“In writing, habit seems to be a much stronger force than either willpower or inspiration.”

John Steinbeck

The term “habit” likely conjures up negativity in your mind. When we speak of habits, we often refer to things that need “broken,” or removed, from our lives.

But what about good habits? I enjoy writing to the point that I want it to be as much a part of my life as breathing – something that is second nature to me, something I do without thought.

The writing class I took in November helped make writing a bigger part of my life. Along with the benefits of learning more about grammar, writing, and publishing, the class made me aware I needed to practice writing every moment I am able. As a requirement of the class, we had to write for at least thirty minutes on three separate occasions each week.

Fellow Untold Story, if you are anything like I was prior to this class, you simply do not desire to write unless you have ample time, perhaps an entire day, to commit to it. But being pushed to craft in smaller increments of time taught me that I can squeeze in writing, even if I only have a few minutes to spare.

Enjoyment in writing can help me actively avoid the fears and uncertainties that crop up along the way and give me courage to write more habitually. In order to do this, I make a space pleasant to write in, even if it only means that I choose a clean room because I thrive in a neat environment. I use a nice notebook and pen or my tablet – instruments I am familiar with and appreciate. But proceed with caution, fellow Untold Story, lest your interest in the objects themselves carry you away from your writing – we tend to be so fickle toward our art!

An aspect I have not fully delved into and one which makes me nervous is gaining connections that will hold me accountable to this habit. I feel vulnerable sharing my stories for others to critique; and I would rather spend my spare time writing, not reviewing other’s works (please forgive my selfishness, fellow Untold Story). But during the writing class, Dr. Fields said being in an environment where you learn to critique other’s works can actually help your own writing; and will, of course, give satisfaction that you have helped someone else in pursuing their own journey of writing!

I feel it important that I think about writing during the times I cannot write. Do you ever find yourself seated on the couch, your thoughts a thousand miles away as you watch your characters moving through the situations you have created for them – figuring out how Dahlia is going to tell her best friend Cassie that she has fallen for the man Cassie loves; or how two young people are going to cultivate a budding friendship and romance over a single summer that will prompt life-changing events for both? Forming characters and creating plotlines will continually prepare my mind for writing.

Reading bolsters my developing habit. Not only do I have the pleasure of walking the path of another, but I find ideas come to mind so much more easily when I have been delving into the great works of renowned authors.

I want to continue to develop this habit of writing, so I need to practice. Admittedly, the holidays have made this difficult. But we must not get discouraged, fellow Untold Story, when life puts a pause on our writing. Rest assured times of barren desert in your journey are not for nothing. Your character is being built and refined every day, and that will be seen in your writing.

Musingly,

J. R. Brierley