ASK
Writing is often a solitary enterprise. Yet all kinds of connections are needed for writing to begin, to improve, to be published, and of course to be read.
In the early stages of writing one of the best things a writer can do is to talk about the ideas and problems of the writing as they are emerging. Sharing aloud helps solidify concepts and solve blockades. This means asking someone to listen and converse about the writing. Often at the midpoints of writing, thorny knots appear. When they do, I often ask myself: what is going on? Free-writing can really help me through. Yet occasionally, I just need someone to listen while I loosen the knot. And when I think I am finished, I still must ask for feedback to polish the writing so it shines with a bit more clarity.
All the way through the writing process, asking ourselves what is going on and asking others to help by listening are essential tasks. If you’re feeling stuck at any point in your writing process, look around for someone to listen, and then ask.
This post brought to you by the letter A.
