I'm in the throes of a new change

It is official. I’m babysitting my granddaughter and I’m asking myself, how did I get here? It seems as if just the other day, I resigned from my job to spend my days writing. It seems as if just the other day, I was reveling in living my dream, writing fulltime. It seems as if just the other day… Well, those days are gone and here I am.

Whenever I am on the brink of a major life change, I usually step back from my accustomed activities. It is almost as if I am stuck in a holding pattern. That is what happened last week - no writing in my journal, no blogging, minimal commenting on my favorite blogs. Last week I felt disconnected and lost. I was standing still and waiting for the train of change to stop by my door.

Babysitting Sian is more or less a three-year commitment. She should be going to kindergarten at 3 - 3 1/2 years. Of course, as she gets older my daily routines will change and many days I will depart from how I function the day before. Nevertheless, it is a commitment I embrace joyfully.

These are the promises I’ve made to myself :

1. I will write in my journal daily, regardless of the composition of my day. I figure, I must go to bed so at least I can journal before I slide under the covers and switch off the bedside lamp.

2. I will honor my writing obligations - column, blogs, assignments, deadlines etc. My column and other miscellaneous assignments are the bread and butter and meat and potatoes of my writing life. My blogs are just as significant because they keep me on my writing toes, allows me to share my experiences, my thoughts and my feelings about life and writing. The ones I read religiously and comment at and my wonderful, creative, inspiring, caring and supportive blogging friends are the delicious, decadent desserts I need to have a balanced, informed, inspiring and creative life.

3. I will schedule personal time to nurture and nourish myself physically, mentally and spiritually by engaging in activities, I enjoy- napping on the couch, sitting on the porch, reading, writing in my journal, writing letters, drawing and photography.

Today wasn’t too bad. I managed to write a few blog posts and scheduled them for publication, finished the final read-through of the article for my column and sent it off. I identified the topic for the next installment and wrote a detailed outline. I prepared and emailed my invoices for work published last month. I backed-up my files and copied them to the notebook computer my husband gave me. It is so much more convenient to use anywhere. It’s smaller and lighter than my laptop.

I’ve always boasted that I am a lark (a morning person) - more inspired, more creative, more productive and all that good stuff between dawn and noon. I’ve been practicing to be an owl (a night person) and I’m not too bad at it either. Talk about change.

Until next time.

Saturday Soirée - 8 Writing Don'ts and Do's

I'm always happy to be reminded of some of the simpler rules that foster a healthy writing life.
So I share eight that always come in handy when I find myself slipping.

1. Don’t waste time gripping
Do acknowledge that distractions and interruptions are a part of the writing life. Unless you live you would find it difficult to write. So attend to your life, whatever it may consist of then scrape up whatever time is left, go to your writing space and write.

2. Don’t wallow in negative thinking
Do count your blessings and multiply your efforts chasing your writing dreams. Hasten to develop your own personal strategies for coping with and managing the people and circumstances that muddle up your writing routine as well as your own internal saboteurs.

3. Don’t be afraid to break the rules, sometimes
Do listen and practice sage advice from other writers, especially when they can prove that their advice worked for them.

4. Don’t submit sloppy work
Do check for correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, concise sentences, sentence structure and word count. Re-read, re-write, edit, let your work sit for a few hours, a day or two before another round of re-reading, re-writing and editing. Then submit a polished and professional piece on or before the requested deadline.

5. Don’t play loose with deadlines
Do insist that the people around you respect your schedule, particularly when you have a deadline looming. If you will be late, contact your editor to explain and request an extension.

6. Don’t miss opportunities
Do try new things. If you skip over work that appears to be beyond your ability or experience, you could be stunting your growth as a writer. Try something new for yourself, just to see if you can handle it. Then, the next time you come across an out-of-your-comfort zone job or assignment, you won’t be so intimidated but a little bit more daring, adventurous and confident.

7. Don’t be a hermit
Do get out and about in person or online. Create a blog, comment on posts, join social networks, participate in online forums, start or join a writing group. Share your thoughts, your writing, your writing process, your goals and your experiences. Give advice. Tout your own horn with humility, grace and style.

8. Don’t give up
Do hang in there. It’s a long road to your writing dreams and it is neither smooth nor straight but you are not alone. Whether you find it at home, in your community, among relatives or friends (online or in person) you are not without support.

What do's and don'ts you use to help foster a healthy writing life?

Change has come

My weekly column Wright Words of Wisdom, featured in their Sunday edition will have its last run on Sunday 1st February.Below is a copy of the emailI I sent to those readers who have contacted me since the column debuted in September 2006.

The Trinidad Guardian "streamlining their cadre of freelance writers" - their words. They have terminated the services of several of their freelancers, and I am on that list.

Although I was half expecting it, now that it has actually happened, I still feel a bit lost. The column was so many things to me. It marked my transition from fulltime employment to fulltime writing - a long-held dream. It confirmed my purpose and my message. Although I have been writing for publication since 1998, the rhythm of writing an article every week helped me develop my writing style and fine-tune my voice.

To a certain extent, the column defined me. It was the focus of my day after I my morning devotions (Bible reading, prayer, meditation and journaling) and taking care of my daily chores. Even more important, at the center of all that were the readers who emailed me every week with thanks, with their own stories, with encouragement to keep writing and sometimes even with requests for a copy of my book.

For the last two years, I’ve been thinking of upgrading my skills and my writing qualifications. The Writer’s Bureau had been sending me a prospectus for their writing courses for several years. I was interested but never made a decision. When the prospectus for their journalism course came three weeks ago, I decided that it was time to move. I took my own advice in an article I wrote recently, and enrolled. These are hard economic times and the perfect time for upgrades even as the global economy is spiraling downward.

While I still have miscellaneous assignments for online publications, they don’t require the kind of daily discipline the weekly column demanded. So I have ample time to devote to the comprehensive 28-module course and I am aiming to complete it in three years instead of four. That’s my main priority after which comes that book. I plan to work on it in earnest. My blogs need attention – more regular postings. I will keep writing and submitting my work for publication both online and in print. Then I have two other activities that are more than mere interests. They are passions I have only recently renewed – photography and art.

In my articles I often encourage readers to have a support system as they contemplate, plan and embark on their own journeys. I have mine – a cheering section that won’t let me forget who is steering my life, who I am, what I have already accomplished, what I can do and what I am passionate about. With that kind of support there is no time to second guess myself, procrastinate or give in to fear. I look forward to stretching myself and expanding my boarders.

So I move on – not forgetting but fondly remembering the stage of my life that has just passed and all the people who have shared it with me and helped to make it enjoyable, successful and above all, memorable.

Thank you for the encouragement you’ve been to me. I hope to see your name in my Hotmail Inbox and in the comment section on my blogs: Perspectives on Life, Cheryl Wright Writes and Quiet Time with God.

God bless you.

Have you been considering or facing changes with regardto your writing? Come on now, you know you're not alone. Bring your stories into the comment section and let's support and encourage one another.

I hit the road, but I'm not running

It's taking me a little longer than I expected to settle back into my writing schedule. Don't misunderstand, I'm in my writing space, at my desk every morning since Monday. Somehow though the mind is just not aligned to the heart. It happens. Its all part of the writing life. But I refuse to be discouraged or go the way of slacking off before I have tightened up my determination.

This is my January to-do list:

1. report on a couple books I've read.
2. stock up on a few articles and lots of topics for my column
3. draft, write and schedule posts for this and my Perspectives on Life blog
4. designate a particular day each week to devote to reading
5. Do my yearly old year review and new year planning. Read my article Anatomy of a New Year Ritual at Associated Content.

The month is still young so I am not fearful. I intend to get this tasks done before the end of January.

What about you? Have you hit the road running? I'd love to hear your story.

Writing retreat

For the next two days I'll be lost in my self-styled writing retreat in my own home. Yes you read that right - in my own home. Yes it can be done. But I can't talk about it right now. I have to go (:)

I'll tell you about it when I return/emerge/surface.

Byeeeeee.

A one-week sabbatical

I am taking my own advice and giving myself the gift of not just a one-day sabbatical but a one-week retreat from writing for my column and blogs. It’s been a while since I’ve been sensing a mild case of burnout. I am ready to admit it and take action to refuel, refresh and revive the dimming flame.

Now, don’t be surprised if you see me here before the week is out. Either way, please know that I’ll still be writing. I want to concentrate on writing by hand. It is a practice that nudges my heart and my creativity. However, sometimes I get so caught up in using my laptop that even though the practice calls me, I find it difficult to pull myself away to savor the simplicity and the pleasure of cradling a lovely pen between my fingers and dancing across the page with words that reflect my thoughts and my emotions.

Have you tried writing by hand lately? With the speed and versatility of the computer you probably view writing by hand as an ancient custom. But very often old customs hold a sort of pleasurable simplicity and freedom that new customs might lack. Try it. Try writing by hand at least once per week, just for a few minutes. Maybe it will become a regular practice that opens you heart in a new way and brings you the kind of pleasure it does for me.

I also have a few books to read as well as a folder of articles and reports on writers, writing and the writing life.

Two books I am especially excited about are:

(1) Writing from the Heart by Nancy Slonim Aronie. I'm three-quarters of the way through. Nancy taps my heart ever so gently but firmly with her writing. I have only been able to read one chapter at a time as each chapter highlights the similarity of our experiences. Then I need a week or two to grapple with how those experiences have shaped and continue to shape my writing. It is a soul-searching exercise reading through this book and I owe it to myself to take my time to understand and absorb every benefit I can from it and I owe it to Nancy for her bravery in exposing her life experiences and lessons, her heart and her passion for writing.

(2) The courage to Write by Ralph Keyes. I acquired this book only recently but I have long desired to own it. Snippets I've read over the years and comments by other writers have kept me intrigued and in a constant state of anticipation. Finally I have it and although I was tempted to devour it immediately. I felt it was to my benefit to leave it for a time when I can devote the undivided attention I believe it deserves.

So my cherished readers and friends enjoy the rest of 2008 and as long as God spares our lives, we will met here again in the New Year.

It's here and I can hardly wait.

The Courage to Write by Ralph Keyes arrived yesterday. I want to sit and absorb this book with undivided attention. So, I'll resist the urge to dive in now and wait until I've sent off the last of three articles I promised my editor.

She leaves for vacation on Friday 19th and wants three installments for my weekly column to leave with her assistant. I sent one on Sunday, the second yesterday and expect to submit number three on Wednesday.

That will leave me some much needed time for reading over the holidays and The Courage to Write is on top of that list.

Are you planning to catch up on some reading over the holidays? What books are on your list?

Saturday Soirée - Step back with a one day sabbatical

When I read that my friend Brenda Friedrich was taking some time off from blogging at Enroute 365, I understood immediately. She didn’t have to explain her reasons.

You see, several times this year I felt the urge to do the same. It was not because I was so overwhelmed with assignments or other writing commitments. Rather it was simply a case of feeling overwhelmed with my own expectations for my writing career. Sometimes I feel pressured to keep producing the kind of writing that readers and editors have come to expect. Every so often, I feel as if it is all too much and while the love and passion for writing itself remains strong, I struggle to maintain the discipline for the work involved.

I admit that I am too hard on myself sometimes. Sometimes the scope of my writing dreams that are yet to be realized scares me and when I am scared I freeze. And of course, when I freeze my enthusiasm wanes, my writing suffers and becomes more of a chore than a joy. Truth be told, I want to leave it all behind and head to a beach house for at least six months.

To make things worse that hated voice in my head jumps on the opportunity to bash me mercilessly.

“See, see, you’re no writer. You’re so easily overwhelmed.”

“You might as well quit while you’re ahead before everybody sees you crumbling under your fear of failure, fear of success and grand expectations.”

"Go; no one will miss you."

And on it goes.

Yet, I fight the pull to step back from the commitments that are on my plate. I’m kind of obsessive that way, if you can call it that. I hate the idea of giving up just because I am exhausted or overwhelmed.

Whenever I get to that point, I take a one day sabbatical. Yes that’s right – one day.

Here’s how it works:

I do not start my computer as soon as I awake in the morning. I give myself and all my attention to tasks and activities I enjoy at home. You might think that I’d run off to the mall, since it is one of my favourite things to do. But staying home, by myself and soaking in the silence and solitude is my ultimate pleasure.

It takes me an hour or two to dispel the guilty feelings, because after all, aren’t writers supposed to write every day?

After I have made sure that my home is clean, I take a ritualistic shower – letting the water rain on me for a long time until I begin to shiver. I dress in the most comfortable clothes and lounge on the couch to read with a cup of coffee.

I know that I have given myself over to this time when my eyelids begin to droop. So I put down the book I’m reading, pull up the nearby throw and give in to the call to sleep.

When I awake an hour or so later, I still resist turning on the computer or doing any writing whatsoever. Instead I prepare a meal, read some more, re-organize a shelf or a drawer, sew or bake, and watch television until it is time for bed.

Even as I drift off to sleep I think that maybe I should at least check my email. But still I resist because if God spares my life to see another day, there’ll be plenty of time for that. If He doesn’t, well, what would be the point?

The next day I awake refreshed, relaxed, de-stressed and rearing to get back to my commitments. More important, I can’t wait to begin writing again.

I believe that the time will come when I will have to take a longer sabbatical and much-deserved hiatus for the benefits my one –day practice doesn’t allow. In a sense I look forward to that. When that time comes, I doubt I’d resist at all. I’ll know deep down that it is best thing for me and my writing career and I’d be ready and willing and maybe even a bit excited to step away.

Do you ever feel that way? Have you ever longed to step away from the commitments on your writing plate?

You might say that you have not been writing long enough for that. That may be true, but even a one day sabbatical can work wonders for a beginning writer. Amidst all the excitement of those early days, confusion, overwhelm, doubt, fears and all manner of negativity can put a strain on your passion. So early on, allow yourself to step back even for one day. Don’t write. Do something else or do nothing at all.

Then, return next day to writing, the love and passion of your life.

More friends who are writers

Ready for another list of writers I've met online and who continue to inspire me with their writing, their faith, their perspectives on life in general and the writing life in particular?

Sarudzai Mubvakure
Valerie Young (Valerie wears many hats)
Joanne DeMaio
Melissa Donovan
Terri Tiffany
Darnelle

It's a new thing

I am not a quick writer. I mull over a topic, writing, tweaking, adding, deleting, and let's not talk about the number of breaks and fights with my procrastinating self and my inner critic. But by the grace of God, after several days of starts and stops and go-slows, I come to the end of my article. That's when a wave of dissatisfaction sweeps over me. I think that maybe this article isn't good enough, and before I know it, there is the new idea, a new topic. And within an hour or so, a new piece is born. Then, after revising and editing and listening a few times in TextAloud, I submit it.

At first I found this new writing process disconcerting. It threw me out of my comfort zone. But now after being through it a few times, I am beginning to look forward to that last-minute zap of inspiration. Its kind of refreshing really. Fun, spontaneous and a new kind of creativity that's brighten up my writing.

Still, I know better than to relax and think this is it, that this is the ideal situation of all time. I believe that it is the ideal situation for now, this period of my life. I believe that any day now, something new will emerge and bring with it excitement and new creativity to my life and my writing especially.

What new process has emerged in your writing, threw you for a loop and then reeled you in ever so gently until you can't remember life/writing without it?

Hoping for a writer's dream day

Yesterday was not as productive as I hoped. So today I'm on the ball earlier than usual. I'm reading 6.37 am.

Here's to a writer's dream day! I'll let you know how it goes.

Have a great day my friends.

On doing nothing

This post was saved as a draft in error on 25th September.


Yesterday was a public holiday here in Trinidad and Tobago - Republic Day. After I checked and cleared my inbox, I open three documents with topics I've been toying with for my column and before I could settle down to work, I was inspired to take the day off and take it easy. That means Food Network, Lifetime Movie Network and HGTV.

Now I can take time off from writing and putter in my garden, sew and busy myself cooking up a three course meal. Once I am busy doing something I enjoy, I don't feel tired. I don't feel as if I am wasting time and missing out on something. Maybe it is because, my mind and my body are in motion, thinking, planning, producing - active.

But laying down only produces a greater desire to lay down and my body just seems to freeze and my brain can't generate a productive thought after that. By the time I realized that this day off was going to last right up to bedtime, I simply couldn't bring myself back up to speed. It was way too late.

So there I stayed, sprawled out on the couch. Leftovers were the order of the day of course and by night time I was just one whole lump of guilt.

When I slid in under the covers after eleven last night, I chided myself for feeling guilty because I also know that sometimes, it does us good to do absolutely nothing. A lazy day once in a while is good. It's good to morph into a couch potato now and then and let the day roll by.

Moments after I drafted this post, I read Brenda's on Waiting at entroute365. Maybe my motivation for doing nothing yesterday was my mind tell me to lay low and wait.

Do you every have those days?

Writing during school vacation

I don't fight change; I welcome it if it will help me to be more productive, more disciplined, more focus and more passionate about achieving my writing goals.

The past two months I've been working with a new routine to accommodate my husband and son being home on vacation. Everything changes when school closes because they are teachers. And when they are home they are talkative and they clown around a lot. I have to contend with the television being on all day and they are up and down and back and forth, having a great time and enjoying their vacation.

Usually that kind of high energy distracts me and throws off my writing and at the end of the day, I feel guilty for not being as productive as I should have been. Strangely, that was not the case this vacation. Even before school closed, I altered my routine to accommodate the anticipated flurry of activity and it worked out quite well.

I didn't accomplish all that I planned but my To-Do list sports enough red ticks to make me proud of myself. I did very well, all things considered. I was able to ward of distractions and deal with interruptions without falling victim to them. I boosted my ability to find peace within when there was chaos without but talking myself into pushing a little harder and writing my way through the temptation to procrastinate.

From now one, I'll think twice about complaining about lack of time and interruptions. I can accomplish my writing goals with focus, discipline and a smart plan.

Were you able to achieve your writing goals during the school vacation? How?

Rethinking my many subscriptions

Wednesday 23rd July 2008

I've been rethinking my newsletter and blog subscriptions and I have already unsubscribed from a few. They are far too many if I want to beat my procrastination habit and give my writing the kind of attention it deserves.

Some days I start reading those that are in my box when I open it in the morning. Of course I follow many of the links they contain, taking me on an adventure too interesting to stop until I realize that I have strayed far from the initial topic. I hop on the ones that come in intermittently during the day and the next thing I know I have lost my most productive hours.

I find it extremely difficult to leave them for later in the day. I'm kind of obsessive that way. I'm a sucker for information about writing and any writing related topics. I can't say "NO!"

Deciding which subscription to keep and which ones to let go is hard. In fact it is a little heartbreaking. I've grown accustomed to them all and look forward to seeing them pop up in my inbox at their scheduled times.

I have had no Internet connection for more than a week. At first, I thought my days would be empty. You know, no "food" (newsletters and blog updates) to inform and nourish my mind and no snippets of inspiration to stir my heart. But my days have not been empty, bland or boring.

Instead, like a bird set free from its cage, I have been writing like I haven't in a very long time. It is as if I have been set free from my inbox. Without them before my eyes I can't remember half of those subscriptions I thought I couldn't live without. It took me all of two days to realize that I had been functioning with information overload. I can live with fewer subscriptions and when I have time I can always visit the sites and read the archives. And that's what I will do.

As soon as my Internet connection returns, I will begin a massive unsubscribing drive keeping for now, only those that address my immediate needs. Here's my game plan:

(1) I will make a list of all the newsletters and blog updates I receive.
(2) I will review each to determine which ones I will hold on to, in the following categories:
(a) improving non-fiction writing
(b) marketing
(c) inspirational
(3) I will unsubscribe from the rest.
(4) I will keep the list because I may decide to re-subscribe to some of them in the future, if they are still available.

Have you ever had to reassess your email subscriptions? I'd love to hear why it became necessary, how you selected which ones to keep, was the exercise successful and how you used the extra time to improve your writing.

No Internet connection

Written: Monday 21st July 2008

There has been not Internet connection at my home for 8 days and there is not indication from my provider when they will pinpoint the problem area and correct it. I feel lost in a way.

I visited an Internet cafe last Tuesday to send my article for my column. The condition of my inbox with unread message was so overwhelming I couldn't bring myself to deal with them.

In fact I stayed only long enough to email my submission. The whole experience felt weird. I felt awkward. I'm used to the comfort and privacy of using my computers at home. The Internet cafe was a few steps out of my comfort zone so I hi-tailed it out of there feeling like an idiot.

Since that day, I've been telling myself that I should go back and deal with my messages but I still haven't. It is bothering me but I suppose it is not bothering me enough for me to stop procrastinating and take action.

Secretly, I am hoping that the Internet connection will be restored and from the comfort and privacy of my own home, I can sort through the multitude of emails sitting in my inbox.

What am I doing in the meantime?

I'm working, writing. I've saved several drafts of posts of my blogs which I'll send when I can.

No Internet connection has not been a totally bad thing really. I've accomplished a great deal of writing that I've been avoiding for one reason or another and giving my attention checking email, reading newsletters and blogs and surfing.

Climbing the mountain, again

Don't you just want to dance when the day find you at your most productive self?

So far, today has been one of those days. WOO HOO!

I've been writing up a storm against the backdrop of a dark and gloomy rainy day. Yesterday's productivity wasn't too shabby either.

So what's my inspiration, those dark days with no music, no drums and no muse. They help to put things in perspective and crank up the passion.

Well, Rita, my muse is in the house and between the two of us, it's a writing party down in here.

It sure makes those valley days worthwhile, doesn't it?

Determined to write

A visit to the doctor on Sunday morning confirmed that I had a severe ear infection. Dutifully, I purchased the medication prescribed and headed home.

Today, there is no pain but the stuffy feeling lingers. My ear is constantly ringing and when I speak, it seems as if instead of going forth, my words are echoing back in my head. It's the weirdest thing I've ever experienced.

In my mind I am preparing for a life of diminished hearing. For now, I can hear pretty well. The only problem is that because of the echo, when I think I am speaking loudly enough for someone to hear, they tell me that my lips are moving but they don't hear a word.

It this persists, I'll visit the doctor again.

It is a bit of a struggle to concentrate on my writing, but I am determined with God's help to write.

From morning person to night-time writer

As a Christian, I believe that God orchestrates every event in my life and therefore nothing happens by chance. Nothing about me surprises God. But I surprise myself.

I have always maintained that I am the quintessential "morning person." In my former life as a customer service rep. I used to say that I would prefer to go to the office, hours earlier than to stay back after closing time. In fact, being able to go to the office two hours before it's official opening was what kept me sane during those years of a torturous commute and boring "sit-and-wait-for-customers-to-come-in-and-sell-them-something" work.

After twenty months of living the life of a fulltime freelance writer, I have moved into the realm of the night-time writer, and I don't know how it happened. I have said here before, that every time I settle into a comfortable writing routine, things change.

Most times one incident: a phone call, a visit, an unscheduled trip to the mall or any one of the normal life events, is the spoke that jolts my writing wheels. Initially, I don't view the interruption as a major set back with long range consequences. Yet, it is only after a few days have passed and writing is more of a chore than a choice, more of a pain that a passion, that I realize an interruption days before put me out of sync with my daily rhythm. This time though, there was no jarring realization that my usual routine was out of whack. It seems that I had slipped effortlessly into being an "night person."

This "writing in the evening" thing though, is quite the surprise. I'm just glad that it is an enjoyable and productive one at that. I've been writing up a storm. It's a new rhythm and the sound is smooth, effortless, and deeply inspiring. I never knew that I could do so much writing after dark. I am stock piling articles for my column and posting to my blogs more often than before. I 'm taking the time to post my work on content sites and tooting my own horn to boot. Imagine that! Maybe I am really a writer after all.

You know, I've been trying for months, maybe more than a year to control my night-time TV addiction, to no avail. I couldn't write at night; Law and Order or some intriguing Lifetime movie always beckoned. Yet, without warning or reason, I really don't give a hoot about what is going on in TV land when the sun goes down.

Last night, as I sat at my computer writing up a storm, my husband inquired when I would be coming to bed.

"It's after eleven, I didn't know it was so late. I don't know." And with that I continued churning out words until after 1.00 am. Still not sleepy, I decided to call it a night and disappeared under the covers. In the stillness of the first hour, ideas continued to rumble around in my head and dutifully, I reached for my notebook on the bedside table and recorded them.

Even while scribbling my disparaged thoughts I wondered if this was really me, ablaze with ideas at this hour with not a hint of sleep in sight. How did I just slide into this once unimagined night-time writing?

I'm not complaining. I believe that God is taking me somewhere with this. Of course I have no idea where. He alone knows and that means everything is as it should be, everything is moving along just as He planned. In His time, His perfect time, He will show me where and maybe even why.

Until then, I write.