Category Archives: amwriting

December 3, 2021 · 9:39 am

22 Ideas To Fill a Writing Notebook

Now’s the ideal time to unwrap one of those notebooks you’ve been hoarding because it’s “too nice to use” and start filling it up. They look even better when they’re being used. Or just grab a cheap composition book from the drugstore. I’ve discussed the importance and value of keeping a notebook in a previous post, so I’ve compiled a list of ideas to do just that.

I personally don’t like having multiple notebooks going at the same time, so I just throw everything together and use one at a time. It makes for good reading and inspiration when the well is running dry (or I’m procrastinating), and I always find a surprise or two along the way that I had forgotten about. It also gives me insight into what I was doing and thinking about during that time span. Some people like different notebooks for different subjects or use index tabs to keep things separate. Others like Travellers Notebooks, where you can use multiple inserts and band them all together. Whatever is comfortable for you and makes it as easy as possible for you to write things down.

1. Quotes. I collect quotes from books I’m reading, websites, blogs, social media, TV shows, signs, podcasts, and pretty much everywhere. Just remember to note who it’s from and where you found it. A favorite quote is also a great way to break the ice and use it on the first page.

2. Books I’ve Read. Helps me make sure I’m doing enough reading, and I then add a 2-3 sentence summary and a rating of 1-5 stars.

3. Books I Want to Read. I always keep several books stacked up on hand, and this list makes sure there is no lag in reading material.

4. To-Do Lists. Current lists, soon, and someday.

5. Journal. You can make these entries as long or as short as you like. Even a simple sentence summing up the day. These help me keep track of my days, my work, my life, and my goals. I try and do a short paragraph on average 6 days a week at the end of the day. Some days I ramble on, some days it’s just a sentence. Even just a weekly summary will show you where you’ve been and what you’ve been up to.

6. Ideas for blog posts, articles, and books. I may think it’s the best idea I’ve ever had, but if I don’t write it down there is little to no chance of remembering exactly what it was. I’ll remember part of it, but not that perfect combination of words.

7. Every single dumb idea that pops into your head. Inventions, book titles, movie pitches, fan fiction…You can decide later whether it really is dumb or worth exploring further. Maybe a character in your next book might be thinking that same thing?

8. Recommendations. A list of books, articles, authors, websites, blogs, places to go, etc… Anything that sounds interesting that you want to get back to at a later date.

9. Words you really like, or a combination of words that sound poetic together. Like Sushi and cigarettes, or plastic personality.

10. Ideas for new creative hobbies. You don’t have to take them all up, or even try them, but it does give you a good insight into what might be missing from your life.

11. A list of everything you have that you love. It can be a close-knit family, a friend, the best pet in the world, a great neighbor, or material things like a really cool fountain pen, an awesome car, a super comfy couch, or a great sense of humor. Similar to a gratitude list, but much more specific.

12. Random interesting bits of conversation that you overhear or have had.

13. Goals. Short term and long term. What would make you feel really good about yourself by the end of the month or next year at this time? What would you like to accomplish?

14. Subjects that you would like to study. Anything you would like to research, know more about, or even become an expert on.

15. Things you would like to do for fun. A weekly poker night, a weekend exploring museums in New York, a trip to a Caribbean Island, or a week in Paris getting lost in bookstores. Like a bucket list, but there’s no commitment. It doesn’t need to be realistic.

16. A List of everything you’d like to have. From material things like a new coffeemaker or a new laptop to a greater number of close friends, or a mentor, or a significant other.

17. Every project that needs to be done around your home. Include what’s needed to get it done, and the steps involved. Get it out of your head and on paper.

18. Character Sketches. Keep a list of interesting quirks, physical characteristics, accents, names…

19. Submission list. Keep track of all work you submit anywhere, whether for pay or not, including date and copy.

20. Everything you can do to boost your self-care and be kinder to yourself. Don’t depend on anyone else to make you feel good.

21. Things you pay attention to. What gets your attention? Is it an image, a certain word or phrase, a setting, a type of musical score? What makes you stop what you’re doing and look or listen?

22. Things other people don’t notice, but everyone sees. From front doors to what people put on their windowsills, to stickers and flyers stuck to signs. What can you write about, or photograph, or draw?

There is an endless amount of information you can stockpile in a writing notebook, some of which isn’t outwardly related to writing. It’s a collection of bits and pieces of yourself, your life, your dreams, and your ideas. It can inspire you, help you stay on track to reach your goals, give you a jumping-off point for that next project, and maybe even teach you a few things about yourself.

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November 19, 2021 · 12:16 pm

I Still Believe

I still believe that art can change the world.

I still believe creativity is the answer to living a better life.

I still believe that small acts of kindness can make a difference in the world.

I still believe that words are our most powerful tool.

I still believe in the inherent good of most of humanity.

I still believe embracing our differences does not divide us.

I still believe education is our hope for a better world.

I still believe that love is eternal.

I still believe there can be change if we stop being afraid.

I still believe that laughter helps us heal.

I still believe our differences bring us together.

I still believe that the energy we put out into the world is reflected back on us.

I still believe we can exist and respect our planet simultaneously.

I still believe that we can pursue our own happiness and peace without infringing on anyone else’s right to do the same.

I still believe that we are all equal regardless of our differences.

I still believe.

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September 10, 2021 · 10:00 am

Find Your People

Putting your work out there can be very intimidating. Chances are, though, if it’s something you’re passionate about, there are other people out there who share that same passion. It’s just a matter of finding them, as well as giving them the opportunity to find you. Whether you join a community already in existence or gather people together and make your own, you’re not alone.

One of the few positives that social media has bestowed upon us is the ability to connect with others who share our passions. Unfortunately, most of the attention has been directed towards those that are harmful, contentious, and misinformed. But there really is good out there, there are good people all over the world, and the challenge we face is seeking them out and connecting with them. And in order to make that happen, you have to share your work.

Carve yourself out a space online, whether it be a blog or a website, and buy yourself a domain name. It’s always the right time to put yourself out there. You don’t have to be perfect, and your work doesn’t have to be either.

Whether you’re a writer, a photographer, a graphic artist, a painter, a musician, a jewelry designer, or anyone else creating something, there are others doing something similar. They’re just waiting for you to show your work, to share your passion and your process, and to offer up their encouragement and stories. One group often leads to another, and you will begin to become part of a community of like-minded creators. The deeper into your niche you explore, the better chance you have of finding your place and finding your people.

Every one of us fears rejection. And you will find those who don’t like your work. Probably tell you all about it too. They carry no weight or importance in your life. That’s not why you do what you do. There is no such thing as universal validation. The only validation you ever need is your own. It’s your life to live, your passions to pursue, your art to create.

Do what you do, always keep making things, and share them with the world. You’ll find your people.

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August 27, 2021 · 2:01 pm

Creativity is Nonlinear

From Austin Kleon’s
Steal Like An Artist

As I pursue this passion for writing that I’ve had since I was a child, I find myself revisiting many subjects I have written about before, as well as other attempts I’ve made at expressing my creativity. Lately, I’ve gone back to doing graphite drawings of old signs. I’ve always been fascinated by the expressive fonts as well as the old-fashioned art of sign making. Must be tied into my love of words.

All of this has bolstered my deconstruction of the creative process, which is also a favorite subject of mine.

One of the most challenging, as well as exciting parts of pursuing your creative instincts is the nonlinear path it takes. There is no destination point, no moment when you’ve “arrived”. Just an endless stream of loops and twists, usually mirroring our lives in the process. Each project we take on leads us to something else or winds us back to the beginning. That dreaded blank page or canvas. Each harvest leaves us wondering what to plant next, and that we probably should have planted those seeds in the ground already.

It never gets easier. Whether it’s your source of income or your means of creative expression, you still have to make the first move. The muse will not come looking for you, and gently guide you by the hand. Inspiration will not come and hunt you down. In the words of Laurie Anderson, “None of us know what will happen. Don’t spend time worrying about it. Make the most beautiful thing you can. Try to do that every day. That’s it.”

Everyone has their own unique rituals for waking that inspiration inside. And not one of them is foolproof. My latest one is to sit quietly, drink one complete cup of coffee, and just let my brain wander for 20 minutes or so. I don’t read emails, check social media or the news before I’m done. It seems to allow my brain to clear itself, and go wherever it wants to go right now, but then it’s time to get to work. There’s no guarantee that this will work tomorrow, or next week. As I mentioned in a previous post, Mason Curry’s Daily Rituals is just loaded with the rituals of some of the most creative and inventive minds in history. It’s a fascinating look at how different, yet alike we all are.

Did I mention it never gets easier? There is so much happening around us, so much changing in our lives every day. Things we notice and those we don’t. Jobs change, relationships change, and sometimes the people we count on and believe will always be in our lives are suddenly gone. Finding a way to insulate ourselves from success, from failure, from the bumpy ride we are on, we must rely on our creativity for that beacon of light. It can be the only constant in our lives. Only for today, because tomorrow is never promised, and yesterday is long gone. Make something beautiful today.

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August 13, 2021 · 1:05 pm

Embracing Creativity in a World Turned Upside Down

It’s been a crazy week of writing, so it got me thinking about how to refuel and add some creativity to daily life in other ways. I’ve discussed the importance of adding input in a previous post about keeping the creative fires burning, and filling the well from which to draw, but here’s a list of ideas for trying out other forms of creative expression. Most don’t even require leaving the house, and little or no financial investment. Just simple ways to inspire your artistic expression.

*Walk around your neighborhood and use your phone to take pictures of ordinary things other people wouldn’t notice. Look for striking shadows, interesting combinations of shapes, objects that usually don’t belong together, and different angles. Then convert them using your greyscale or black and white filter and see how moody you can get them.

* Rearrange some pieces of furniture, or all of it if you’re up for it. Switch around your artwork or add some more. Changing our physical environment, those things we see and use every day but really stopped noticing long ago changes our perspective. Changing what we see in front of us, in turn, changes how we see and what we notice.

* Plant a container garden, as small or as large as you like. Herbs, flowers, a few tomato plants, all will do well. Keep it somewhere you can see it, whether it’s in the kitchen or outside your window. Spend a few moments with it as often as you can, water it, nurture it and watch it grow.

* Draw, doodle, scribble. Allow the right side of your brain to take the reins, and don’t think about it. It’s not for anyone else to see. Draw shapes, random lines, try Zentangling. You just need a pencil and a piece of paper. Relax and have some fun. Doodling while on the phone or watching TV helps distract us from what our hands are doing.

* Try Coloring or a Paint by Number. The simple act of adding color to something, to creating something you made by hand, that empowering of an alternate source of creativity. If you’re feeling good about it, try some abstract art with a small set of watercolors or a few tubes of acrylics.

* Cook it up! If you’re someone who enjoys spending time in the kitchen cooking, baking, or culinary artistry, then dive a little deeper. Try and come up with a signature dish, muffin, or drink. Those ingredients are your medium. Like the decorating part the best? Then let that cookie be your canvas.

* Listen to a completely different genre of music. Spotify has some great playlists, from classical greats, 1940’s Jazz Legends, Reggae, to songs you’d hear in a Parisian café. Let it play in the background as you go about your daily chores, or when you sit down with your favorite book. Take notice of how differently each genre affects your mood and creative thoughts.

* Make lists. Lists of everything you can think of. All the places you’d go if there were no obstacles, the books you want to read, the people (famous and not) that have influenced your life, things that you own and love, things you’d love to have, positive things in your life, things you like about yourself. Again, these are just for you to see. The list of lists is endless.

* Get some fresh air. Take a walk to the end of the block and back, sit on your porch, patio, or front step. Just listen and hear the sounds. Watch the birds, or traffic, or people, and see what’s in front of you. Just let it all soak in, and remember to breathe.

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August 6, 2021 · 11:07 am

Every Small Step Is Progress

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What would you like to accomplish by the end of the year? Or the end of the month? What steps will it take to reach those goals? These words echo in my head each and every day.

Setting goals is a major part of becoming who we want to be, but they can just as easily set us up for failure. Finding that middle ground, those attainable steps that push us forward, without burning us out in a month or leaving us too much time for doom scrolling and binge-watching. Not reaching that goal you set of 2500 words a day will not make you work harder. It will just stall out whatever progress you are making. Be kind to yourself and set goals that may stretch you, but you know you can do. Success fuels us to continued success and accomplishments to more accomplishments.

Many self-help books and articles will tell you to take your goals, break them down monthly, then weekly, then daily. Sounds simple enough. It’s a very defined, organized, check it off the list and move to the next item approach. Just one task after another. It’s structured, it’s orderly, and there’s not a lot of decision-making or creativity involved. Seems very logical. I, however, am not. I’m just not that deliberate. I sit down Monday morning, look at the list, and instantly decide I want to paint today (even though I had hours I could have done that the day before). Or clean the grout in the shower. Or take my car in for an oil change or do anything at all that’s not on that list, even if it’s something I’ve been putting off for years. It feels like someone is telling me what to do and I don’t want to do it, whatever it is.

I’ll be the first to admit, this is still a learning process for me. Right now, setting up my goals for the week has been the best method for me. I like to work on multiple projects at a time, and this allows me the freedom to do that. On Friday afternoon, I set up my list of what I need to accomplish the following week. That way, I do have some structure and deadlines, but it’s not so forced. When I’m not so “task oriented” I also remember to pay attention to what’s happening around me and take advantage of opportunities that present themselves. Spontaneous lunch with an old friend-absolutely! Although it’s not on my list, it’s creative input, and generates ideas for that next article about the challenges we are all facing these days. Knowing my goals for the next week also gives me the weekend to think about those projects, keep them floating around in my subconscious, and get excited about them. Taking notes of course because I inevitably forgot that great idea character name I just had an hour ago.

Reevaluating our aspirations regularly reinforces our motivation and helps us to see what is and isn’t working. It also offers insight into what is truly important to us.

Goals can make or break us. It just depends on how willing you are to be honest with yourself. What you think you should be able to do versus what you know you can do. Remember to keep your eye on the prize, whether it’s fame, fortune, artistic expression, or just making a nice life for yourself. One step at a time, however small it may seem, gets us that much closer. Just keep moving forward.

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July 30, 2021 · 2:39 pm

Top 10 Books For Writers and Everyone Trying to Live a More Creative Life

Here’s my list of the top 10 books for writers, for those needing some inspiration, and for everyone who is just trying to add a little creativity to their life. There are many others that are worthy of your time, but I’ve scaled back my list to just 10. I’ve included links to amazon.com for consistency, and to make it easier to see more information on each title. As always, please support your local bookseller and independent bookstores like powells.com or bookpeople.com whenever possible.

On Writing ~ Stephen King

Part memoir, part master class, this is by far one of the most definitive books on the art of writing. Full of inspiration and practical advice from one of the true masters. Every writer should have this on their bookshelf.

Daily Rituals ~ Mason Currey

One of my favorite books to pick up and browse through, Daily Rituals is Mason Currey’s massive collection of habits, quirks, routines and rituals of individual writers, artists, scientists, inventors, and a host of other creative minds. Fascinating insight into the creative process.

Bird By Bird ~ Anne Lamott

Already in its 25th Anniversary edition, this classic is also a must read. Filled with advice, humor and wit, and layered with honest and personal stories of her life and journey as an author. You’ll find this on most Writing Top 10 lists.

Steal Like An Artist ~ Austin Kleon

I’ve included Steal Like An Artist, Show Your Work, and Keep Going all by Austin Kleon as a trilogy, but each book is worthy in its own right. Each contains honest, straight forward advice and solutions for everyone trying to make their way in the creative world. I refer back to all 3 frequently for motivation, inspiration, and help in resetting my goals and priorities.

The Elements of Style ~ Strunk and White

Included in many college writing curriculums, this classic guide covers everything from grammar and style to usage. A handy reference guide to have on hand.

On Writing Well ~ William Zinsser

Another fundamental classic that should be in every writer’s arsenal, this one focuses on writing clear, concise nonfiction. A must read for content writers, copywriters, grant writers and anyone who just wants to learn how to tighten up their writing.

No Plot? No Problem! ~ Chris Baty

Written as a guide to penning a novel in 30 days, this is an adrenaline fueled, kick in the pants push to get you motivated and just get the words out. A fun read, and great for anyone putting off writing that novel.

Things Are What You Make Of Them ~ Adam J. Kurtz

Life Advice for Creatives. A boost of support, motivation, compassion and inspiration on those days when you feel like no one is listening.

The Art of Noticing ~ Rob Walker

131 Ways to Spark Creativity, Find Inspiration and Discover Joy in the Everyday. Through a series of simple exercises, Rob Walker guides us through a reawakening of our senses, helping us to take note of the world around us. Perfect for both writers and artists, it points out all the things we tend to overlook, and teaches us to pay attention in new ways to the world around us.

Four Thousand Weeks ~Oliver Burkeman

This book will be released on August 10th, but I’ve included it in my Top 10 because I’m a huge fan of Oliver Burkeman’s past work. He addresses the entire “Productivity Crush” felt by creative people in all fields, and offers warm, heartfelt advice on time management, and the balance between productivity and creativity.

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July 23, 2021 · 2:24 pm

It’s Your Life

Giving your creativity room to grow and flourish, both mentally and physically, is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. There is room in your home and your life, you just have to claim it. It just means getting rid of the clutter and junk that has been accumulating over the years in your surroundings and mind like the proverbial junk drawer.

Simplifying your life can be done to any degree that you’re comfortable with, from a complete purge and reboot to just getting rid of the trash lying around.

 It’s about living within our space comfortably and with room to move around. It makes our homes easier to clean, it’s easier to get to what you need, causes less anxiety, and eliminates that constant feeling of always needing to be doing something. That chair Aunt Ruth gave you when you got your first apartment, that you now must squeeze by every time you want to sit on the couch can be passed on to someone else. Those utility bills from 6 years ago, or copies of checks the banks used to mail you (remember those?) are taking up valuable real estate in your limited space. And the 10 candles that have to be moved to get to the extra printer paper are really not helping. Clothes that no longer fit and projects we never finished only make us feel bad. Free yourself of the burden of all the physical objects that have attached themselves to you and made you their guardian. I’m not advocating the “only keep it if it sparks joy” method, because frankly the toilet brush and handy little tool to unstick my garbage disposal really just don’t bring me joy. Keep what you love and need.

Cleaning up your finances also allows you more room to breathe and prosper. Take a good look at where your hard-earned dollars are going. Drop the subscriptions, services, and memberships you never use, shop around for the major monthly expenses like car and health insurance, ask your credit card company for a lower rate, or apply for one with better rewards, and please stop paying for long term storage of the lawnmower and yard tools, or bedroom set, until you get that house. Sell them and buy them when you need them. Try to make your banking and bill paying as simple as possible. With those extra few dollars at the end of the month, you can get to that museum, see that film, or have dinner with friends.

Technology can also suck up a huge amount of time if we let it. If we let it. Unsubscribe from those emails you never read, make a file for anything you’d like to read later, and handle or deal with the rest. Check it only as often as you feel you absolutely need to. There’s social media, the ultimate wormhole. It’s not downtime, it’s not creative time, and it’s not helping us to be better people. Time lost falling down the rabbit hole of social media is overwhelming. Arguing with strangers about leash laws or how often to water a cactus consumes so much of our time as well as emotion. Set a time limit, keep scrolling when something annoys you, and stop arguing with strangers that have nothing better to do than irritate others and look for attention.

Our time is one of our most precious assets, and limited in hours as well as in years. If you find yourself unable to take 15 minutes or an hour to do something you love, take a good look at where your time is going. Write down everything you do for a few days. Now be honest with yourself. If it’s important to you, make time for it. Allow yourself time with family and friends, for downtime and daydreaming, for adding input to your creative well, and for practicing your art. Life doesn’t always have to be about crossing things off of your to-do list. Unburden yourself of what you don’t want or need in your life.

Simplify, Simplify

-Henry David Thoreau

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July 16, 2021 · 11:16 am

Adding Creative Fuel

It’s not a difficult theory, but sometimes we get so stuck inside our own heads, or so wrapped up in the project we’re working on, that we forget to put gas in the tank. Creativity requires an enormous amount of fuel. If you’re having trouble starting, or stalling out midway, it’s time to fill the tank. Keeping a constant flow coming in helps to keep everything running smoothly.

Read as much as you possibly can. Read about everything and anything that even somewhat interests you. Read what people you follow read. Read what your favorite authors read. Books, articles, magazines, blogs…it doesn’t matter. Just read. Take some notes about what you liked and what you didn’t like. There’s so much to cultivate and use in our own work.

We can get useful and inspiring input in so many other ways as well. Watch movies, TV, and documentaries. Go to museums, the theater, art shows, or just take a walk around the neighborhood. Sit at Starbucks for an hour and watch people. Google every question you have. Talk to your friends. Everything you experience and everything you learn fuels your writing. Pay attention and take notes.  

Fill your notebook with words, thoughts, ideas, facts, quotes and lists of all that you have read and seen, and would like to read or see. It all fills the well from which we can draw.

Making the time to get enough input doesn’t detract from the time we spend writing or creating, it only enhances it. Reading, learning, and experiencing life are hardly guilty pleasures. They’re a requirement to living a creative life and being the best writer you can be. Allow yourself the time it takes to keep refueling. Do the best you can with whatever time you have.

Explore the world,

Study what interests you,

Defend creative expression,

And document your experiences.

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July 9, 2021 · 1:39 pm

It Doesn’t Get Any Easier, So Why Not Start Now?

You’ve got your notebook, you’ve got your passion, and now your final preparation is making that commitment to yourself. That’s right, to yourself. Everyone else gets your attention and time, and it’s perfectly acceptable to claim a bit of it for your own.

Whether you’ve carved out a quiet piece of real estate in your home (or more realistically a flat space) or bundled your laptop and supplies in a backpack so you can work anywhere, it’s time to honor and respect yourself enough to make that promise. I will make time to practice my art. A certain time on specific days, an hour a day, a specific word count for the day or week…whatever it takes for you to make it happen. And happen easily and consistently.

You can draw up a contract and sign it (which didn’t work for me…too easy to throw away and pretend it never happened, but it has worked for others) or you can buy something to commemorate the occasion. A special coffee mug, some business cards which are surprisingly affordable, a nice pen…anything that reminds you of your passion, your dream, your true self.

This isn’t a lifetime commitment to one project…it’s merely symbolic. You may have set your word count to 5000 words a week and you’re only reaching 3000, or only finding time 3 days a week instead of 5, that’s fantastic! Every single step is progress. Adjust your schedule as needed. Set yourself up to succeed.

Start a blog, write letters, write poetry, write in a journal, or tell stories. It truly doesn’t matter what you write, as long as you are writing. You might discover that those little doodles you make in your notebook are a lot of fun, and decide to learn how to draw as well.

I’ll be sharing some books, newsletters and websites in the following weeks that will hopefully give you lots of inspiration and ideas to keep that passion burning and keep you excited about being creative.

Until then, be kind to yourself, and enjoy your time, your passion and your life.

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