Yes, the above slogan is similar to the famous Nike slogan-Just Do it-and for good reason, it encourages us to put aside all the excuses,
rearrange our priorities and write.
Just Write It! is a program that sets writers free to write.
How?
It allows
the writer to be accountable to other writers and also allows the writer to let go of the notion that the first words out must be
staggering works of genius. It frees the writer to JUST write.
Just Write It! works by doing the following:
1. Form groups of 4 – 6 writers
Writers
who are serious about making a two-week commitment.
(You will NOT critique each other's work during this time.)
Sundays are optional—the
group decides.
One person should be the organizer. I suggest not using your critique group, but inviting
different writers to be part
of this two-week venture. Reach out to a writer who may need
an encouraging hand right now.
Remember this is not a forever commitment—Just two weeks.
If it works into something longer, great. But everyone understands from the
beginning that it's only a two-week commitment and it's not a critique group.
More like a two-week prayer and accountability group.
2. Each
writer:
a. Makes a DAILY WORD COUNT OR PAGE COUNT GOAL and shares it
with the other group members at the beginning of the two-week period.
Set reasonable goals. If you can reasonably write 500 words a day,
set that as your goal. Do not set time goals. Everyone knows writers can spend
two hours sitting in front the computer and only write ten words!
Make this a time of encouragement and success.
Make it into something that will propel you forward.
Example: I, Marian Merritt, will write X number of words each day during this
Just Write It! exercise.
b. Agrees
to PRAY DAILY FOR THE OTHER MEMBERS and send a
morning prayer covering the whole group for his/her defined days
as
designated by the organizer. Each writer is assigned certain days to be
responsible for sending a prayer to encourage the whole group.
Example: Lord, I lift up my Just Write It! group today. Please give them focus
and motivation to write the words You have for them today. Guide their
thoughts, words, and minds so each member can achieve their writing goal
today. Amen
c. SENDS AN EMAIL TO THE ENTIRE GROUP DAILY letting the group
know whether he/she has met his/her goal. (There's
something about
accountability to someone else that changes how we do things)
Example: YAY!! Met my X number of words today!!
3. During this two-week writing period, the writer WILL:
a. JUST WRITE. Put rear in chair, fingers to keyboard, words on page. That's it.
b. Send his/her internal editor (IE) to Siberia for two weeks.
(You will bring him back later)
c.
Forget about proper punctuation (Your IE will catch these when he returns)
d.
Forget about passive vs. active voice (Again, your IE will be refreshed and
ready to do those necessary
rewrites, but you need to get words on the page.)
e. Let the words flow as they enter your mind. Let the story unfold in an
uninhibited free style. Open that creative vein and let it flow!
f. Not agonize over just the right word, but write
the first word that comes to
mind. Highlight it if it's not "just" right, but MOVE on. The key is to move on.
To keep going forward. Don't stop the pace!
Simple? Yes.
And it works.
Make that two-week commitment. At the end of 14 days, you'll be glad you did.
YOU
CAN DO THIS FOR TWO WEEKS!!!!
At the end of the two-week period, you'll be amazed. You will find renewed creativity, feel better about your ability to meet a deadline, and will have a fresh approach toward your writing.
IT'S JUST TWO WEEKS
TriedJust Write It ! ?
Please drop me a note and let me know how this program worked for you. I would love to post your success stories!
Happy Writing,
Marian Merritt