What Do I Write?

What do I write?

I want to write, but what do I write about?

My mind is full of so many thoughts and conversations, how do I choose one thing to focus on?

Ever felt this way?

When you are in a quandary about what to write for publication or which theme you want to deal with in your next manuscript, the best thing is to take some time away from the home office and let your mind relax. When your mind is full of daily situations from family and home, your journal can help by serving as a wonderful therapist.  So grab that neglected journal and use it to guide you into deeper thoughts about what is going on in your mind.

In Lucy Shaw’s book, Life Path: Personal and Spiritual Growth through Journal Writing, she suggests writing a letter to yourself. So expanding on her prompt, I want to include a few things to keep in mind as you write this letter.

• Make sure you have a comfortable pen and pad of paper that suits you, or a few blank pages in your journal
• Go to a place where there is little noise and distraction (the local library is one such place, or a coffee shop during non-busy hours)
• Start by jotting down some ideas, list the key words for these ideas
• From your list, choose one and make sure it is one that excites you, holds your attention, or bothers you the most
• Now start your letter to self.  “Dear ___________”
• Describe your topic in two sentences
• Add sentences as to why you are compelled to write about this topic.  Ask yourself why this topic interests you, motivates you, or annoys you
• Let yourself think of reasons writing about this might be challenging or what fears you have about writing
• Other questions to consider and answer in your letter: Can I ask God for wisdom? What are my prayers regarding my situation?  Do I worry I may not have the time or organization needed to fulfill this project?
• At the end of your letter, write five statements about you—keep them all positive
• Add a Scripture verse that will be the one you memorized and recite when the going gets rough

One the letter is complete, I hope you feel relieved and that the writing was beneficial. Now, a few days after writing the letter, read it aloud.  Do you feel the same way about your idea/theme/topic?  If so, are you ready to pursue it? Hopefully, this exercise will give you some clarity about your next step to writing great things.

Until next time,

~ Alice

Alice J. Wisler writes inspirational fiction from her home in Durham, NC.  She’s the author of RAIN SONG, HOW SWEET IT IS, HATTERAS GIRL and A WEDDING INVITATION. She also teaches grief-writing workshops both online and at conferences.