TAMMY’S TIDBITS ‘

A WRITER WRITES

BY TAMMY VREELAND

Most of us have heard the expression a ‘writer writes’. But did you ever stop to take a moment to think about what that means? Or do you shrug it off with a pretense that it doesn’t matter how or why they write? A writer simply writes.

While that may be true in a sense, every writer still has a reason to write. Whether it be for love, passion, self gratification or money, there is a reason for their writing.

It doesn’t matter what the reason is. For whatever the reason, dedication and determination come with that reason. Writing is no different from any other job.

There have to be goals. Which, in itself, gives you the determination and dedication to accomplish your goals. But is there a set of goals already predetermined for you to follow when it comes to writing?

There are plenty of self-help books and classes out there that would like to make you think there are, when in reality there is not. I’m not saying these books and classes will not help you.

Knowledge is always power! However, I truly believe that you hold the power within yourself to know what will work best for you. Sometimes, when that blank white screen is looking at you, and you are trying to apply something that worked for someone else, it can actually get in the way of your own writing!

Remember, a writer writes. I have had many ask me, how do you write so many stories? Or have so many writing projects? Do I set a certain amount of time per day to write? My answers usually surprise them.

I write when I want. Granted, for a deadline, that may prove to be a little harder, but I have found what works for me. You may wish that to be the case for you, too. Then the excuses come, you have no time to write! You have a job, kids, responsibilities that get in the way!

What? You seriously don’t think I don’t? Of course, in an ideal world, who wouldn’t want a cabin in the woods? Away from life and distractions, to be able to write when you want!

Unfortunately, that only seems to be the case for a fictional character. For I know no one who actually has that scenario. And yet, it still can be done.

I try never to force myself to write. I know, so many say you have to write daily! You have to set a specific time aside so it will become a habit!

I tried the idea of forcing myself to write in a structured time set and hated it! And it showed. My writing looked strained. It didn’t flow. To me, it was harder for me to write, knowing I had to write in that time frame.

That white screen blankly looking back at me, mocking me, to write at least something! Robbing me of my desire I used to have. Then there was the time factor itself. Even setting a small time didn’t work for me, for I had way too many other things happening in my life. Something had to give. My writing was going to be my sacrifice. thought of not having it in my life any more. I found throughout a busy day, whether it be at appointments, balancing checkbooks, whatever the chore, in the back of my mind, I was still desiring to write! That the thought of getting to write actually calmed me.

Then I realized the key was my desire. To me, desiring something is stronger than just wanting something. When I desire to write, I write. I found myself cheating on the sacrifice I was willing to make by writing little notes for ideas I was still having. With hopes that one day I could use them.

Whether it was on a scrap of paper in my checkbook or a quick note on my phone, my desire was demanding to be satisfied. An idea would pop up in the middle of a hectic day, and all I would do was write a word or sentence to remind me of that idea. A treasured tidbit.

A writer writes.

And yet, that doesn’t solve the time to write or does it? When I finally got down time, I was usually too exhausted to want much of anything - let alone desire something! Then, before I went to bed, I found myself thinking of those stolen moments of writing. I would find myself looking for those treasured tidbits to read, fantasizing about how I would use them.

It would kick my mind into thinking how could I apply this tidbit? It’s random. Is it an idea for a new short story, a novel or a magazine article? What genre would it work best for me? Children’s, Magazines or Horror?

“If you have a desire for something, you will find a way.”

Suddenly, the chore of writing, while exhausted, had now come back to being a desire to write! I found myself writing a little more to that tidbit at night or very early in the morning after a restless night, because it calmed me. Took my mind off life.

Writing lets me escape. When I come back, I feel energized, accomplished! Ready to take on whatever life has to throw at me. Then when I do have time to write, I don’t feel pressured to come up with something for that annoying white screen! I have a secret weapon. The treasure tidbits that grew and are now ready for when I need them. All I need to do is to apply them. Expand on them. They give me the starting place I need to get the keys on that keyboard clicking.

Think about something you truly enjoy. Something you desire. Once you are able to satisfy that desire, how does it make you feel? It must be a good feeling or you wouldn’t desire it to begin with.

Feeling good lets you tackle the harder things in life. Do not deny your desire. Even if it is a sentence here or there. It will keep the embers hot until you have time to make the fire! As I said at the beginning, I found something that works for me.

You may not be a writer or even have a desire to write. And yet, all of us have a desire. And unfortunately, all of us have to deal with life. Don’t give up on your desire because of life. Find what works for your desire, which in turn will help you deal with life.

If you have a desire for something, you will find a way.