Writing Spaces

As of Jan 1, I’ve been using a brilliant journalling technique that a writing instructor shared:

Spend five minutes each night before bed writing about your manuscript.

(Not working on it, mind you. That comes the next day.)

1. State the problem–e.g., Why isn’t my short story, “Smooch,” working for me?
2. Turn the problem over to your ‘secret helper,’ your subconscious mind
3. Go to sleep
4. In the morning, wake up, and discover that you have answers, maybe unexpected insights, and a whole lot of excitement for the project

What I discovered about that short story, “Smooch”:

I don’t care about Estelle, my main character. She’s not sympathetic, not layered, not real enough to engage my sympathies or even my interest.

I’m using her as a symbol, but even symbols need to feel real. Estelle does not feel real.

I’ve lost track of why I wanted to write this story. I remember when I started crafting it–while out mowing the lawn, intending to write a birthday poem for a friend, this story came to me instead.

But why? I need to remember why, if I want to write a story that matters to me and to others.

Finally, I decided that “Smooch” and Estelle will sit and rest, as I turn back to my novel manuscript.

My five-minute journal is providing juicy insights and solutions there, too.

For example:

This five-minute journal technique is useful in other spheres of life too. Whether you’re solving the problem of a story or of a personal life question, I highly recommend starting tonight with your five minutes, and letting your subconscious surprise you with its wisdom.

Let me know how it goes!

~~