Always Having a Topic to Write About

You know those days when you wake up pumped to get your ideas moving across the page? You're in your favorite spot with a fresh cup of coffee and fingers ready to work, but then your mind feels sleepy and you can't find the ideas you were hoping for. You are not alone. For those lonely, stuck mornings, I have a suggestion to offer.

Make it a goal to come up with at least 3 different topics each day to write about. Start in the morning as you lie in bed. Think as you drive around in your car throughout the day. Take time on your break at your job to ponder and even write some ideas down. The point is to consciously work your brain every day to generate new ideas.

Now, let me tell you, a lot of your ideas are going to be rubbish, but that is okay. Write through it. You are teaching your brain to get to a point where it subconsciously identifies topics throughout the day. If you are able to automate this task and get rid of the stress known as 'writer's block,' you have achieved success.

One way to begin coming up with some of these topics is to use your surroundings as inspiration. I recently read On Writing by Stephen King (a book I highly suggest). He inspired me to use situations or words that I hear as an avenue to mentally snatch the stories that these moments and words lead to. For example, one morning while at the beach, I woke up early, stood on the balcony, and looking at the few people walking along the sand. One man and his Yorkie caught my attention. I watched them as they made their way across the beach for their morning walk. The Yorkie, off leash and walking at a far distance from its owner, sniffed and ran as it pleased. The owner seemed calm and not at all worried about his Yorkie running away from him. This sighting got me thinking about this pair’s story. For the past five years, the walk took place every morning for this man and his Yorkie. The man moved to this beach 11 years ago after his wife became sick. She wanted to live out her days near the ocean: her favorite place in the world. He lost her after living here for only 2 years, but he stayed because he couldn't bear to give up the place where the memory of his wife was strongest. After a few years of what he considered to be his darkest days, he knew he needed a companion. When he was offered a Yorkie pup, he jumped at the offer. His morning walks were calming - the most peaceful part of his day.

I realize this may not be the most compelling story, yet I could work on it and develop this concept into something that may inspire a character or begin a plot. Either way, I am using my surroundings as an avenue to create a story.                                                                                                                                                                 My current goal is to come up with 1 or 2 novella topics and 1 blog topic each and every day. As I try this tactic out, join me and let me know how purposefully generating ideas works for you. What are other ways you come up with new and fresh topics each time you sit down to write? I would love to hear from you and try out your ideas.

Writers Write When They are Uninspired

That feeling when you have a blank document on your screen, trying to figure out what you have to say, but coming up with nothing can be disheartening. It’s easy, at that point, to shut the screen back down and waste time doing other things, which is stopping you from reaching your goals. Sometimes I feel as if I have nothing left to say on a topic; that it is closed and done. Normally, this thought comes very prematurely and there is clearly much more I have to express on a subject, but my mind feels empty and the words are not flowing. These are the moments that will make or break you as a writer. I am reminded of something that I have heard in the past year more than once: A true writer writes, not just when they are inspired, but also when they are uninspired. A true writer writes everyday. This is neither to say that it is easy, nor that you will always easily find the words to write, nor that everything you write everyday will be spectacular and publishing worthy. However, as you dedicate part of every day to your love of writing (even on the days you don’t think you love it), and push yourself to dig deep and continuously create, I believe you will become a stronger writer, create incredible work you never thought possible and live out your dream rather than just dreaming of your dream. 

Create goals for yourself each day. Your goals can be different for each day of the week or month. For some people, the goal of writing a certain amount of words every day gives them motivation. Others like to schedule a certain amount of time each day. Yet, others like to set goals of writing out a complete blog post, poem, or short in one sitting. Choose what works for you, even if that means switching up between these different styles throughout the week. Get creative with how you get your writing done, whatever works the best for you. There is no need to try and follow some conventional way of a writing process to get your thoughts written out each day. Write the way that suits you; sit down, stand up, lie down or walk (you get my point) and get to writing in your own way and style. 

I am currently writing each day with the goal in mind to complete a blog entry or a section of a short story I am writing. For some, the thought of having to stay at your computer writing until an entire blog or chapter of a story is written can be daunting, but for me, right now, it is what motivates me and makes me feel fulfilled and happy with myself at the end of each writing session. I expect my style or drive to continuously change, especially depending on what I am writing, but for now this goal of writing a complete piece is working for me. I urge you to set some of these goals (not limited to what I have come up with) and meet each goal. If something didn’t jive well with you and hindered your writing time, then leave it behind. Take what works, apply it and create a more efficient and stronger writing experience for yourself each and every day. 

I would love to know where you like writing, how you write, and what goals you set for yourself, as well as any other interesting aspects of your writing sessions you would like to share with me. Leave a comment here or email me directly at rachelannesaylor@gmail.com. I love hearing from others and maybe even trying out your style or suggestions.

Hoarding Dreams

I am a hoarder of dreams. Skepticism drives my hoarding, and vulnerability is avoided, especially with those whom I do not know well. Writing about writing (my dream), however, for anyone to see, is breaking that wall down and let me tell you, it is liberating.

There are a few reasons why I don't normally enjoy sharing my hopes and dreams. One is that I am sensitive to the way people may respond to something I hold dear. If their response is, "Well, you realize many other people have that same desire and don't make it that big," or  "You know, you're not the strongest writer,"  then I take it personally and shut down. So yes, this is a bit of a defense mechanism; but no, I don't think it's a bad idea to guard your dreams. My mom used to always tell me to guard my heart, and that is exactly what I will continue to do.

Secondly, there is something deep within me that tells me that if I say to someone, "I'm going to live in France one day," or "I'm going to complete college in three years instead of four," or "I'm going to run a half marathon," (all are phrases I did, in fact, say and achieve) that it is compulsory that I follow through with my word. I must make it happen. Realizing this is a touch silly, I also feel strongly about meaning what I say. I see someone's word as a promise. If there is one thing I really can't stand, it is someone who spouts off empty promises. This commitment to the spoken word is the reason I don't carelessly throw out goals that I have; otherwise, I would feel the pressure to complete them.

Surprising people gives me great pleasure, which is another reason that I do not talk about my future plans. When I do finally tell people about something I am doing just before they take place, they respond in shock. Eyebrows raise, and I hear, "I just wouldn't have expected that of you." Why don't they expect it? Simply because I don't showcase myself for others. I am not an open book, pun intended, but I like it that way. Since I am now writing openly, however, I am becoming a little less like that closed book, at least to those who venture to read this.

I admire those who can so easily allow themselves to become vulnerable with others and share their dreams openly, and I understand the strength and beauty in that ability, but I also understand that I don't tick that way and in order for me to be most successful, with the least amount of casualties, I need to keep on keepin’ on with guarding my heart. With that said, I also want to grow and learn from those who have such a natural ability to share. I want to have that gift to just be open and free to be myself around each person I encounter. This blog is the place I can begin to explore this idea of getting real, being me, and, hopefully, giving some insight or at least comfort to those who feel similarly.

My last word on this subject, which I am clearly conflicted about at this time of my life, is that there is a magical beauty in sharing these dreams with those I trust and love. Their encouragement pushes me and gives me the strength to believe in myself and make my dreams a reality. Please, share your own dreams with those you are closest and love dearly. It will propel you forward and give you confidence.