Elemental Writing and Insecure Writing #IWSG

Today’s post comes as a response to a prompt from the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. Congrats to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group – the website was added to the Write Life’s 100 Best Websites for Writers 2017!  #IWSG

Oh, and if you’re an insecure writer like me…join the group!

Prompt: What is one valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started writing?

So. Many. Lessons.

But the biggest, most valuable thing that would be kryptonite to Superman?

It’s simple, and yet the hardest thing in the world to actually do: write.

I mean Write.

Write like it’s your last day on Earth and the only thing that you will leave behind is the thing you’re working on right now.

Write like the wind – be deft of hand on the surface, but carve canyons when necessary. When I think of wind, I think of the deserts in the south – vast wind and water-cut plateaus and stunning scenery. What if you were the wind? How would you write?

Meckimac / Wikipedia

Write like water – be an essential tool in everything. Theoretically, the human body is made up of 50-65% water (chemistry.about.com) – so be the refreshing source of life! One of the things NASA looks for when searching the stars is water…because humans can’t live without it. (Cool article: Follow the Water). When I think of water, I think of snorkeling in Hawaii…I think of floating and looking down and seeing a whole new world – one I never would have seen if I hadn’t stopped and dove in. If you were water, how would you write?

Darlene Reilley 2017

Write like fire. One of my favorite ideas is the movement from the ember of an idea to the campfire that is its totality. Write like your fingers are on fire! This is intense, love, blessed stuff you’re doing – so put your heart and soul into it. When I’m really in the writing zone in my writing cave, I write like fire. I could go on and on without stopping for food or drink or breaks and unless I’m interrupted by a dog, a human, or a timer, I will. How would you write if you were fire?

Darlene Reilley 2017

Write like a stone. If you think about it, one of the best things we have is ground. Without it we can’t grow anything. Yes, the sun is ultimate, but without dirt, the guy in Andy Weir’s The Martian wouldn’t have had potatoes at all. Talk about insecurities. What kind of stone would you be? Beach stone? Volcanic rock? High-desert dirt? How would you write if you were a stone?

Darlene Reilley 2017

There is this myth that all writers are secure and they know they are the bomb…and that’s totally false – every writer I’ve ever met from bestselling authors to the latest middle-school scribbler have insecurities. I think a healthy dose of insecurity is necessary to make you want to level up your craft and sit your butt in the chair and write.

Don’t you?

I’m pretty sure there are tons of cool writers out there who are like me – thoroughly in love with writing and wanting to talk about it.

Feel free to chat here, on social media, or contact me. I respond to all mail.

Write on,

Darlene

P.S. Have you followed DarWrites? Are you a friend on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter? Come and join in! I love hanging out with writer friends! I share all kinds of inspiring talks.

P.P.S. The Anthropology & Archaeology Workbook is coming along well – stay tuned for an announcement of release date!