On this free writing day, remember the words of author Anne Lamott: “I don’t think you have time to waste not writing because you are afraid you won’t be good at it.”
By Today is a free writing day. Write at least four-hundred words, and once you start typing, don’t stop. No self-editing, no trash-talking, and no second guessing: just go. Bonus points if you tackle an idea you’ve been playing with but think is too silly to post about.
I want you to let it all hang out. So does writer Anne Lamott. At the risk of turning Writing 101 into an Anne Lamott fan club, no one motivates me the way she does. Every time you sit down to write and think your idea is too stupid, too uninteresting, too random, or too unoriginal to be committed to the page, let Anne give you a gentle but firm nudge:
The rational mind doesn’t nourish you. You assume that it gives you the truth, because the rational mind is the golden calf that this culture worships, but this is not true. Rationality squeezes out much that is rich and juicy and fascinating.
Don’t look at your feet to see if you are doing it right. Just dance.
Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people.
I don’t think you have time to waste not writing because you are afraid you won’t be good at it.
You’ll never feel so good about writing down every half-baked non-sequitur that comes out of the recesses of your lizard brain. And if you’re tempted to reply, “That’s easy for her to say, she’s a famous writer!” I give you:
I know some very great writers, writers you love who write beautifully and have made a great deal of money, and not one of them sits down routinely feeling wildly enthusiastic and confident. Not one of them writes elegant first drafts. All right, one of them does, but we do not like her very much.
Four-hundred words. One at a time. Go.
Need a friendly word or helping hand? Head to The Commons.
I really love this idea! Kudos to an for being awesome!
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Reply To Writing 101: Don’t Stop The Rockin’ – A little Bit Of Me
http://impossiblebebong.wordpress.com/2014/10/09/a-little-bit-of-me-2/
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Wrote this in 19 minutes and didn’t go back to reread it for revisions and edits (as instructed). If you’ve read any of my pieces thus far, than this is a note to you. Feedback on flow and understandability is welcome.
http://whisper2scream.wordpress.com/2014/10/09/dont-stop-the-rockin-challenge-a-thank-you-note-of-sorts/
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I thought this was very enjoyable. Your voice is very easy; I feel like you are talking to ME.
And thank you. The Writing 101 community is fabulous. I, too, appreciate the support and “safe space.”
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Thanks for the kind words. I’m having a blast doing this. The Hub is a group effort…but, I’m glad you’re enjoying it.
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I started this post before I read the writing challenge, but it is appropriate for this exercise. What do you think…. As always I love hearing your feedback, comments, thoughts on my post on my blog. Thank you again for reading.
http://myrandomness01.wordpress.com/2014/10/08/mother-nature-hears-my-plea/
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fill me up with travel and photography, or photography and travel, moments that make up chapters that turn into stories, those 10 minute friendshipe and seem to last in your memories for a life time, no commitment, no expectation, no obligation just pure “in the moment” the allowing in and letting go, the freedom to fly, a time to listen, explore, understand, see and feel, no right or wrong, only one rule “no rules”, belonging to nothing or no one, only to experience this moment of bliss, laughter, inner cheesy grin of conquest….Open with incoming traffic, unconscious selection……….
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I really appreciate the assignments that just let our “freak flag fly!” It is so refreshing and freeing. I hope everyone enjoys this day off.
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Something that I thought of posting but then thought was too silly. This post made me do it and I’m glad it gave me the little push I needed.
Please do read and let me know, all your comments are welcome 🙂
http://wordytale.wordpress.com/2014/10/09/the-search-for-solace/
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Great! Inspiring words from Anne Lamott there!
Now who’s ready to read some irrational, unedited straight from the heart story?… I’m ready to give you one scary one!
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Where may I sign up for this?
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This challenge is almost over and registration is closed, but if you follow The Daily Post, you’ll be notified when new challenges start.
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I don’t usually do the free writes because I just never get around to doing them but tonight I did. Here’s what happened: http://corinajoyc.wordpress.com/2014/10/09/yesterday/
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I am the same way!
Glad you took the time to write:-)
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I really liked this idea and tried to give it a try. I did erase some of the typos and corrected some of the spellings but I did the challenge with less than 400 words and feedback is always allowed. 🙂
http://notstargirl.wordpress.com/2014/10/09/youtube-why-i-suck-at-talking-to-a-camera/
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I love this idea
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Exactly 400 words, I love it. I think this is something I will make a regular feature on my blog. “400 words about…”
Of course feedback is welcome on my 400 Words: How to Choose a Book
http://wp.me/p4P21q-49
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This gave me the push I needed to post this. Pls check it out. Comments are welcome, of course.
http://thotsntales.wordpress.com/2014/10/09/20-random-facts-about-me/
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Guys do check out my free writing post @ https://framingmemoriesblog.wordpress.com/
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You’ve posted a link to your dashboard rather than your public posted — I’ve edited it out.
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Isabel the link you posted is that of your admin editing page! Perhaps you should publish it and then copy the link of the post…
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Ok so this is very random and takes a very weird turn at the end, but I really enjoyed writing it http://personalpositivityblog.wordpress.com/2014/10/10/writing-101-dont-stop-the-rockin/
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I just picked up Bird by Bird…it’s now on top of my stack! 🙂
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A piece I’m working on.
http://diariesofthenight.wordpress.com/2014/10/11/writing-101-dont-stop-the-rockin/
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Better late than never. https://worldwidesoulmate.wordpress.com/2014/10/15/love-in-400-words/
Feedback and comments appreciated on my blog please. Thanks heaps.
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http://pawcificpurrsea.wordpress.com/2014/10/15/what-were-they-thinking/
Started writing out each POV, but when I thought I’d finished, I didn’t have 400 words, so I had to go back and add some more. Then I had more than 400 and had to go back and delete some. 😉
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http://freddierockgodgander.wordpress.com/2014/10/08/writing-101-dont-stop-the-rockin/
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