Lessons learned:
During the past year, wrote 52 weekly posts, published every Monday. Often, at least three pages of single-spaced text; over the course of one year, more than 150 pages.
I’ve become less afraid of writing; no longer fear writing every morning – like – what am I going to write today. Developed a writing process based on suspending judgment and criticism. Write down notes and ideas as they arise; use a notepad, or, if I’m driving, use iPhone voice recorder; try not to judge the content; just write everything down. Judging and criticizing often impede the flow of ideas. Once I start writing, gain momentum, like turning a fly wheel. Later, convert the notes and ideas to written prose, developing sentences and paragraphs. Try not to judge the content; accept that the initial drafts may be “shitty.”
Over time, re-write and refine; re-write and refine; suspend judgment. Try to make the writing as effective as possible; it helps when I read aloud; try to adopt my readers point-of-view; identify and fill in the gaps (ie. hidden assumptions), which is sometimes challenging.
Enjoy the writing process; habit of writing each day. I am a high-energy morning person, and prefer to prioritize writing in the morning. If traveling, try to write no later than mid-day.
Often schedule posts in advance; lack the talent to cram the night before; try to outline ideas, structure, content; cultivation and composting takes time; can’t be rushed or hurried.
WIX is an experiment, public sandbox, blank canvas; lots of trial and error; write each day; publish each week; held accountable. Throw something against the wall and see what sticks.
Posts:
In fall 2021, wrote a series of seven posts on US healthcare; learned a lot, and was hoping that I would develop an idea worth executing. It’s a difficult industry to penetrate, particularly healthcare reform; the country doesn’t need another band-aid or patch; the current system should be expunged and re-built. I’m disappointed that the effort didn’t gain traction; the posts (and charts) took time to research and draft.
Wrote four posts on suicide, often a taboo topic; part of the (slow) healing process; doubt that there is a cure for depression; simply something with which a person learns to live.
Considered identifying a “favorite” or least favorite post, even though Buddhism reminds me to not cling to favorites. If forced to select a memorable post, I might suggest S is for Suicide which I wrote in Mexico. It’s a dark post; honest; vulnerable; my intention is to not be “sensational” in order to gain an audience; not seeking to be quoted on Twitter.
Half of the blog posts are travel, and the risk is that the writing is too descriptive; telling more than showing; lacking any real insights from a middle-aged, white guy; boring.
Grateful for the people who read and follow the blog. If a post resonates with you, please let me know. I don’t allow comments on the website; would you allow a person to spray paint graffiti on your house? While teaching at university, students were not shy about expressing their displeasure on Rate My Professor, like I was a restaurant listed on Yelp.
Other thoughts:
After Labor Day, intention is to write two “long” posts each month, and develop more thoughtful, insightful writing, rather than boring diatribe. Intention is to also write a short, daily post, akin to Seth Godin; as short as a sentence, as long as a few paragraphs.
Perhaps in a decade I may be a writer worth reading (based on the 10,000-hour rule); perhaps not. Writing is like a muscle; needs to be exercised and developed each day. Anne Lamott suggests that if a person writes every day, than that person is a writer; a person doesn’t have to be published.
Currently reading “Writing Down the Bones” by Natalie Goldberg; she practiced Zen Buddhism at Minnesota Zen Center with Dainin Katigiri Roshi; she is also a cancer survivor.
She tells about a friend who re-read five years of Goldberg’s writing journals, noting that it took five years of “shitty” writing, before Goldberg found her voice, and wrote something that was worthy of being published, and worthy of being read by others. Goldberg suggests that a person only learns to write by writing; rather than relying on workshops or experts.
Worked twenty years in business, likely, using one side of my brain. I could return to business. Part of me is interested in pursuing a different direction, to use and develop a different part of my brain, to look at the world differently; writing, poetry, drawing, painting.
If you go to a gym, do you ever see the guy that only works on his arms – great, big biceps and triceps – stacked on top of skinny “chicken” legs; or the runner who only runs – and never lifts weights to develop muscle, nor practices yoga for enhanced flexibility. I don’t wish to be that person. Keep on, keeping on.
Keep writing.
garthmonroe 