Writing Evaluation ( Day 15 )

The Challenge for Day 15:  Writing Evaluation

We are just at the half-way mark of the challenge and today Jeff Goins asks us to record our thoughts on our progress. Are we feeling overwhelmed or energized? Has your writing improved? Have you noticed any changes in how you approach your writing?

Overwhelmed or Energized?

Sometimes it can be difficult to churn out 500 words a day, especially something fit to put in a blog post. The irony is that publishing is not part of the challenge, but many of us add it to the list ourselves. Why is that? Well, I can only answer for myself, but I know that I need that type of structure and accountability to keep me on track.

There are times I feel overwhelmed. Why do I take on these things? But, deep down, I know the answer. It would be easy to write 500 words a day that stay hidden in a notebook. I do that all the time anyway. But this challenge, for me, is about hitting publish. Being brave enough to do what I always wanted, connect with other readers and writers. Doing it consistently.

Jeff’s tip about getting up early to write, before everyday distractions kick in, is certainly sound advice. It’s an energizing experience for me and sometimes I’m surprised by how much work I get done. Energizing? Without a doubt.

Has your writing improved?

That’s a difficult question to answer. We all tend to be our own worst critics, don’t we? All I can say with absolute truth is that I’m writing a lot more and that has to be a good thing.

The free writing in the morning opens me up to new ideas, even if it’s not before coffee! It gives me an hour of total freedom, time to let the pen wander on the page without fear of censure. It is sheer joy of self-expression and sometimes takes me places I never knew existed. Like the joys of being a butterfly or the madcap adventures of a Neolithic farmer. Things I’d never have dreamt of writing about before.  Now, they may never be published, but that’s not the purpose of that particular exercise. It’s all about letting your inner creativity loose.

I’ve also learned, through the daily prompts, to explore many different writing styles. This is a great opportunity for self-development, though it can be a bit daunting too. Writing satire and parody, like Seeking Leprechauns, was something I’d never tried before, but I found it fun. New lessons every day!

Approach to Writing?

The challenge has affected my approach to writing, mostly in a positive way. I’m learning how to write to a deadline and this involves being a lot more focused. Gone are the days of stewing over the “right” word, the perfect ending or a killer photograph. I just don’t have time for that anymore. And no more putting stuff off, if I don’t tackle it now it’s just not happening.

The only tough part for me is falling into the trap of letting it become a chore, something I have to do, rather than a creative outflow. This is where the long term view comes in handy. If my aim is to develop as a writer, then this is part of that process. Creativity and consistency happily married together, that’s my goal. I just hope I can get there.

Day 15 of My 500 Words 31 Day Challenge, organized by Jeff Goins

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash