I imagine writing as a home — my home. If I’ve been away too long I miss it and I feel less like myself. Sitting down to write is the way I open the door for inspiration to walk in. Inspiration might sneak through a window, or a crack of light here and there but the open door signals, I’m home, and a solid writing practice is the way I keep that door open.
How I find my way back to writing, back to home:
I pick up a book. Any book. The more times I pick up a book rather than my phone the closer I get to home.
I rise early. Maybe your best time to write is in the evening, but I find that rising early and putting my writing at the top of my day keeps me more consistent. Plus, inspiration makes for the best morning visitor.
I move by body, then I write. When I first started doing yoga in the mornings with Caroline Joan Peixoto, I found that my writing would flow so easily directly after class. Now, even though I’m not in a solid yoga practice, I wake up, pull out my mat, and do a few basic moves to get the blood flowing. Caroline taught me that inversions (any move that gets your head below the heart) are the best way to wake up the mind, so I always incorporate at least a few into every practice.
I write in my journal. Especially when I’m struggling to write in my book, or get a post up for my socials, I start with my journal. Pen to paper — that’s the path.
I do it all again. A daily practice is best for me. I know this can be controversial, but I think daily writing is key, especially for anyone struggling or new to a writing practice. It doesn’t matter how long you show up, or at what time, but every time you pick up pen and paper you open the door for inspiration to walk in. I like to open that door everyday, even if only for a minute.
If you’re in a solid practice, keep it up! If you’re finding your way, I feel you. I just began writing in my book (again) and it started out daunting, but the more I’ve shown up daily, the easier it’s become. I’m actually kind of excited to dive in today.
In your corner,
Jill
*I’d love for you to share Dear Writer with your friends and comment below with the answer to this question,
How do you find your way back to writing, back to home?
I’d love to get a collection of advice on this thread!
Below is an excerpt from my journal written in February of 2020 -
What is my home? My book I’ve spent ten years imagining and loving. A memoir practice to get to know my emotions and learn to write with them. Home is watching the kids play in the backyard. Home is watching a movie with Dane. Home is Joni Mitchell, Jack Johnson, and that new song I love, Wonder. Home is hugging Winnie, playing catch with Boston, having long chats with Isaac, and doing morning makeup with the girls. Home is a treat, in the sunny afternoon, in my bed. There is no rush, no time, no desperation here. Okay, I’m ready to go home.
Find me on:
I love the Charlotte's Web quote! I have a few Charlottes lurking in some doorways here. I need to get into the swing of establishing a writing practice (again), but I'm trying to be easy considering everything that happened in the last month. I'm inspired by you every day, Mrs. Yancey; keep it up, Mama Jilliany (pronunciation is Jill-e-ahh-nee)! By the way, I think we just found a name for your pizza sauce, which is strange because it started as your Latinx name, and now we've moved into the Mediterranean. I'm quitting while I'm ahead because I was about to throw some Yiddish in the mix. Love you and proud of you ❤️