Why You Need a Writing Practice

A writing practice can be the backbone of your writing life, and yet, many writers don’t have one.  As writers we often feel that our writing must take a form, such as a short story or novel.  We believe if we are not writing with a goal in mind, we are wasting time.  Too often we write only with an eye on
publication.


 We forget that in addition to our goals, whether they be to write books, articles, short stories or screenplays, we need a safe place in which to play, explore and daydream.  A writing practice can be such a place. Just as artists have their sketchbooks, we need a place, with no critics, where we can doodle with words and dance with our imagination.  This space, away from our ‘real’ writing is what feeds us.  It inspires us and lets us know what is currently important to us, what needs to be said.  
 
There are as many different kinds of writing practices as there are writers.  Over the years I have
used Natalie Goldberg’s version, found in her book, “Writing Down the Bones.”  I’ve also done “Morning Pages,” Julia Cameron’s version of writing practice from her book, “The Artist’s Way.”  And
I have developed my own writing practice which I call, “Ink Meditation.”

Ink meditation is simple.  To start, grab a notebook and pen.  Get silent and simply come aware of what is happening in this moment. Then begin describing it using as many of your five senses as you can.  See, hear, smell, touch and taste whatever is happening.  When I do ink meditation it may be just a paragraph, or it may go on for pages, but it is always rich and vivid.  I try to capture the moment fully and deeply.  I offer no opinions about it.  

Here is a short example:

“Beyond the window is the night.  Below, the smell of rain drifts up from the pavement, above is the distant rumble of an airplane.  Red tail lights drive away, passing in and out of the orange circles cast
by the streetlamps.  Everyone has somewhere to go but me.”

Ink meditation is my way of grounding myself, of rooting down in the moment.  It is also a drama
free way of writing.  For me too much journaling can bring out my inner whiner more than I like. 
Ink meditation also keeps me present.  A certain style of writing prompt pulls me back into the past too much, which doesn’t work for my creativity, I have noticed. 

This is why it is good to try different methods on your way to developing your own writing practice.  You will discover what works for you, and what doesn’t, and ultimately it will lead to your own version of writing practice that best serves you and your Muse.  

I think the most important reason for developing a writing practice is that it builds confidence. 
Daily writing makes you feel like a writer.  It will allow you to grow more comfortable in your writerly skin.  Through it you will become better at translating the world into words.  

Also building a regular writing practice opens a place inside yourself for ideas and stories to take root and grow.  Then, when a story demands to be formed on the page and birthed into the
world you will know you are a writer and are up to the task.