The Write Arsenal
by Barbara Shepherd
1. Remember to Smile
With Palm Sunday on the horizon, I’m reminded of this story:
Because of a fever and a sore throat, five-year-old Johnny stayed home from church with a sitter. When his family returned home, they carried several palm branches. When Johnny asked them what the branches were for, his mother said, "People held the branches over Jesus' head as He walked by." Johnny placed his hands on his hips and said, "Wouldn't you know it? The one Sunday I don't go, He shows up!"
2. Don’t Stress Out
Invest in a good calendar or date book – and use it. Note conferences, workshops, retreats, writers’ club meetings, deadline dates for contest entries, etc. Keep a separate spreadsheet or (table) document and record submissions to agents and/or editors. Follow up with them when an appropriate time has elapsed. Keep writing on other projects while you wait for responses.
3. Volunteer
Even when you’ve committed to a project, you can find time to volunteer for one of your writing groups, your church, etc. Try to limit how many times you raise your hand and say, “I’ll do that.” But, don’t isolate yourself. Writing is a solitary profession, however no one writes 24 hours per day. Learn from others, and remember to pay it forward to help those who may be following you.
4. Writing Prompt
Use a prompt as a warm-up exercise. Write for five minutes without stopping.
Use this phrase:
“. . . there’s no mystery about It … “
Happy writing to you!