What is your process?

From my Authors Guild Bulletin:

Norman Mailer claimed that it took him 20 years to learn to write. "I moved from being an amateur to being a professional. A professional can do a decent day's work even on a bad day. You have to work. It's as hard to write as it is to learn to play the piano well.

I keep hearing the same questions over and over again and so thought I it would be a good thing to start answering them here. One of the biggest questions is, how do you become a writer?

You write.

Yep, that is it. You probably didn't want to hear that answer.

So is it simple? My first inclination is to say that if it was that easy more people would be doing it instead of talking about it.

Writers write because they can't help it.

When I first met with a screenwriter to discuss a cooperative project he told me, "You are a writer." I laughed and asked why he said that. "Because you are always writing something." Turns out that he was paying attention to something I still had not realized.

So write--and if you want to get better and become a published author continue to write. AND read, learn about the craft, write more, and spend time meeting and getting to know others who write.

The Alliance of Writers attracted a wide variety of people when we met regularly. At one time we had over 130 participants (18-26 weekly regulars). With the growth came change. Suddenly there was a mix of serious writers--and those who just wanted to talk about writing.

Writers write, they do talk, but they spend more time writing.

Which one are you?

One of the Alliance members was worried about her skill level as she began to query editors and publishing houses. When she read, the group members all morphed into five year olds in excited anticipation of story time. She called me up and paced as we chatted, and as she lamented about her lack of skill, out of my mouth came these words:

Anyone can right but not everyone has talent--you have talent.

She does have talent but she isn't published--YET. This woman is so talented it is scary. In the meantime, she writes, edits, and writes more.

Talent doesn't necessarily mean you will have success. Can you forge ahead and develop skills and make it anyway? Yes, I believe you can.

Even with three books out, I still feel that I am not as strong of a writer as I might be--but I still write. I write every day. Is it perfect? No, but I write anyway.

Is there a magic formula to writing? A specific time? Place? Ceremony?

Yes, sit down and write!

Diarists' Workshop in Santa Fe, New Mexico

I received a bunch of information from Charlene at the Diarist's Workshop in New Mexico. If you live in that area or need an excuse to visit--here are a few of her programs:

WRITE ON
A journal, too can be more than a repository for words, it can serve as the canvas upon which our images, dreams, and symbols can be stretched and colored. - George Simons

Having trouble finding the time to journal? Are you in a rut and wanting to be in the groove with your creativity? Maybe you would benefit from the support, stimulus, or discipline of a group. Be encouraged to use different writing styles and visual techniques while recording your unique perceptions of the world. Have fun filling the pages of your journal with provocative entries suggested by Charlene.

Instructor: Charlene Geiss.
8 weeks: January 23rd to March 15th
Tuesday evenings, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $210 includes tax and materials.
Call Charlene at 505-986-8902 for further information or to register for any of her classes.

INNER CRITIC
Do your "inner voices" criticize, judge, and undermine your efforts continuously? Perhaps it is time for you to turn the spotlight on and the volume up, to better understand where these voices or thoughts come from and what you can do about them. Charlene's thought-provoking writing exercises and discussions will expose, identify, and eventually quiet these most annoying and troublesome voices. Isn't it time you listened to more supportive loving messages?

Instructor: Charlene Geiss.
Three Sunday sessions, March 18, 25, April 1
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Fee: $195 includes tax and materials.
Call Charlene at 505-986-8902 for further information or to register for any of her classes.

JOURNAL HARVESTING
You need to read your journals with an eye for expanding awareness and growth.-Tristine Rainer, New Diary -Tristine Rainer, New Diary

What are you doing with all those completed journals? When is the last time you opened your completed journals to read your mind? While writing is a tool for self-discovery, revisiting your journals adds another dimension to "knowing thyself." Discover patterns of behavior, consider your thoughts from a new perspective, and honor your accomplishments while turning the pages of your past. Charlene introduces techniques and suggests ways to use past entries that will serve you for years to come.

Instructor: Charlene Geiss.
1 Session: Saturday, February 17
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $85 includes tax and materials.
Call Charlene at 505-986-8902 for further information or to register for any of her classes.

PRIVATE SESSIONS
Charlene continues to work privately with individuals who would like to focus on a long or short-term goal, explore what has been ignored or avoided, rediscover a passion, or find the courage to manifest a heart's desire. In a safe environment, uncover possibilities for action by finding and using one's voice, through "Echoing", a process of talking, writing and listening.

$70 per session includes tax.
Call Charlene at 505-986-8902 to arrange for a consultation or appointment.

This semester two creative and talented teachers, Judy Morse and Ann Hawkins join Charlene at the Diarists' Workshop to offer exciting new classes that delight, inspire, and transform.

YOUR HEARTS' DESIRE
Such a price the Gods exact for song, to become what we sing. - Goethe

This 8-week workshop is based on author Sonia Choquette's Nine Principles for Creating the Life You Really Want. These principles are presented in a clear, simple, practical format, AND THEY WORK! The workshop also includes many journaling exercises and the creation of your own "Alchemy Box."
Students are asked to be committed to the 8-week process, for each week builds upon the previous session and the writing exercises.
Nine Principles covered

* Bring Your Dreams Into Focus
* Gain Support of Your Subconscious Mind
* Imagine Your Heart's Desire
* Eliminate Your Obstacles
* Be Open to Intuitive Guidance
* Choose to Support Your Dream with Love
* Surrender Control
* Claim Your Dream
* Stay True to Your Dream

Instructor: Judy Morse
8 Weeks: January 21st through March 11th
Sunday afternoons, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Fee: $180 includes tax and materials.
Call Judy at 505-424-1744 for further information or to register.

Judy Morse is an experienced diarist, teacher and author who has taught workshops and written articles for the Cuyamungue Institute. She has been teaching "Between the Lines" and "Write On" at the Diarists' Workshop.

BETWEEN THE LINES
And what does January hold? Clean account books. Bare diaries. Three hundred and sixty-five new days, neatly parceled into weeks, months, seasons. A chunk of time, of life... those first notes like an orchestra tuning up before the play begins. - Phyllis Nicholson, Country Bouquet

So, what does the New Year hold for you? How about a fun and innovative journaling class in which you learn many different writing techniques to help fill those bare diary pages? Between the Lines is a foundational journaling class in which students learn writing techniques that are used in many of the classes offered at the Diarists' Workshop. Students learn ten techniques such as Spiral Writing, Unsent Letters, Child Reporter and Third-Person Portrait. These techniques help the experienced or beginner diarist to better express his or her thoughts and feelings.

Instructor: Judy Morse
8 Weeks: January 31st through March 21th
Wednesday Evenings, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Fee: $190 includes Inner Outings deck, plus tax and materials.
Call Judy at 505-424-1744 for further information or to register.

THE MAGICAL DAYBOOK
The dominant thoughts and images that you hold in your mind are what you create in your life.

In this 8-week workshop you create a Magical Daybook and design a simple daily ritual, so that you can start each day by cultivating the thoughts, feelings, and images that you want to resonate with throughout your day. Each beautiful page of your personal Magical Daybook provides you with a reminder of the intentions, dreams, goals and values that inspire you to create your masterpiece: your most authentic, meaningful life.
As a group, we explore the Law of Attraction through a carefully orchestrated sequence of provocative journaling exercises, discussions, guided visualizations and book arts. Be challenged to determine what is truly important to you, and what you want to create in your life. Learn how to use self-hypnosis and subconscious affirmations to transform blocks and negative beliefs.

Instructor: Ann Hawkins
8 Weeks: January 25th through March 15th
Thursday Evenings, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Fee: $200 includes tax and materials.
Call Ann at 505-992-2663 for further information or to register.

Ann Hawkins spent 20 years as an advertising and film production executive before coming to Santa Fe to study the healing arts. She is now a licensed Massage Therapist and is Certified in Life Coaching and Hypnotherapy. She previously taught "The Magic Manifestation Workshop" at the Diarists' Workshop.

LIVING LA DOLCE VITA
What is this life for, if not to experience happiness, joy, and delight? In this workshop, you honor the yummy things in life, such as beauty, friendship, the arts, nature, wisdom, love, reflection, and contentment. So often, these precious jewels are forgotten in the midst of our hectic schedules, personal difficulties, and the myriad pressures and distractions of daily life. Sometimes we live in anticipation of happiness and the good life, instead of remembering that we can experience it in every moment.

Using a series of inspiring writing and visual journaling exercises, this workshop gives you the opportunity to explore and name the things in life that bring you the most happiness and make you feel good! A visual Book of Treasures will be the culmination of your musings. You also learn ways to transform your subconscious mind and to enhance your ability to enjoy La Dolce Vita!

Topics Include

* The Inner Game of Appreciation
* Cultivating Evocative Moods
* The Epicurean Art of Happiness
* The Way of Paying Attention
* Being a Connoisseur of Life

Instructor: Ann Hawkins
8 Weeks: February 5th through March 26th
Monday Evenings, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Fee: $200 includes tax and materials.
Call Ann at 505-992-2663 for further information or to register.