How to Start Writing
Developing a Rhythm and Practice of Writing - Part 5
How to start writing? You can start with “Morning Pages”.
This is how Julia Cameron describes it in her book, "The Artist's Way".
"Morning Pages are three pages of longhand, stream of consciousness writing, done first thing in the morning. *There is no wrong way to do Morning Pages* - they are not high art. They are not even "writing." They are about anything and everything that crosses your mind - and they are for your eyes only. Morning Pages provoke, clarify, comfort, cajole, prioritize and synchronize the day at hand. Do not over-think Morning Pages: just put three pages of anything on the page... and then do three more pages tomorrow.”
The morning pages are an essential component of my morning practice. Today, I only need 1 page (rather than 3) because the daily writing I have been doing for years has created a steady stream.
Try not to overthink it or overcomplicate it. Simply grab a piece of paper or turn on your computer and write. If you need a prompt to get you started, write about why you are afraid or don’t want to write?
- Write for a week and then reread your writings. Look for a pattern of thought or new ideas.
- Then write about what you discovered, uncovered, or questions worth answering.
- Then assess whether you gained:
- Greater Clarity
- Greater Courage
Then repeat until it becomes a practice in your life.
“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.”β
—βLouis L’Amour