The To Don't List for Writers
We've got more than enough to dos to last us a lifetime. Let's cross some off
Mindset, motivation and inspiration for writers, with a dash of instruction about writing craft added in, from novelist, writing coach and workshop leader Charlotte Rains Dixon. I also carry on a lot about process, because: there’s no one approach to writing that works for everyone. But I can help you find what works for you. I love all of my readers, every single one of you and I’m truly grateful when you read my work and connect with me. Subscribe to get the fuel you need for your writing career. I truly adore all my readers, and a paid subscription helps my bring these words to you.
I’ve got a looooong post on process, as in your writing process and how to identify it, (which is a surprisingly vital part of being a successful writer) in, um, process. But this is a holiday week in the states as we celebrate Independence Day which is a little bit of a joke the way things are going here but never mind. Anyway, I thought this post on To Don’t lists was more suitable to the spirit of the week, so here you go. The process post will arrive next week.
I love the idea of a To Don’t list. I got it from this Substack. (And, late-breaking news, here’s a Could Do list.) A To Don’t list has special resonance for writers, who tend to get themselves embroiled in all kinds of thoughts and things. And it is especially pertinent to writers in summer, when there are 5,000 things pulling them away from the desk every single day. (Things like birds chirping outside the office window, children home from school, flowers to plant, salads to assemble, beach trips to pack for, Fourth of July picnics to plan.)
So here’s my To Don’t List for Writers.
Don’t listen to your inner critic as you write. It’s summer—perfect time to send it/he/she/they on vacation. Maybe it would like a holiday in Mongolia or Africa? Off they go.
Don’t believe everything you read, especially about the doomed publishing industry and how hard it is to be a successful writer.
Don’t stop writing just because it’s summer. Yes, I know the kids are home from school (they are at my house, too) and there are distractions aplenty (see above), but you can still write.
Don’t buy into the idea that you have to have whole, long, uninterrupted stretches of time to write. It’s summer. You don’t. Make use of the time you do have while the kids are at swimming lessons.
Don’t tell yourself writing is hard. It is only if you say it is. (I fail at this often. See #13.)
Don’t believe that belief isn’t important. Quite the contrary—believing in yourself and your writing is vital. You can work on honing that belief on these gorgeous summer days.
Don’t stay inside all day. Have I mentioned it’s summer? Take your laptop or tablet or journal outside and work. Or abandon your writing and go for a walk.
Do not become one with your screens, be they of the computer or phone type. Look up from the digital world once in awhile—there’s a whole analog, real world. And it is discoverable from right where you are.
Don’t forget to let yourself play. I know, that word makes me cringe, too. Which says way more about me than the word. But it’s an important concept for writers—get out there and have fun.
But also don’t forget to return to your work. And your work is writing.
Don’t ignore gut feelings. Your instincts point the way to your distinctive voice.
Do not forget that you are one of the lucky ones in the world. You have a passion, something that fills your mind and your days (or at least part of them). Many, many, many, maybe even most, people do not have this.
Don’t take failure as a reason to quit your dream. (Failure could mean a difficult writing session, a rejection from an agent, disappointing book sales.) Learn from it and move on.
Okay, that’s my lucky 13 To Don’t List. Got any on your mind? Add them in the comments.
And have a healthy, happy Fourth if you live in the states!
Other places to connect with me:
My website (badly in need of an upgrade)
Our workshop website
My original blog (now for archive purposes only, no longer updated)
Love this, Charlotte. Especially the part about play. One of the core elements of my and Dave's West of the Moon Creative Retreats was the concept of play. And we and our guests did a lot of it. For me, my best creativity comes from a sense of play, of returning to those days when, as a child, I could write or tell a story without blinking an eye. If I can return to that feeling, I can get down some first draft stuff. First drafts are for play. Then you can get serious.... Thanks for this!
Oh, I love this. You're inspiring me to write my own list. Thank you 🧡