One of my favorite things to say to authors during our group chats in The Inkwell is, “I give you permission.” Because so often—especially when writing is a hobby and not how we pay the bills—we let should or should not get in the way of joy and fulfillment in our writing practice.
I’ve seen the way the simple act of declaring, “You have permission” frees up an author to play, try something new, or recommit to her writing, so I wanted to share some permission slips with you here. Take what you need, and pay the rest forward.
I give you permission to…
Write what interests you, even if it doesn't pay the bills.
Write your story out of order: If the very next scene in your outline is tripping you up and making you avoid your desk, jump ahead. Nobody says you have to write your novel in order.
Schedule a DIY writing retreat: Whether it's in an exotic location or in a quiet corner of your own home, carve out dedicated time and space for uninterrupted writing. A change of scenery can reignite inspiration and rejuvenate your creative spirit.
Call yourself an author: Whether you're published multiple times or just getting started, lose the “aspiring” and commit to your identity as an author. You have to take yourself seriously before anyone else will.
Get messy: Let yourself get into the flow and see where your story takes you. Chase down that shiny object or experiment with that interesting new writing style. Editing comes later. When you’re drafting, you’re free to play.
Take breaks: Allow yourself to step away from your writing when you need a mental or creative recharge. Rest and rejuvenation are essential for sustained productivity.
Experiment with different genres: Just because you’ve always written romance doesn’t mean you can’t try horror. If you want to explore a different style, explore a different style. Don’t feel confined to “what you’ve always done” or “how you’ve always done it.” You never know what might shake loose when you shake things up.
Seek feedback: Share your work with critique partners, beta readers, or writing groups for constructive criticism. When will you know you’re ready? When you’re not sure if you’re making the story better or worse.
Celebrate small victories: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Only wrote 150 words today? You’re 150 words closer to a finished manuscript, and that’s worth celebrating.
Write in weird places, at weird times: We don’t always have the luxury of long, interrupted writing sessions, so go ahead and whip out your notes app in the dentist’s waiting room, the carpool line, or your kiddo’s soccer practice.
Remember your worth: Your value as a writer is not determined by external validation or publication success. If you find fulfillment in your writing life, if you’re passionate about your story, and if you’re dedicated to honing your craft, then you’re worth your weight in gold as a writer.
What other “permission slips” do you need in your writing life? Email me, or share in the comments below.
Want to join a community of writers who give each other permission every day to follow their passion and hone their craft?