The Writing Will Take You There (A Love Letter)
It's counter-intuitive, but when you don't know what to write, go to the page
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.
Hello lovies,
I’ve mentioned this before, but we have some new subscribers (welcome!) and so I’m going to repeat my process for writing this newsletter as backstory for today’s topic. The point of this missive is to inspire you to write. That’s pretty much it. And, honestly? I feel like that’s the most important thing I can do for you. I write a lot about process, and sometimes craft, but mostly I endeavor to motivate you to get to the page.
And to do this, I pay attention to what’s going on in my world and the world of my clients and writer friends and also what I’m researching and reading. (I subscribe to waaaaay too many newsletters.) Most often I write these newsletters on Friday afternoons, sometimes finishing them up early Saturday, and usually by the time I sit down to write I know my topic. I make notes on my phone or in my journal all week and by Friday, writing is a breeze. Okay, okay, it’s not always, but it is always fun and I do enjoy it.
But this week was different. We went to the beach to spend time with the family over the July Fourth holiday. There were fireworks (including mortars and Roman candles), and a pack of five kids aged twelve to three running around. Sadly, the eldest stubbed his toe hard (things you never want to hear: “Henry is bleeding. Badly!”) and not only needed stitches but broke it to the joint. Sad boy.
Anyway, there was a lot, none of it related to writing. And I’m not complaining because the quotidian-ness of life is what I’m here for and what inspires my writing. (Though that often happens in a round-about way.) But not this week. So you might guess where this is going. That’s right, I had nothing, nada, zilch, zippo to write about in this newsletter.
Here’s what I do when I don’t know what to write: I stew. I grumble and complain. I present my brain with ultimatums—give me an idea or else! (Not sure what the or else implies.) I think about how hard it all is. Then I remember that thought is counter-productive. So I change it and chant silently, this is easy, this is easy, this is easy. Which sets me to grumbling about the hazards of positive thinking.
And finally, I remember.
The writing will take you there.
So I go to the page. And I write. Then, and only then, do I get there. It may be awhile, (this morning it was two pages of tedious drivel first) but I always get there. Writing will take you there. It’s up to me to remember.
And I thought you might need that reminder, too. So here it is: the writing will take you there. Go to it.
Love, light, and good writing,
Charlotte
P.S. As my youngest grand says, what doing? How’s the writing going? Leave a comment or hit reply and tell me all about it.
P.P.S. I have room on my roster for another coaching client or two. A couple of my regulars are taking time off to catch up on their writing. Why not take this opportunity to get in some good writing and feedback this summer? NB: I’m raising my rates in October and anyone who is already coaching with me will be grandfathered in.
P.P.P.S. Another excellent way to up your writing game is to attend a workshop in France. We’ve had a last-minute cancellation (for real, I’m not making this up to entice you) so we’ve got room. Read all about it here.
Resources
Your job is to break their hearts.
A literary agent behaved badly on Twitter. Nathan Bransford has a measured response.
Why not believe in yourself?
Books
The Paris Novel, by Ruth Reichl. We assigned two books for our France participants. This one, and Reichl’s first memoir, Tender at the Bone. I’m starting off with the novel and it’s so much fun. Set in Paris in the early 80s, the food descriptions alone will have you swooning. But the story is good, too. Funny story: I accidentally ordered the large print version when I thought I was getting the hardcover. I thought I would hate it but I love it. The novel is the size of a trade paperback, only thicker, and infinitely pleasing to hold and read.
Overseas Workshops—Space Available!
Late-breaking news: last-minute cancellations for both France and Italy leave us with space available. Does one of them belong to you?
Blog posts on our website will tell you all about the location of our France workshop and why we love it so much. You can read about art and artists in Céret, the crazy annual footrace there, and best of all, the wonderful local bakeries. Nab your spot now. And here is the promised interview with our guest resident Angela M. Sanders (written by the wonderful Shari Lane, whose book is also wonderful!)
And here is the most recent blog post about Perugia.
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)
I so appreciate every set of eyes that lands on this newsletter. If you enjoy what you read here, I’d love it if you shared it with others who might also. Thank you!
And if you don’t already you can subscribe or upgrade to paid. I’ll love you either way!
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Oh poor Henry’s toe!!! 😭 Hope he’s on the mend.
And speaking of Ruth Reichl, if you don’t listen to this podcast you’re going to want to start! And begin with Ruth’s episode:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wiser-than-me-with-julia-louis-dreyfus/id1678559416?i=1000610522402