What's in it for me?

As Rose mentioned, why we write is part of a journey. The journey really. If I always questioned "what's in it for me?" I'd never stop to see the beauty in the art of "just doing."

But, let's examine the question as this question often follows the other one --why write?

What in it for me?

Fame--being recognized by many and having good seats at a game would be a few perks I am sure, as would publicly airing my laundry

Fortune--money would be up there at the top, because let's face it, if you don't have the money to DO anything, you are still just a poser. So "give me money (that's what I want)"

Public recognition--I would love to quit my day job and sit in a room typing and have that be considered a worthy endeavor, instead of a hobby.

Be coined "a real writer"--not like those fake ones you see typing in an empty room or coffee shop.

What's REALLY in it for me right now?

Well, certainly not fame or fortune, and I am still at work....so coining myself a real writer is really where it's at. I am just learning to form the words--I am a writer--without immediately making excuses for it. And, maybe next in line of importance is the fact that others around me are also taking me seriously as a writer.

So, bottom line?

I write because I am a writer.

Why do I write?

It's a question that keeps popping up. There are many reasons, the main one being I enjoy writing. If something is stuck in my head it makes a lot more sense to get it down on paper so to speak than have it rattling around in my brain. Reason number two it's my form of expression. Other people paint, sculpt, tell jokes, hang off the sides of cliffs, knit, cook, etc. Of course the stated goal of every writer is to get published and while that would be cool it won't change my life because that isn't the way life works. I already have the life I want, being a published author would be the cherry on top but wouldn't stop me from hanging out with friends, sleeping through the radio alarm or forgetting to unplug the kettle. In a recent rejection letter they said 'there's no doubt that this has potential' so for now I'm going to enjoy the journey and not worry about the destination. Wow that's deep for one in the afternoon.

A question of words

Cactus and I were talking yesterday about how many words make a novel. I said that 50,000 equalled a novella and my first one is 73,000 odd but they can be as long as 125,000 words although those tend to be more fantasy/sci fi. From a reader's perspective 300 pages is about right and a publisher isn't going to take a gamble on a 1,000 page opus unless you are a proven writer. Of course if the story grabs you and doesn't let go you don't care how long the book is - a good example being Mark Helprin's A Soldier of the Great War - which I loved.

Bring Back the Pads!

During our latest excursion out to write, Rose and I noticed a familiar theme cropping up in our discussion on the way home: chair comfort.

Now, I look the look and smell of wood mixed with coffee when I write, but I'm starting to realize how much I don't like the feel of wood after the second hour. So while Nostalgia offered a great atmosphere and enough space to comfortably sit down to write, there isn't a pillow or pad in site for your precious gluteus maximus.

We resorted to sitting on our computer cases (luckily, both soft), but it has changed our minds about going back.

If only they could balance their chairs with some cushioned ones. Or better yet, just offer pads to those who suffer from a sore booty after a lengthy stay.

But maybe that is their intention--to move us along, make us uncomfortable after an hour so we decide to leave. Higher turn around and a higher profit possibly.

Or maybe coffee shops are no longer used as they were first intended: to visit and relax with a cup of Joe while playing games or reading or (insert leisurely activity here). And this would be sad.

I don't know about you, but in this day and age, where I am asked to account for every hour at work and then fight to finish my errands before the store closes or the sun goes down, I like a moment of grace--where time is not measured but enjoyed as I sip that roasty goodness and hunker down to write another page.

I'm Stuck in This Body, in This Life

With the smell of Expo pens in the air, I know one of our graphic designers is stuck and taking it out on the whiteboard. The drawings are often humorous, thought provoking, and edgy, and usually have nothing to do with the current work load. It’s more of a way to allow a freedom back in his workflow, of pushing the boundaries around in an area he is allowed to so he can get back to the confines of the project and hopefully see it in a new light.

I wonder how different this is to my choice of walking around the block while thinking out a problem. Sometimes I purposely place it in the forefront of my mind and picture seeing the solution, but most often I just walk, watch, and listen. I let the thoughts percolate, hoping to brew a beautiful marketing design or proposal.

This got me thinking…what techniques do people use when they get stuck or feel confined creatively? There are a lot of writing tips—mapping, brainstorming, journaling, etc.—but what if the problem isn’t you but your surroundings?

How important is the place we work, live, breathe to our work, our creativity?

Secondly, what do when we are faced with a crappy place to work? We can’t always ask our bosses to move and we can’t always just get new jobs—especially in this economy.

Here are some ways I’ve found useful and some links that take you to more ideas:

Website on overcoming creative blocks

Blog on overcoming creative blocks

Second blog on overcoming creative blocks


Think about it—do you already have a process and you just aren’t aware of it? How will it help you to figure out what the process is?

How to camp

Some writers would have you believe that writing is a solitary occupation. You imagine some scrawny writer in a drafty old building crafting his or her masterpiece. Nope - not like that at all. Before I got the laptop my writing was only done at home and I think suffered as a result but now the cord is cut and I can write anywhere I damn well please - although the middle of the freeway is a definite no-no.

In the last few months Girl Ink and I have been writing in coffee shops but there are rules. First don't go for the small places, if the place only has five seats they are going to notice if you stay a long time. Second always buy something, coffee is good but maybe a cake as well. Third don't make a nuisance of yourself no loud braying laughter, risque jokes etc you want to be the invisible writer.

Our Favourites

Divas - good coffee and cupcakes. Dome can provide some really juicy material because the people on the other side of it sound so close they could be whispering in your ear. Nice patio in the Summer. Wi-fi

Mestizo Coffee - food is good, loads of comfy chairs, wi-fi, music isn't too distracting just don't sit right under the speakers.

Nostalgia - good coffee, mini's cupcakes! plenty of room to spread out and of course wi-fi.

And we meet again!

Hello!

I'm so happy to start musing back and forth about writing with Mystery Girl. Here are a few things we learned:

Writing groups are great, but a writing partner is better

Vary where you write and it may help keep those writing juices flowing

Sugar and caffeine make everything seem great for awhile

Don't be afraid to read something similar to what you are writing. Most likely, you are conscious enough not to copy it, and you may find that it spurs ideas for you to push yourself even further.

Try writing at roughly the same time. It really does help!