How do you become a writer? If you truly want to be a writer, you write. Get yourself a cheap notebook from a dollar store. While you’re there stock up on blue or black pens, or if you prefer pencils. Just know that pencils fade over time. Pick up a 3 x 5 flip notebook that will fit in your jeans pocket or a shirt pocket. You are now ready to begin your writing journey.
Get up half an hour earlier in the morning. Get some juice or a cup of hot cocoa, tea, coffee whatever it is you prefer. Find a quiet place where you can look out a window or sit on a deck. I know winter is moving in. No deck in the winter. When you are settled, begin on your first page. Write the date, then just start writing whatever is in your head. Look out the window what do you see? How does it make you feel? Is something weighing on your mind? Write it down. Don’t stop writing until you have filled three pages back and front. Then stop. Close it up put it where it will be ready for tomorrow. Take a deep breath. Your brain should feel clearer. You have just done morning pages. Julia Cameron had all of her college students do them every day. Do it until it just becomes a part of your routine.
Be sure to put the pocket notebook in your pocket. If you get an idea, see something that makes you think and you want to remember it, jot it down. You’ll find yourself writing little notes in the pocket notebook more and more. Be sure to date them. Even if you only write one word or one sentence.
These are for your eyes only. You are not required to show them to anyone. You should just write for a week and go back and read them on day seven. Is there a common thread? Is there something you think might make a good story idea? Is there something you just want to know more about or work on changing? Go for it. If not, just keep writing. Eventually you will hear, read, see, or think of something which really grabs your attention. At the end of week two, read both weeks one and two. Still looking for a common thread or anything else which grabs your attention.
Congratulations! You just started a writing career. Give it six months to a year while you keep doing the morning pages and rereading from the beginning each week. You can put your notes from your pocket notebook or reference the date in your morning pages so you can go back to it.
Happy writing,
Rebecka