Gates open #3 - 500 words?

Gates Open - Blog # 3

Oh, editing, you are a pain, but so necessary. I have been editing for what seems like forever. I am working on my final project for the Certificate in Writing, Continuing Studies, University of Toronto, and it is tedious. Who knew that when I decided to be a writer when I grew up (at 73 years old), I would be doing all this editing? In my fairy tale world, my stories would be so great that I wouldn’t need to do a lot of editing. Fairy tale for sure. I finished the first edit, and it is back now with author, instructor David Leyton. I wonder if editing is ever finished. Every time I look at a story, there are changes to be made. I am enjoying this brief break before we go at it all over again.

Hurray, I have time to write a new story. I like writing new stories. I start by thinking. I think for quite a while. I am not ready to write, but I write anyway.  I find that once I start with my initial idea, and not much more, the words begin to flow. Am I a master craftsman - a wordsmith? No, not yet, but I am working at it. In the meantime, those first drafts of flowing stories are most enjoyable.

This brings me to my Writing Rule # 3:

Find the best time of day to write and write every day - 500 words.

Finding the best time of day is so personal.  I get tired easily, so morning is best for me. I have my two cups of coffee in the morning, chat with Peter and then go and take all my prescription meds, and I am ready to roll.

Write every day - 500 words. What was I thinking when I made this one of my rules? The 500-word minimum for a day of writing is not problematic; writing every day is… Life happens, and when you are a senior, there is a host of happenings that get in the way of everyday. Sometimes great happenings such a the trio to Kingston to dance and sing along with my son and his band. He is a high school teacher, and the guitar playing and singing are his talents and expressions of joy. Sometimes it is doctors’ appointments for Peter and me. Perhaps my arthritic pain overwhelms or I am too tired because I didn’t sleep the night before, or maybe the kids and grandkids are coming to visit. Writing is my passion, but it is not my life. It always takes second place to family. This is my choice.

Nevertheless, I do like the idea of setting a goal for when and how many words. I will change my writing rule number three to:

Write in the morning.

Write 500 words each writing session.

Write a minimum of three times a week.

This is doable and still challenging, I like that.