Writer's FAQ
Writing
Who has time to write?
Finding time to focus can be hard, but the good news is short bursts can be surprisingly productive. For some (see: Virginia Woolf) people the pressure can also be motivating. Gotta jump right in!Committing to something for ten or twenty minutes feels more doable, less onerous than hunkering down for hours. When you’re working in twenty minute increments, it’s easier to stack together a few sessions over the course of consecutive days. Once you get a streak going, it feels good and can motivate you to keep it up. Read the full post.
What do you need to write?
Should you get the Ulysses app? Buy a Remarkable tablet or really nice pen? Nah. To write, all you really need is time plus pen and paper or a laptop. This is both good and bad. Good because writers don’t get paid enough to afford fancy equipment. Bad because there are fewer accoutrements to hide behind. You just gotta practice. Read the full post.
How do you know if an idea is good?
You don’t until you do. The only way to discover these things is by experimenting. That might sound disheartening, but even when an idea turns out to be bad, you can still enjoy the process of exploring, tinkering, and discovering. You’ll likely also find you learn something along the way. And once you’ve gotten the “bad” idea out of your system, a “good” one is usually on the other side of it. Read the full post.
How do you keep a writing routine?
A routine can sound like a real downer, especially when your goal is to become a Romantic and Important Artist. But actually it’s pretty simple. First, pick a day or a time and perhaps a target (minutes logged, words written, until you get to a certain plot point, until lunch). Then, when your routine inevitably fails, just pick back up where you left off as soon as you can. Along the way, learn to love the “sh*tty first draft” and how to be patient—an often overlooked part of writing is sometimes doing nothing at all. Read the full post.
How do you title things?
Look for standout, loaded images or phrases in your manuscript. Find inspiration in literary classics or even scripture. Embrace a bad brainstorm. And when all else fails, keep it simple. Read the full post.
What do you do between projects?
You finished a draft—congrats! Now what? Start a new one; if that sounds overwhelming, trying something small, as a little palate cleanser. Maybe it will turn into something bigger, maybe not. With time, you’ll accumulate a few different projects so you can rotate between them. Also remember that taking walks and reading are great ways to pass the in-between time. Read the full post.
What if I don’t have anything to say?
If you want to write, then write anyways. It will be awkward, but with time, you’ll find what you have to say and be able to articulate it in better and better language. Particularly if you make a regulard practice of reading, too. Read the full post.
Revising
Is it too late to start over?
With writing, when I have the gnawing feeling that something isn’t working, but I’m loath to start over, I’ll start small e.g. with one page. I make a copy of the page in question and try all the changes I have in mind. I often find myself energized in the process. This is a good sign I definitely should start over and that it might even be enjoyable to do so. Read the full post.
How do I get to the point?
If you’re lost in your writing and it feels like one big swirl, try these exercises: Write your entire piece our in a couple quick headlines. Duplicate your doc and go wild editing it whichever way you feel like. Give it time. Read the full post.
How do you get unstuck?
If feeling stuck on a project and not sure what’s the cause, start with small changes first and see what new options or perspective they open up. Alternatively, if you think you know what’s the cause, before you do a major revision only to discover you were wrong, try sketching it out in a low fidelity way. Read the full post.
Publishing (or trying to)
What’s too personal to publish?
It’s really up to you, but if you’re questioning whether to share/post/publish a piece of personal writing, it’s worth it to ask yourself: Is this my story to tell? Are you motivated by fame, vengeance, or connection? How will I feel five years down the road if I publish this? How will I feel if I don’t? Read the full post.
What can I learn from (so much) rejection?
A lot. For starters, that it’s wise to let your manuscript sit a while before you query or submit it. That it’s also wise to query/submit it in small batches so you can gauge response and make edits accordingly. And that rejection is always subjective. Read the full post.
Can you manifest a writing career?
I’m skeptical of manifesting, at least in the “make a mood board and wait for magic” sense. I believe much more in the persistent application of effort over time. If there’s a difference between a dream and a delusion, it’s probably these things. But even they aren’t magic and can’t guarantee results. That’s exactly why I’ve written a job ideal and keep it pinned above my desk. Revisiting it is a nice reminder that I know who I am and what I care about and I believe enough in these things to keep them somewhere safe. Read the full post.
Spiraling
When is giving up good?
When you give a significant chunk of your retirement fund to a sexy Eastern European-looking lady bot, it’s probably time to pause and reflect. Otherwise, stay open, keep exploring! Read the full post.
But what will my haters say?
First of all, you might be flattering yourself to think you even have haters. But let’s say people are hate-reading your essays/short stories/other writing: In that case, try taking a silly risk, a small anti-perfectionistic act of exposing yourself, despite your fear of being misunderstood or disliked. Read the full post
Should you follow your passion?
Yes, but know this could go any number of ways. You might follow your passion into a job where you get to do cool things but have to endure crappy treatment or pay. You could have a stable, boring job and pursue your passion in your free time. Whatever route you take, yes, always follow your passion and enjoy the scenery as you go. Read the full post.