Try This: Morning Read & Write
What's your writing routine?
Influenced by Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way, years ago I wrote Morning Pages — a freewwrite filling two full pages, every morning. Most days the pages filled fast, and I started the day doing what I do best and enjoy most: writing.
Poet Molly Spencer, who shares details of her writing life at The Stanza, recently shared with me her writing routine:
What I always do, no matter what, is what I call my morning reading and writing. I read someone else's work, then write something, anything. It's usually junk, but sometimes a jewel finds its way onto the paper. And even the junk feels like an accomplishment because it's writing.
I like this idea because it establishes a time and place for writing. In doing the same thing everyday, I am making an appointment and declaring the importance of writing in my life. And in reading the work of others, I am prepping my write mind.
With Molly's nudge, this morning I read Facts About the Moon, poems by Dorianne Laux, and then wrote fast and fevered, without thinking. What a great way to start the day! I was reminded how powerful morning writing can be. Reading and writing first thing sets a tone and pace for everything that follows.
Try a Morning Read & Write, and let me know how it goes for you.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 8:46AM
Reader Comments (2)
I keep meaning to do some variation on morning pages. And then I realize that I'd have to start waking up when it's still dark out (thanks to the day job that starts at 8 a.m. and requires a commute). And no matter how early I go to bed, nothing makes me more miserable than waking up when it's still dark. Even if I've had a full eight hours of sleep, without the sunrise, I'm groggy and grumpy and crabby and hate everything. I'm just not a before-sun person.
I take comfort in the fact that I have a regular practice that works for me and the place my life is in right now. Someday, morning pages will be a part of my practice. It's just not happening right this second.
Allyson,
You bring up a great point: finding a practice that works for you.
My writing routine ebbs and flows, and I've learned to trust that I will find the time and pace that is right for me in the various seasons of my life. Sounds like you have your own rhythm and understand what works best for you.
Write on.