[stylist] New writer's questions

[Brenda]

Hi Bridgit

I really enjoyed reading your post.  I will save it in my folder - I 
found it very practical and helpful.

brenda

On 9/21/2011 10:38 PM, Bridgit Pollpeter wrote:
> Jim,
>
> It's different for everyone, with a lot of factors contributing to each
> process. And sometimes it takes trial and error to discover the best
> process for yourself. In terms of process, I don't like to follow what
> others do as this is as varied and unique to the individual as the
> actual writing product is, but questions about technology or
> informational material or other such info is definitely something I seek
> out and find what others use for help.
>
> Since you ask, though, I'll offer what suggestions and advice I can.
>
> As a writer, what is your daily routine?
> For me, it depends on the day and what I'm working on. I don't always
> have time to work on a current project, or have another idea that's been
> solidifying, and I need to take time to work it out. Like some, I don't
> think it's necessary to write every day or if you don't it means
> something, like you're not a "real" writer. When I do hit on
> inspiration, I have to follow it through in the initial inspiration. If
> I can't do this, I wait until I have time to just sit and write until
> it's "out." As long as I keep ideas in my head, they literally stay
> contained until I can work on them.
>
> If you keep a journal, what do you use? I started a password protected
> Word document, since I share a computer. Is there a better way?
> I don't have to share a computer, so that isn't an issue. I have my
> laptop I work on and of course I back everything up on my flash drive. I
> keep saying I'm going to keep hard copies of work I like just in case,
> but I haven't done this yet. I also don't journal, but I do keep records
> of my ideas and anything I may want to use for a given idea.
> If you don't want others reading your entries, keeping a password lock
> on your documents is a good idea, but otherwise not necessary. As
> mentioned, I do all my work on the computer, which seems the most
> practical and logical thing if carrying a notebook and pencil isn't an
> option. I use a Netbook laptop, which is compact and light, perfect to
> lug around wherever I go; and it turns on and off quickly compared to
> other laptops, though all technology is reaching a faster turn on point.
> We have a desktop, two laptops and now my Netbook at home, but I only
> use my Netbook these days, and it was significantly cheaper than either
> laptop or the desktop. Not that you're in the market for a new computer,
> but just wanted to mention it.
>
> What reference materials on writing do you use, both online and offline?
> I refer to the Elements of Style by Strunk and White for writing rules,
> but I don't use other reference material except when researching
> publications. I do read a lot, which helps me craft my own material. I
> also just spent the last four years intensively studying and analyzing
> so give me a few and I may be more helpful in suggesting writing
> references! LOL
> Also, as a writing major, we didn't use too many writing textbooks. We
> read a lot of work by published authors and discussed, seeking style and
> composition and what worked and what didn't. And of course, we wrote and
> wrote and wrote. It's like anything- until you put theory into practice,
> you'll never know how good you are, or grow as a writer.
>
> If I only have a half hour a day to devote to moving forward in my
> writing explorations, what is the best use of my time?
> Again, this depends on how and when you work, and what your purpose is.
> If you have a deadline to meet, obviously your energies have to be spent
> catering to the deadline. If there's no deadline, but a project you're
> eager to continue with, you have to figure out the best management of
> your time as well. Try keeping pen and paper handy, and of course I use
> this loosely, could also be slate and stylus or even digital recorder or
> Victor Stream, so you can jot down notes and ideas. If you don't require
> much sleep, night is a good time to write since there aren't usually as
> many distractions, plus it's quiet at night. We all have different ways
> in which we can manage, and not all ways work for everyone. It amazes me
> that there are people who can crank out more than one full-length
> manuscript a year. That's dedication. It's what makes sense for you and
> what works.
>
> Ultimately, as long as you're writing, whether it be daily or not, it's
> good. I wouldn't suggest long breaks in between when you sit down to
> write and the next time, but don't feel bad if it's not a daily thing.
> If you wish to push past journaling especially if you want to submit for
> publication, you'll want to sharpen and develop what form you wish to
> publish in. Fiction- short story or novel? Nonfiction- personal essay
> and memoir? Or academic in nature, or technical? What is the purpose at
> the heart of any form you choose? These are important questions to
> consider, and you'll want to study work by practitioners in any given
> form to better understand how to craft your own work. One of the
> biggest, but difficult tasks is to have multiple people read your work,
> and be prepared for positive and negative feedback. Ultimately, it
> becomes what makes sense to readers. You can find yourself rewriting and
> editing pieces you personally like, but if readers don't get something
> or respond accordingly, a author has to consider if they've truly
> brought clarity and structure to their own writing.
>
> I hope some of this helps, but my point is that you do what you need to
> do. A lot of the writing process is based on what you do organically,
> what is natural for you. I use to hear about writers using detailed
> outlines and waking up everyday at the same time and writing for a
> specific number of hours a day, and I worrried that I wasn't a good
> enough writer because I didn't follow this type of process, but I
> realized how and when we write has no bearing on talent, ability and
> seriousness. That you're asking for how advice on the optimum process
> shows you're serious about writing even if you don't have all the time
> in the world for it.
>
> Good luck. It's not always easy, but in the end, reading your own work
> is a very satisfying feeling.
>
>
> Sincerely,
> Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
> Read my blog at:
> http://blogs.livewellnebraska.com/author/bpollpeter/
>
> "History is not what happened; history is what was written down."
> The Expected One- Kathleen McGowan
>
> Message: 20
> Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:51:49 -0400
> From: "Homme, James"<james.homme at highmark.com>
> To: Writer's Division Mailing List<stylist at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [stylist] New Writers Questions
> Message-ID:
> 	<AB5137F7193A8D49A42CA31303E3FDD57AC51CB0 at EXMB1.highmark.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> Hi,
> When you turn 50, things start going, so I forget if I said what my
> background is. I'm a computer geek, who has gone from being a very bad
> writer to getting better at it, so I joined this list to explore what it
> might be like to do freelance writing part time. As a former
> professional musician, I know what to do daily to maintain and grow in
> music, so Brenda's mention of a journal prompted me to ask this series
> of questions.
>
> As a writer, what is your daily routine?
>
> If you keep a journal, what do you use? I started a password protected
> Word document, since I share a computer. Is there a better way?
>
> What reference materials on writing do you use, both online and offline?
>
> If I only have a half hour a day to devote to moving forward in my
> writing explorations, what is the best use of my time?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Jim
>
> Jim Homme,
> Usability Services,
> Phone: 412-544-1810.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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