This week's advice for writers from Robert Boice is Rule No. 7: "Moderate emotions." The last rule was about moderating thoughts. This one is about releasing pressure on ourselves to feel certain emotions when writing.
Writing is often associated with strong emotions ranging from dread and avoidance to excitement and euphoria. (Think of stories you've heard or told yourself about how writing ought to feel?)
Yet strong emotions are not sustainable in a daily writing practice. Instead to build a habit of writing consistently and productively, we need to release ourselves from the expectations of strong feelings -- positive or negative. When we aim for "mild happiness" while writing, we can focus on the writing itself rather than how we feel about it.
At the Writing Table we start our time by breathing to release attachments, including strong feelings. I often wish you "happy writing,"
as we begin a pom. This invitation is to enjoy the habit you are making and to detach from any negative feelings that may be vying for your attention.
I look forward to writing with you this week!
Warmly,
Eileen
