Greetings, writers—
As 2022 comes to an end, I’m finishing up a cowriting project (a YA novel) and trying to get a foothold on a novel of my own, even though it’s dead week and I could apparently get away with doing nothing.
But considering that I already did a lot of nothing this month—I was sick for weeks—I’m trying to finish the year on a high note. Or at least a middle note, like a C.
(Speaking of musical notes, ha ha: here’s my interview with a small-town soprano who became Oregon’s first and only Miss America.)
Historically, the way I approach my contract work (i.e. cowriting or ghostwriting) and the way I approach whatever it is I’m trying to write for myself (i.e. no one but me cares if I write it) could not be more different. Basically the contract-work approach is great and the personal-work approach sucks. The former’s all about confidence and efficiency; the latter, self-doubt/loathing and indecision. I’m trying to develop strategies to deal with this annoying state of affairs, which I hope to share with you in future issues of this newsletter.
Anyway, I hope you’re all working on your various projects with confidence and delight, and that the new year brings you good ideas, fresh insights, and great courage.
Prompt 1
Before we make our resolutions to do better on January 1*, let’s think about doing worse.
What bad thing would your character do without remorse? Write that scene.
Prompt 2 (an oldie but goodie)
Read the poem Burning the Old Year by Naomi Shahib Nye.
Writing options:
What would your character burn (literally or metaphorically) if they could?
Write a scene in which once “there was something” and now, suddenly, there isn’t.
Write a scene that involves a fire.
Write what your character didn’t do.
Happy almost 2023, and happy writing—
Emily
*I always resolve to write more letters and drink more water, and pretty much every year I do neither.
Thank you Emily. Yet again, this is exactly what I needed to hear, another writer struggling and suffering through their own novel writing process- not that I want other writers to suffer, it’s just wonderful to be reminded that this writing thing isn’t always easy. I always assume everyone else is so much naturally better at it. Geeze, when will I ever stop self-loathing - 😝 May we writers find ease in our creative work and fun and courage!! Happy New Year!!!