Your step-by-step suggestion here is so smart, Graham. So practical. Thank you. I am acutely aware of the major lie I tell myself. Were I to look directly into the mirror right this minute, and not lie, I would say with total honesty, "I will always remain sophomoric in my writing if I don't make time for self-reflection. I need to quit playing around and write much more thoughtfully than I do." I have written a few true sentences, and I recognize them immediately. They rise to the top, like cream in a bottle.
And glad that you've found some of your true sentences. It can be a tough battle (I know all too well!). But as you've seen, it's worth the digging. At least I think so!
This reminds me of what my shrink told me to do to get a handle on my anxiety attacks. He said: "write what you feel when you're in the middle of one of these crises". I guess that's the most 'true' writing I've ever done (and I'm not being sarcastic here). By the way, the method works.
It's just occurring to me that I've heard about gratitude journals and morning pages helping writers -- and I imagine it's a similar enough exercise to help find those authentic thoughts.
I've never tried it myself, but I am inclined to try now!
Your step-by-step suggestion here is so smart, Graham. So practical. Thank you. I am acutely aware of the major lie I tell myself. Were I to look directly into the mirror right this minute, and not lie, I would say with total honesty, "I will always remain sophomoric in my writing if I don't make time for self-reflection. I need to quit playing around and write much more thoughtfully than I do." I have written a few true sentences, and I recognize them immediately. They rise to the top, like cream in a bottle.
Thanks Sharron - glad you found it helpful!
And glad that you've found some of your true sentences. It can be a tough battle (I know all too well!). But as you've seen, it's worth the digging. At least I think so!
This reminds me of what my shrink told me to do to get a handle on my anxiety attacks. He said: "write what you feel when you're in the middle of one of these crises". I guess that's the most 'true' writing I've ever done (and I'm not being sarcastic here). By the way, the method works.
Oh, there you go!
It's just occurring to me that I've heard about gratitude journals and morning pages helping writers -- and I imagine it's a similar enough exercise to help find those authentic thoughts.
I've never tried it myself, but I am inclined to try now!