The resources listed here are all things I have found supportive for my own writing process, which includes freewriting alone as part of my meditation practice; freewriting with others; having an inviting, distraction-free space to write on the computer and a notebook always handy; having access to some key books on writing to provide inspiration; and having a supportive mentor or reader who resonates with my intentions as a writer.
Use writing as a meditation practice.
Writing can be used to help you integrate your active mind with the mind of meditation. By using it as a process of inquiry, it can help you track your progress in loosening attachments and habitual states of mind even as it sharpens your ability to attend to the present moment. As little as 10 minutes of writing practice a day can reap great benefits. I wrote a simple guide for how to do this that was first published on the Huffington Post.
Use your writing practice to create finished pieces.
Writing from the Soul is different from regular freewriting, journal writing or morning pages. It's all in the way we use prompts and the generative attitude we take toward the work. We can use these freewrites to create finished pieces by cultivating very different attitudes from the usual critical and evaluative approaches so often used in writers groups and workshops far too early in the process. I wrote a little guide on my approach to writing finished pieces, and you can download it for free.
start your own soul writing circle.
There's nothing more valuable than living, breathing writer friends who you meet with regularly without having to critique each other all the time! It’s easy to start your own group. Just follow the principles for writing with others, and do the practice together. The most important principle is not to give feedback, particularly praise or critique. Freeing yourself and others of the expectation of validation from outside can have a magical impact on the whole process. If you'd like some help getting started with the your own practice so you feel more comfortable holding the space for others, you can sign up for a jumpstart with me to learn the practice and get yourself going.
write without distraction on your computer.
Use a dedicated writing program with a simple screen. For freewriting, I use ommwriter. Beautifully designed, utterly simple, with a choice of soothing backgrounds in a distraction-free, full-screen mode — and it comes with a choice of built-in ambient music and sounds that are designed to enhance creativity. It only has what you need to write, not print and not set up manuscripts. When you're ready to edit, it’s easy to copy the text into your preferred word processing program. Having this dedicated space just for writing practice and using the same ambient sound each time will help lift you out of work mode and into creation mode, much the way burning the same incense every time you meditate will quickly put you in the zone.
Find a place without internet access. If you can find yourself a writing spot that has no internet, that’s the best solution, but if you are unable to escape the wireless field and can’t stop yourself from checking email or doing “research” while you are writing on the computer, try Freedom. Set the timer, and it will cut you off from the internet for that time period. You’ll have to reboot to cheat, and that will make you think twice. Many writers swear by it.
Find a place without internet access. If you can find yourself a writing spot that has no internet, that’s the best solution, but if you are unable to escape the wireless field and can’t stop yourself from checking email or doing “research” while you are writing on the computer, try Freedom. Set the timer, and it will cut you off from the internet for that time period. You’ll have to reboot to cheat, and that will make you think twice. Many writers swear by it.
Keep a notebook handy.
Notebooks and pens are amazing technologies. Writing by hand slows you down, gets you off the screen and away from internet temptations, and allows you to write in forests, along the riverside, and in other random places. I'm a traveler and often stay in undeveloped areas without reliable electricity, so notebooks are especially handy, but all of us are traveling through our daily lives, and changing up the location used for freewriting practice can yield interesting results. While a thick, heavy journal might be nice when you are writing at home, using lightweight, pleasing notebooks (I use these) makes all the difference when you want to move around. I can slip one into a small bag without it taking up any space or weight. Get a pen that feels good to write with (like the rolling writer), and you're all set to go.
writing books to get the juices flowing.
Here is a selection of my favorite writing books where you'll find prompts, exercises, instruction on freewriting and journaling, as well as good advice for writing soul-inspired memoir, fiction and poetry.
free 30-minute session
You DON'T have to DO IT ALONE.
I offer single and on-going mentoring sessions to support you as you access the courage to be more transparent in your writing — and in your life. I can help you establish a regular practice, clear the blocks to your expression, offer a fresh pair of eyes on your work-in-progress or hold your hand while you write a book.
