Outtakes 181

Write Every Day

By Cait Collins

I’ve written often about writing something every day. I truly believe this is necessary. If an athlete does not train every day, he is not prepared for game day. So if a writer does not train or practice his craft every day, he is not prepared to endure the long days of production on his novel, story, or non-fiction work.

Let’s be honest, there are days when sitting down at the computer is a chore. There are so many interruptions. Our minds are clogged with the plumber ripping up the back yard to replace a section of pipe; a serious family problem; excessive over-time hours; or health problems. The book is not as important as dealing with life. And forcing words to appear on a computer screen is generally not productive. No matter what you write today, it will need to be rewritten tomorrow. Why not wait until your mind is clear to have that much need writing marathon? Believe me, allowing the opportunity to resolve some life issues before tackling the manuscript will make the writing better. There will be fewer mistakes to correct and a more polished piece to present to the critique group.

Instead of forcing work on a project, try a writing exercise. Here’s an example. Write a sentence. Begin the next sentence with the last word in the first sentence. The next line begins with the last word in the previous line. Continue along this line for five minutes. Write. Don’t think. Do not edit. Do not lift your pencil off the paper. You’ll be surprised at your creativity and imagery.

Another solution is to do research for your current work. Google that elusive fact you need for the next chapter. Or edit a section of your manuscript. Write a letter. Yes, write a good, old fashioned letter to a friend or relative. Address an envelope, slap a stamp in the corner and mail the letter.

The point is to write something every day.

Outtakes 176

 Today

By Cait Collins

It’s that time of year when our calendars are filled with social engagements, shopping, holiday meal planning, cooking, gift wrapping. The list seems endless. In my line of work, tax season begins and the work load increases. Time to write seems limited. That does not mean we shut down our writing and pick it up again after the first of the year. We are writers, and we have a job that requires attention.

In the past, I have been guilty of neglecting my writing, but this year I plan to change that practice. Each day, I will write something. This does not include what I write at my day job. I promise to write something new and different daily. The activity may be an update on a query letter, or a character sketch for a new story. I may spend an hour editing my novel, or adding a chapter to my current work. I have holiday letters to write, grocery lists to make. There is no limit to the opportunities.

Making this pledge will help me focus on my writing career so that I can jump back into full production after the first of the year. I will not be playing catch up. I will not have a total interruption of the creative process. It will keep me from relegating my writing to the hobby status. Realizing my creative writing is as important as my day job will force me to keep this commitment.

Here’s another way to look at things. When progress is made on a writing project during this hectic season, we can give ourselves a treat. I think I’ll have another red velvet cookie.

Outtakes 175

A Writer’s Thanksgiving

By Cait Collins

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. At noon I will sit down with my family and enjoy a turkey dinner and fellowship. I’m saddened that this holiday is downplayed. The day after Halloween, the Christmas ads and Christmas specials began. It was as if there was no holiday between Halloween and Christmas. But this day is special. It’s a time to remember all that I have to be thankful for and my writing talent is just one of them. I would like to share my blessings as a writer.

• I can read and write. How many people around the world cannot enjoy opening a book and reading a story? How many are unable to writer their own name?
• I had parents who encouraged me to read and write; who wanted me to get an education and use what I learned to better myself.
• I have supported myself with my writing. My jobs have allowed me to write, to have my work aired in newscasts, commercials, and documentaries. My sales materials were published to ad agencies across the country, and my proposals resulted in ad sales. Now I write letters to clients explaining provisions of their contracts. I may not have a published novel, but I am published.
• I am limited only by my own drive and imagination.
• I can write what I want to write. Freedom of speech and expression is a keystone of our culture.
• I had good teachers who never allowed me to get away with less than my best.
• I have friends in the writing community who stand by me when the work is progressing well and encourage me when I’m blocked.
• I have been fortunate to meet other writers who were willing to share their experiences and help me become a better writer.
• I have the best critique group and circle of beta readers.
• Researching and writing helps to keep my mind sharp. True, if I don’t put events on my calendar, I forget, but dates, places, and people are often etched in my memory.
• I don’t reach retirement age as a writer until I have no more stories to tell.

Yes, this writer is thankful. We have been given the gift of informing, inspiring, and entertaining. And because of this gift, we all should have a list of writer’s blessings. Think about it and I’m sure you will agree.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Outtakes 120

To the Extreme

by Cait Collins

I have a lot of respect for my doctor, but I hate taking medications. Medicines and I often do not get along. So whenever the doc suggests a course of treatment, I start researching a holistic approach. I visited one of our local health food stores recently to gather information to discuss with my doctor. I’d had dealings with the folks in this store in the past, so I was really surprised when I encountered the Health Food Maniac.

“I can help you but you have to be willing to change your diet.”

“What do you mean by change my diet?”

She handed me a sheet of paper. Both sides were covered with lists of food to avoid. There was a small section of approved foods. No more junk food, which meant anything she considered unfit for human consumption. The list continued. Soft drinks, chewing gum, cookies, throat lozenges, milk, processed cheese, breath mints, oranges, grapefruit, soup, pasta, white flour, white rice, margarine, corn, and Cool Whip were banned substances.

While I was recovering from the shock of fasting for the remainder of my days, she began she began a campaign of it’s your fault. “So you work 80 hours a week. You don’t have time to cook healthy food.”  “It’s your choice, but if you want to get better…” “You’ll need to take this.” She began to place boxes and bottles on the counter.

I tried to make sense of this nonsense. Where was the sweet, compassionate gentleman I worked with before? I picked up the sheet and left the store. Wow, what a witch. I don’t respond well to the “my way or the highway” mentality.

My disgust turned to an idea. The health food nut would make a great character in a novel. I saw so many possibilities. She is so obsessed with her causes she alienates her family and friends. Or she gets careless in her pursuit of her desires and destroys the lives of her neighbors. Or she could be the comic relief character.

Extreme characters can be fun.  They can be annoying or terrifying. But they are interesting and they are remembered. Think about some of the way-out folks you’ve met and how their obsessive traits can be written to add sizzle to a story? The people we encounter on a daily basis can be a fantastic tool in our writing arsenals. Do some people watching, write mini character sketches. Keep a file of these wacky folks and use them judiciously. There’s really something special about extreme characters.

Outtakes 174

After School

by Cait Collins

Recently I spent a day cleaning out the closet in my study. I knew there were a number of boxes of supplies I used for teaching younger kids, but I was surprised to see all the craft naterials and project books I’d purchased over the years. Since I no longer teach the early childhood groups, I decided to box everything up and find a group that could use the supplies. A teacher friend told me they have an after school program for the kids, but there was no real budget for materials. She said they would be thrilled to have arts and crafts supplies.

I started thinking about all the education programs that go either under-funded or unfunded. Is there a place for us in enhancing the teaching of our kids? Of course we can help by donating craft supplies and small notebooks for journaling, but what about giving our time? Would the schools welcome writers coming in and helping students with homework, or writing projects? Maybe those who illustrate children’s books could assist with art projects.

I do believe we all have a place in educating our kids. It doesn’t have to be a big event. It could be something as simple as sitting with a child who is struggling with reading and helping him to improve his skills. Maybe it’s teaching colors or numbers. Perhaps it’s just allowing a child to have one-on-one time with a mentor. Why not check with your local school district administration and find out what opportunities are available? Helping one child improve his skills is worth the effort. That child might one day write the great American novel, or become a great teacher. It begins with a telephone call.