WRITING TIPS FROM ELIZABETH GILBERT
UPDATE:
Since writing this blog post, I followed the tips myself and have written and published my first book! If you’re interested to learn more about creative self-care, you might enjoy reading it: The Rallying Cry - Healing the Hardest Parts of Life Through Creativity (click here to see on Amazon)
I take so much inspiration from Elizabeth Gilbert. I find her approach to creative living to be second to none and the way she advocates intentional living and self care encourages me to reflect and tweak my life course in the very best of ways.
I’m forever trying to take photos to reflect back at me the things I feel in my soul. Taking photos is something I do on an almost daily basis and this particular creative outlet isn’t new to me, I’ve been working as a photographer for 10 years now. Writing though, at any great length anyway, well that is something fairly new. I’ve had several blogs over the years, the most notable was the one I dreaded sitting in front of to write an entry. Back in my wedding photography days, I knew that a blog would help me further my client base. I’d thump out words on how nice the venue was etc. etc, all the while feeling like something was missing. And indeed it was. A readership for a start! I’ve since figured out that writing is pointless unless it comes from the heart. There are so many voices out there that unless you’re out there being the most you-est version of you, you’ll just blend in with all the rest. Another lesson worth noting is that improvement (at anything!) takes repeated efforts. And if that’s the case, you’d better pick something you can stand to show up to every day.
These days I know what it is I want to say. Photography, creativity, building and growing a creative business and all the things I’m learning along the way, I’m keen to share. Suddenly, as if from nowhere, I need to know how to write. I’m hungry for it. The more I learn though, the more reassured I am that the skills aren’t actually so far out of reach.
I came across one of Elizabeth Gilbert’s Instagram posts that was so useful, I felt the need to include it in my blog, if only for myself to come back to to read whenever I need to.
It went like this:
“A friend told me yesterday that she was thinking of taking a writing class. I told her that was fine, but I might be able to save her money, by telling her everything I know about HOW TO WRITE. So here it is! My free 10-step Writing Academy:
Tell your story TO someone. Pick one person you love or admire or want to connect with, and write the whole thing directly to them —like you're writing a letter. This will bring forth your natural voice. Whatever you do, do NOT write to a demographic. Ugh.
Start at the beginning of the story, write what happened, and keep going until you get to the end.
Use radically simple sentences.
Don't worry if it's good; just finish it. Whether or not your project is good, you'll be a different person at the end of it, and that’s always worth doing.
Don't write with the aim of changing anybody's life. That will lead to heavy, irritating prose. Just share what delights or enrages or fascinates you. If somebody’s life is changed by it, that’s a bonus.
Whenever you can, tell stories instead of explaining stuff. Humans love stories, and we hate having stuff explained to us. Use Jesus as an example: He spoke almost exclusively in parables, and allowed everybody to draw their own lessons from his great storytelling. And he did very well.
Your work doesn’t have to be any particular length, or written for any particular market. It doesn’t have to even be seen by another human being. How and if to publish your work is a problem for another day. For today, just write.
Remember that you’ve been doing research your whole life, merely by existing. You are the only expert in your own experience. Embrace this as your supreme qualification.
Every writer starts in the same place on Day One: Super excited, and ready for greatness. On Day Two, every writer looks at what she wrote on Day One and hates herself. What separates working writers from non-working writers is that working writers return to their task on Day Three. What gets you there is not pride but mercy. Show yourself forgiveness, for not being good enough. Then keep going
Be willing to let it be easy. You might be surprised. ❤️LG”
So there it is, writing advice from one of the best. I know I’ve still a long way to go, so i’d better get stuck in.
Suzie x