Am I a writer if I don't write everyday?
on writing + accepting mediocrity
Hello and Salam alaykum (peace be upon you) 👋🏾
I’d planned to focus this week’s newsletter on generating story ideas and figuring out which idea is worth committing time to, but as always, life had other plans.
I’m supposed to be working on the first draft of another book, but I’ve been struggling for the past week to put words on the page. I turned to handwriting, as I do when I feel stuck, and it helped for a short while. But a couple of sentences later, I was back to staring at the blank page.
A thread which was circulating publishing twitter about how writers should write everyday came to mind, as well as the responses which followed, and I was reminded of the importance of knowing yourself in order to build a writing habit which works for you.
What do I mean by this?
The idea of writing consistently differs from person to person. Not everyone has the luxury of time to write every day, but that doesn’t make them any less of a writer. There are commitments and conditions which prevent us from being able to show up on the page daily.
In my case, for example, I allocate a couple of hours for a couple of days in the week to write, and while I show up most days, it doesn’t mean the words always come.
I struggle to write when I’m physically or mentally exhausted, during PMS season, when I haven’t done enough research about what I’m working on, when I don’t know my characters well enough. And in the winter, due to my struggles with Seasonal Affective Disorder, my writing takes a big, fat pause.
At first, I would fight this, berate myself, lament about how I’m just not getting any writing done, and how dare I call myself a writer then? But the moment I accepted my writing down time and became kinder to myself, life became a little easier.
Now, I learn to manage my expectations and time accordingly. If I show up, but I can’t get the words out, I experiment with other forms of writing or activities which contribute to my writing (e.g. research, reading, outlining a scene, brainstorming a problem etc.). And if that doesn’t work, I take a break.
I’ve learnt that sometimes you need time away from the page in order to get back into the flow or to give your subconscious time to work on whatever problem you might be facing.
So, if there’s anything I want you take away from this, it’s: listen to how you’re feeling and what your body/mind is saying, don’t downplay the fact that you’re a writer simply because your schedule doesn’t look like some other writer’s schedule. Only you know what you’re capable of and what showing up looks like for you.
With that being said, figure out your routine and try to be consistent with it. It’s only by sitting down to write that we can get words on the page.
Thank you so much to all those who have sent in responses to the questions below! Each month, I’ll try to answer at least one of the questions.
Please continue sending in your response to these:
What’s your biggest fear about writing?
What question(s) about writing or publishing do you wish you had an answer to?
✍🏾 Writing Prompt
When I’m struggling to get in the flow of writing or I feel a block in my creative process, I sometimes turn to writing prompts. They’re useful because I have no expectations of them besides simply writing and seeing where the story goes.
Some prompts go on to inspire an idea for a book, story or scene, while others simply serve the purpose of helping me reclaim my creative freedom. Here’s one for you to try out:
Your character changes jobs in order to have more time with her family. But her family doesn't seem interested in having her around…
⚡️Creative Opportunities
I’m subscribed to several newsletters relating to writing news, and they usually include information about writing contests, competitions and other opportunities to grow your craft. I’ll be including links to them in this section.
£6000 grant by Bergstrom studio for an unagented, underrepresented writer working on their debut novel. The money can be used to cover anything, with no strings attached. DEADLINE: 8th August, 2022.
Apply with: Synopsis of your book, first two chapters, and personal statement on why you’re applying + how the grant will benefit you
Here’s a great resource on how to write a synopsis (more on this in a future letter), and if you’d like some feedback on your first two chapters and synopsis, feel free to drop me an email!
📚 What I’m currently reading + have enjoyed
Craft In The Real World by Matthew Salesses (still on this)
This Is How You Lose Her by Junot Diaz: Although I didn’t enjoy (or finish) his popular novel, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, I really enjoyed and flew through this short story collection. He strikes me as one of those writers who are great at short form fiction, but not as much with long form. Of course, there are writers who do both well, but I didn’t feel it with his novel.
I’m on the hunt for good short story collections, they seem to be helping with my slump, so please send your faves my way, thank you!
Next week, we have an interview with a recently debuted author which I can’t wait to share with you! Watch this space 👀
I hope you have a lovely weekend and week ahead. I’ll be back in your inbox next Friday!
Till next time,
Suad