When I saw the invitation from my writing twin Kim Rempel (we are BOTH Kimberly Dawn’s!) I couldn’t resist the temptation to analyze my own writing process. In the last year and a half, I have taken on a “part-time” job as an Executive Director of a Love INC affiliate in Tinley Park, Illinois and I am adjusting my life, and my writing, to it’s demands. This translates into hardly ever writing anything not work related. Recently, I decided that I missed blogging too much to let it go, but I was certainly surprised at how difficult it was to squeeze a few meaningful words onto the screen.
Bringing me to the subject at hand, how did I once blog 4-5 days a week with seemingly no effort at all?
Writing Process Step #1 – Write every day. No. Matter. What.
The truth is that I have let this go. I was so out of the habit of expressing myself in the written word that I am still priming the pump and only a rusty trickle drips from the spigot.
Writing process Step #2 – Read and comment on the kind of stuff you’d like to write.
For me this includes my daily devotions. As I read scripture I keep a notebook next to me and journal my thoughts. This gives me a plethora of ideas to work from. I also love to read Ann Voskamp, Emily Wierenga and Shelly Miller. When I read regularly, I write better.
Writing process Step #3 – Keep a log of experiences you’d like to share.
There is only one you, so writing about what you experience will be unique and inspiring to others! I keep a notebook especially for phrases that come to me or subject matters that are begging to be introduced to my world.
Writing process Step #4 – Believe that your voice and perspective matters.
This is closely connected with step #3, but I can not stress enough how unique your perspective is. Sharing your take on life helps the world around you understand and accept new ideas and respect those with differing opinions. It has been said that each person influences over 200 lives! Writing can be your opportunity to influence others in a positive way.
Writing process Step #5 – Become immersed in your subject.
Whether I am writing my novel or a blog inspired by a scripture passage, the more time I give myself to meditate on it, the more revelation I find to add value to my own life. Fresh revelation always leads to the passion necessary to communicate in a way that inspires others.
Writing process Step #6 – Be vulnerable.
Writing about things and people you care about can be very revealing, and may leave you feeling a little naked. However, when readers can tell that you are truly bearing your heart, they become endeared to you, and want to hear what you have to say.
Writing process Step #7 – Just do it!
Stop the excusiology. If you have time to watch hours of Duck Dynasty and NCIS, you have time to write. You can’t afford not to! The world needs to hear your voice.
What I’m Working On
- Blogging at Journey To Epiphany
- Writing articles at Family Fire
- Submitting a children’s picture book for publication
- Writing an historical fiction novel
- Writing and being chief editor of quarterly newsletter at work
- Gathering notes for an upcoming devotional
How My Work Differs From Others
Finding a voice all of my own is really only finding a collection of voices who have spoken to me. My collection includes, Madeleine L’Engle, Jan Karon, Richard Foster, and Ann Voskamp. Each of them have caused me to relook at myself and the world around me, beyond the surface and into the deep.
Why I Write Non-Fiction
I write non-fiction because it is quickest way to communicate ideas that influence. However, I love writing poetry and fiction as well, in fact, I would say they come much easier to me.
Now for the real fun…
Next week my very best blogging friend Adela Crandell Durkee over at the Black Tortoise will be writing about her own experiences with the writing process. You won’t want to miss this!
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