Writing Rituals by David Trottier

David Trottier is a well known fulltime freelance writer with many articles and books to his credit. He states the case for writing rituals so well that the following quote has been taken from his book, The Freelance Writer's Bible.

"Create rituals. Begin each writing session in the same manner. Acquire a ball cap and imprint or embroider the word 'writer' on it. Whenever it is time to write, you can tell your loved ones, 'I'm wearing my writer's cap, tonight.' Create opening and closing ceremonies for the Writer's Olmpics, starring you! Writing should be fun, so have a good time.

Here is how my student Hanna begins every writing session. First, she removes all distractions (unplugs the telephone, shuts doors and windows). Second, she prepares a cup of herb tea. Third, as she savors the tea, she becomes aware of her senses. Fourth, she enters her safe harbor and says, 'Analytical Brain, go to sleep so my Creative Brain can bring forth a masterpiece. A masterpiece needs to come forth.' Afterward, Hanna goes to her work area.

For you, that work area will probably be your desk with a computer and a keyboard. But it doesn't have to be. Mark Twain wrote in bed. Hemingway stood at a tall desk. And, Dalton Trumbo, who won the Oscar for a movie script, sat in a bathtub with a plank across his lap to hold his typewriter...

Other practical counsel includes, steal. Shakespeare did. He borrowed most of his plots from other sources, including history. Ask 'What if...' and don't be afraid to make a radical plot change. Confront blocks and fears to release a goldmine of ideas."

Then, just write! Your rituals, both of place and of thought, will empower the realization of dreams and release the masterpiece growing within.

Write your Life!

            Writing your autobiography is easier and less time consuming than it sounds. If you have a great story to tell, here are a few suggestions that may help. The best selling autobiography of all time was The Diary of Anne Frank. This book is a fascinating read because of: 1) A series of events in which the author was passionately involved; 2) Suspense that builds climactically, from beginning to end; 3) The genuine voice of the writer. Read autobiographies with similar characteristics and you can work out your own writerly style. 

Next, brainstorm about important events with family and friends. This will help you remember things of significance, as well as to see these events from the viewpoints of others. Your autobiography should grow into an intimate portrait, highlighting the peaks and valleys of your personal and professional journeys. 

Finally, keep in mind that, as a future author, you must bring two important things to the table: First, a list of life experiences that are most moving to you. These should focus on what made you feel pain, love or enlightenment most deeply, listed in chronological order. (As far as time, this task should not take more than one pleasant afternoon to complete. Over-thinking can compromise spontaneity so keep it simple). Second, a brief collection of writing samples. These samples should represent your natural style of writing, and embody the “voice” in which you want your autobiography written. They can include journal entries, notes and poems.

There you go! Follow these steps and the autobiography you dreamed about will flow, spontaneously, onto the page, mirroring your life in ways that complement your experience and emphasize your wisdom.

Our Fairytale Heritage

Fairytales are dreams made real. Stories of dragons, princesses and mystic enchantments mix with culture, to affect children and adults in ways that are powerful yet unseen. Some experts believe that fairytales reflect dreams and aspirations, often too tender to expose. But, when shared in a fairytale, such ambitions feel real, seem real, without the harsh backlash of literal events.

What is your favorite fairytale? Why does it appeal? Some may choose classic tales, like Sleeping Beauty. I loved this story best before I started dating. In the Disney movie, the princess is dancing alone in the forest, until the prince steps into place, dances his way into her heart then walks her to the edge of a cliff as the sun is setting.

Taking her in his arms, he says, “I love you! What’s your name?”

For a poetic young girl, reality was a harsh awakening when compared with such blatant romance. I still adore Sleeping Beauty, but get a bigger kick out of The Paper Bag Princess. In this charming modern fairytale, a princess falls in love with a handsome prince, but a dragon comes and burns up her castle and carries him away. There is nothing left for the poor princess to wear except an old, ashy paper bag. But, she dons this unusual garment and hunts down the dragon, freeing the prince from his deadly prison. “What are you doing dressed in an old ugly paper bag?” the prince asks, imperiously. Immediately, the scales fall from the princess’s eyes. She no longer wants to marry the prince and chooses to do something more fulfilling, instead.

Your emotional reaction to these two fairytales reveals a lot about you…and what you feel most attracted to write about. Gently, tenderly, review your favorite fairytales. Think about what you love most about the stories you cherish. Then, add such elements to your next manuscript.

Do so, and your story with be gilded with an enchantment that is uniquely your own. 

Freelance Writer Success

Succeeding as a freelance writer isn’t easy. But, it’s not that hard, either. If you passionately desire to make a decent living by writing, here are a few ideas to help you along.

1. Make a list of your assets: Assets include education, hobbies, business or family contacts. Once you’ve listed your assets succeeding as a writer may seem more within your reach.
2. Create a timeline: Determine how much time you have each week to donate toward developing your writing business. Usually, this breaks out into two sections, writing/pitching to clients and self-education.
3. Develop a cost/return structure: Many writers bid on a per word basis. I never do. My bids are always either by the hour or by the project, which means I must be good at estimating how much time and effort a project will require. This gives the writer more control over time and, therefore, income.
4. Leverage your research: Although most projects require an agreement for first publication rights, that doesn’t mean your research and editorial connections are also locked into that project. Whatever you learned and whatever connections you made while researching always remain your own. Use them in other ways and you will multiply your income.
5. Know your client’s style: Every creative director and editor has a preferred style. Part of that style is how they use freelancers. Do they use the same folks over and over, or a changeable roster of writers? Check this out. You want to groom clients that will use your services again and again.

Freelance writing is both fun and profitable. Jump into the business and start writing. It is both fun and profitable.

Heartfelt Ideas

Many of us wonder how to find the right idea to write about. Do we mine our youthful memories? How about reviewing the works of great writers for inspiration? World-renowned authors have used both of these techniques. Ray Bradbury consistently wrote stories rooted in his youthful experiences, Dandelion Wine for example. Shakespeare copied storylines from myths and folktales upon which he built many of his greatest plays, including Romeo and Juliet. Do we craft from memories or myths?

First, try writing from your heart…

When we write from the heart, what appears on the page is genuine, touching, real. These words move others to think, to change, to live better lives. Mitch Albom’s book Have a Little Faith is one such tale. It comes from the heart so it touches the heart. And, because it is genuine, it will last on library bookshelves for a long time.

Sometimes looking into our hearts can be painful. There may be unresolved burdens or abusive scars that we have not yet forgiven. No matter what we suffer, looking into our hearts is our best option. When we sit still and listen to heart-speak, magnificent ideas come to mind.

Look to your heart. Listen to your heart. Write from your heart, and your stories will have meaning that lasts.