Is There Ever Enough Time to Write?
That depends on
what you believe. Try this simple but effective
writing exercise to uncover what you really believe
about time in your life, and re-create your
relationship with it. It may not turn into a love
affair, but you might just learn to get along.
Time Is… A Writing Exercise
1.
Don’t wait to
find 20 minutes for this exercise. Take it. Set it
aside. And use it just for you.
2.
Grab your
notebook and a pen and write ‘Time is…’ at the top
of a page.
3.
Write 1 through
15 down the side of the page.
4.
Now finish the
sentence at the top for each number. Don’t think,
just write. The kids will be fine, I promise. The
phone doesn’t have to be answered if it should
ring. It’s OK for you to focus on this for just 20
minutes. This is your time. If you should
be interrupted, use that time to allow your mind to
mull over a few more answers so that you’re ready
when you come back.
5.
If you make it to
15 and still have ideas coming easily, keep going.
Go until you’ve done at least 5 responses after
it became difficult to think of anything. Why?
Because this is where your deepest beliefs are
hidden, waiting for the opportunity to share
themselves with you if you’re willing to give them a
place on your page.
6.
Once you have
your list, get up and walk away for a minute or two
and take a deep breath. Then come back and read
through it. Do you see any themes? How many are
supportive? How many might be hindering you? Take
notes on what you notice.
7.
Now, for every
belief that may be hindering you, re-write it in a
positive way that’s still believable to you. For
example, ‘Time is scarce’ may become, ‘Time is
precious and valuable.’ You may find yourself
wanting to repeat statements, that’s OK.
8.
Re-write or type
your new list and put it somewhere prominent. You
may want to print it on special paper or add
pictures to it. Read it daily and share your
experiences with me on my forum at (http://www.forum.novelwritermagazine.com/forum34/).
