Documenting Through Chaos

Writing During Winter Break

Image by Jasper AI

My brain fog refuses to clear. A week of birthday party planning, Spanish lessons, writing, work, household chores, and a winter break from my daughter’s school left me as a hot mess. On top of that, I decided to enter a writing contest (I may need better boundaries).

Despite the chaotic week and the feeling that things will break down at any moment, I snuck away for a monthly writer’s meeting. I find the best feedback I receive happens during in-person or Zoom meetings with other writers and editors.

I am lucky to reside in Chicago, with a lot of resources at my fingertips. The monthly writer’s meeting inspired me to peruse my old writing journals. I barricaded myself in the office for a little while longer after the meeting and combed through all the notes. I came across the following tips that I constantly need to remind myself of.

Helpful Writing Reminders

Become a Lifelong Learner: I heard an editor say this week, “If you master clear email communication and magical realism, you’ve required a lot of tools.” Grow in your writing by continuing to learn about it. Whether through classes, reading, or groups, there remain many resources out there to keep improving. The world keeps changing, and so should I.

Edit, Edit, Edit: Molding your story the way you want it.

Have Someone Read Your Work: Something that sounds good in your head may not sound good out loud.

Make Your Bio Interesting: It may seem random. However, I heard a long-time editor once say, “People check out reading boring bios. Your work may not get read if you don’t present a well-written bio” (I need to re-work mine).

Formality (in Technical Writing): I write informally for blog posts, but technical writing requires a suit and tie (just kidding). Writing formally helps when you don’t know your audience personally. No inside jokes (and I am a sucker for one).

Clear and Concise: The sticky note on my desk reminds me to write clearly and concisely every day. I get lost in words and drift into overly fancy descriptions. A terrible idea for writing User Guides.

Active Voice, Active Voice, Active Voice: Passive voice comes to me easily. My brain requires a 180-degree turn to write in an active voice. An active voice helps with clarity.

Avoid weak verbs: My weakness. I actively search for them in my writing and replace them. Some that I use often: be, was, had, have, is

Winter Week Survival Mode Complete

I’m happy to report that my family made it through winter break. Everyone remains healthy, semi-sane, and slightly sick of each other. I am still working my way through word vomit draft #1 on my sci-fi novel. For novel research, I discovered Milanote, and I love it. It helps me with all my random notes. Important to note: I am simply preaching my love, not advertising.

What writing advice do you keep nearby? Any tips that are helpful to keep in the forefront of your mind? Or on a sticky note?