-you magazine. Browse coffee-table books. Buy books that just strike your fancy at yard and library sales.
Any other items to add to this list?
Not related, but also interesting links for the week:
- Behind the Scenes: Mike Allen on the making of Clockwork Phoenix (one of the few anthologies I’ve actually bought).
- How to Find Your Writing Voice (wait, you mean it’s not behind the couch along with legos, stale cheerios and overdue library books??)
- And, oh so controversial, yet presenting another way of looking at writing fiction for a living: Dean Wesley Smith’s Killing the Sacred Cows of Publishing articles, via Djmill’s Blog.
Read anything thought-provoking or inspiring recently on the ‘net?
I’m still reeling from the small chunk of reading “Killing the Sacred Cows” I’ve done today. What a find! I loved the behind the scene piece too. One of my secret, in the back corner of my heart things I’ve always wanted to do is edit/publish a periodical. :sighs: Big problem there being I can’t pay anybody. :big sigh:
Ah, well. Fun.
Reeling is a good way to describe it. At first I was like, “No way!”, but I’m starting to see his point, especially regarding agents. Those articles are blowing my categories.
Since my time is limited and I have to choose—writing wins over editing, though it would be quite an experience to sit on the other side of the desk. đŸ™‚