⭐️ How to Write in the Junkyard
Hello, dear writer,
Something I say a lot is that “when we write, we change the world, one word at a time.”
Sure, Rachael.
It sounds nice, but what if our words aren’t out in the world yet? We’re still working on craft, trying to find the time, hoping someday we’ll be published. We’re wishing for the light at the end of the tunnel, but…what if we’re in the wrong tunnel? Maybe even in the wrong mountain? What if that train we’re hoping for isn’t coming?
My words aren’t changing the world, Rachael, because no one can read them. What if no one EVER reads my work?
First, they will read your work.
Because you are stubborn and you are brave and you refuse to give up.
Writers are not published because they’re “good enough” or because they’re “worthy” (have you seen some of the books out there)?
Writers are published because they keep learning their craft and because writers are more stubborn than anyone else. When you’re published, yes, you will change lives with your words.
Second: You make the world a better place every time you write.
Period. Frankly, this is a much bigger deal.
When I don’t write, I’m such an asshole. My wife can almost tell to the hour how long it’s been since I last wrote (and I never appreciate her suggestion that I should go write and stop grumbling all over the house).
I’m an asshole when I don’t write because, in order to avoid myself, I desperately try to blame the whole world for me not writing. It’s too hot, it’s too cold, I’m too tired, I’m so anxious, my back hurts, Lala’s game is too loud, the dog is too bouncy, I have too many other things I need to get done.
When I do write, the whole world gets easier to live in.
Huh—it’s almost as if it was my problem all along!
I have patience again. I laugh easily. I can (and want to) help others. I can rest.
If I’ve written before I interact with the world in any way at all (in traffic, in meetings, over the dinner table), instead of being a short-tempered rusty fusebox ready to overload and blow, I’m kind of fabulous.
Having written (having done the work of my heart), I sparkle. Instead of dulling the world’s shine, I make it a better place by being in it.
No matter what, you affect the world by living in it, sending out ripples all the time. So, simply by writing, you make the world a better place, one word at a time. Even before your actual words reach another person. Isn’t that lovely?
But LORD, it’s hard to actually do the writing, isn’t it?
It’s, like, the hardest part of writing. Just showing up and doing a little bit of writing. If you struggle with this, that just means you’re a writer!
Something that might help:
Writing in the Junkyard - Online Retreat
(Do keep reading, even if you can’t make it, ‘cause I’ve got plans!)
Let’s write together in the junkyards of our very busy and cluttered lives.
All the details are HERE.
Friday, May 24, 5pm - 7pm PT (8pm - 10pm ET) - 2 hours
Saturday, May 25, 10am - 4pm PT (1pm - 7pm ET) - 6 hours with a break
Sunday, May 26, 11am - 12pm PT (2pm - 3pm ET) - 1 hour
This is for you:
If you’re looking to find the sparkle in your writer self again!
If you want to practice writing through the normal clutter and detritus of life.
If you want to work on your project (even if it’s been a while) or get started on a new one!
Early bird pricing ends this Sunday! All the details are here.
Scholarships: If you identify as BIPOC or LGBTQIA+, I’d love you to apply here!
If You Can’t Attend the Retreat
That’s okay. I know it’s hard to find the time and money to do something like this, so I’m going to send out a few emails before the retreat talking about writing in your very own junkyard. There will also be a few challenges for you, should you choose to play!
When you write, you’re a better person.
When I write, I’m less of a dickhead.
That means I have to write in this life, the one that’s full of ALL the other things that aren’t writing.
It’s hard (but awesome). Let’s do this together.
❤️
Rachael