Michele Tracy Berger's Blog, page 55

Affirmations-366Days#58

Affirmations-366Days#58: My breath is a guidepost during my writing sessions. It reveals rhythms in my body and on the page.

For new readers, here’s why I’m committing to writing affirmations, about the creative process, during the next 366 days.

When Readers Give You Clues About What to Write & Affirmations-366Days#57

Affirmations-366Days#57: I pay close attention to what readers tell me they love about my work. I follow these clues.

For new readers, here’s why I’m committing to writing affirmations, about the creative process, during the next 366 days.

People who love our work give us clues about what to write more of. Today I was in the gym and saw a writing acquaintance who I hadn’t seen in several months. Many years ago, we had been in the same prompt writing group started by one of my writing teachers, Marjorie Hudson. I loved her writing. In her writing, she mostly drew on her multifaceted experiences being a neonatal nurse for over thirty years. She didn’t consider herself a writer and despite our urging, in the end, decided to write mostly for her family.

She asked me what I was working on and I told her I was polishing a collection of short fiction and sending out more of my poetry. She said, “And you are writing a memoir, too, right?” I really haven’t written any creative non-fiction in some time. Then she said, “Have you done anything with that piece, ‘She Saved Me Once and I Tried to Save Her Twice’?” I was shocked that she remembered the name of this short piece, written now over five years ago, that I brought to class and read. It was the beginning of the story of how my mother saved my life and how I tried to save her life twice. A look of surprise crossed my face and I said something like, “I can’t believe you remember that.” And she looked me straight in the eye and said, “Of course I do; it was earth-shattering, honest, and unforgettable.” She held my gaze for a few moments. Wow! I told her that I had explored snippets of my mother and daughter journey in a brief essay I wrote for the book A Letter to My Mom that was published last year. I periodically think about writing that memoir, but it often goes on the back burner.

Different projects need different rhythms and complex levels of investment from us. So, I probably am not going to drop all my other projects to take up this one right now. But, on the other hand, I found her feedback to be so valuable and affirming. I also miss writing creative nonfiction now that I am not writing a monthly column anymore. And, people loved my columns. Sometimes I think we as writers are not always the best judges of what we should work on. It’s good to get direct feedback from people who enjoy our work. That can lead us in new directions, or back to cherished but languishing projects.

 

Have you received feedback from an enthusiastic reader that made you reconsider a past project or even writing into another genre?

Affirmations-366Days#56

Affirmations-366Days#56: I affirm that writing is at the center of my life. I find creative ways to fit everything else around it.

For new readers, here’s why I’m committing to writing affirmations, about the creative process, during the next 366 days.

Affirmations-366Days#55

Affirmations-366Days#55: I summon courage and fortitude every day as I sit down to face the blank page and write.

For new readers, here’s why I’m committing to writing affirmations, about the creative process, during the next 366 days.

Affirmations-366Days#54

Affirmations-366Days#54: I always find creative ways to make sure my writing groove does not turn into a writing grind.

For new readers, here’s why I’m committing to writing affirmations, about the creative process, during the next 366 days.

Affirmations-366Days#53

Affirmations-366Days#53: I create fun rituals to take the sting out of receiving rejection letters for my writing.

For new readers, here’s why I’m committing to writing affirmations, about the creative process, during the next 366 days.

Affirmations-366Days#52

Affirmations-366Days#52: I stop waiting for permission and authority from others to call myself a writer. I joyfully claim my writing life.

For new readers, here’s why I’m committing to writing affirmations, about the creative process, during the next 366 days.

Affrimations-366Days#52

Affirmations-366Days#52: I stop waiting for permission and authority from others to call myself a writer. I joyfully claim my writing life.

For new readers, here’s why I’m committing to writing affirmations, about the creative process, during the next 366 days.

Affirmations-366Days#51

Affirmations-366Days#51: I enjoy sharing my work with new audiences. I gratefully participate in open mics.

For new readers, here’s why I’m committing to writing affirmations, about the creative process, during the next 366 days.

Affirmations-366Days#50

Affirmations-366Days#50: When I sit down to write, my focus is so concentrated, I create a mental force field that repels distractions and inner critics.

For new readers, here’s why I’m committing to writing affirmations, about the creative process, during the next 366 days.