An end to writer’s block?

I know, I know, this blog is evidence of my literary constipation. What can I say? I’ve been busy. Uninspired. Really happy. All of the above.

I’m taking this writing class through the Poynter Institute’s News University, which offers a huge variety of online courses about all things journalism (writing, editing, podcasting, photography, headlines, captions, etc.). My editor agreed to pay the $400 course fee, so I really want to get a lot out of the experience, share it with my colleagues and feel stronger for pumping some journalistic iron.

This afternoon I completed a 5-part exercise that helps us focus our stories. The thinking is that if you can’t succinctly answer — what’s the story really about? Why does it matter? — then you can’t possibly craft a compelling, informative or engaging story, regardless of how interesting or strange the subject matter.
So we had to do these really tough writing exercises today in which we were allotted 20-30 seconds for each of a series of 5 questions. No rewrites or second guessing. Just unrefined thoughts. 

This is really difficult for me because I’m a methodical writer. I write a sentence, then I reread the sentence, then I rewrite the sentence, then I write another one and repeat the process. It can be excruciating when I’m not in the mood to write (but have to since I have no choice in this field of work). But when I am in the mood to write, I love the picking and choosing that accompanies my writing process. I love asking myself: What is the best word? Can I find a better word? Yes! And I love how that tweak can transform a sentence.

In this writing class, however, the teacher wants us to practice freewriting, a process by which we lower our standards and simply write. No spell check. No deleting. No rereading and rewriting. No excuses. Just write, write, write. He told us in a podcast that “reporters are often surprised at their raw eloquence.” The idea is that if you lower your standards (at first) you silence your inner critic, thereby allowing yourself to flourish as a writer.

I’ve decided that, starting July 1, I will blog everyday I have computer access (some upcoming travels will find me totally unplugged) and I will write these entries by freewriting for 20 minutes at a time. I'm even going to time myself. 

I need to do this for a few reasons. One, I have been such a slacker here at Reconstructing Stacey and want to reconnect with my blog’s voice; two, I need extra non-work writing practice to grease the wheels of my new writing bike; and three, it sounds fun. And really hard. Diligence is not my color.

Beginning tomorrow, the words you read here might feel a bit rough around the edges. Please pardon the construction.

Comments

[Claire]

It sounds hard and fun and I can't wait. I'm so selfish that way. Miss you!