Writing with power often begins by asking ourselves a series of questions––
- What do I know to be true?
- What makes me angry or makes me cry?
- What excites my passion or curiosity?
- What do I want to change or to celebrate?
- What legacy do I want to leave to the world?
When we tap into what we care about, we find it easier to resource the deep stream of creativity that flows through us. If we’re only mildly interested in our topic, then it is no surprise if we bore others.
Try this: everyday, for the next week, find something that sparks an emotional response in you. It could be a beautiful sunrise or a newspaper headline. It could be the smell of fresh mowed grass or a quote you read on Facebook. Only write when you feel an emotional tug. After you’ve written for 5 to 15 minutes, ask yourself:
- What do I notice about this piece?
- What does it show me about what I care about?
- In what ways is my writing powerful?
Then share what you’ve learned, here, with our Write the Damn Book community. It might prove quite powerful!
Onward!