To Write:  Sharing Your Writing Ideas

K. Wordbird Bate  The Writer’s Coach

In the beginning, there is only the idea.  ~Rittenberg and Whitcomb

     February—Romance! Presidents and politics! The Oscars! In my beloved New Orleans, it is Mardi Gras. I have a personal anniversary, and it’s time for the Audubon Great Backyard Bird Count.  Like Linus in his Pumpkin Patch, each year I can’t wait to wade out into the freezing cold, stand around for hours peering through my binoculars, and “count” birds I then report to Audubon.  February is a great time to recognize our connections and relationships, so, I’ll write about that, this month.

     First, you have an idea. Out of a sleeping dream, a place or a trip that inspires you, you overhear a bit of dialogue, or you see or hear a news item that sparks an idea. Less glamorous—you have a writing deadline that demands an idea.

     At a point in my writing career, I was blessed with a writing mentor (we’ll talk about mentors soon).  Larry said this:  “NEVER talk about your writing ideas. Be quiet, instead, and go write them. Talking only dissipates the passion you need to keep your writing going.”  You can experience this. You are incredibly excited, you go to lunch with a friend, and you share all about your idea! After lunch, you feel satisfied; your hunger is gone, both physically and creatively.  Because writing is a kind of hunger, it can be deflated or smothered just like an appetite.  

     Yet there can be good to sharing ideas. You gather needed support, more ideas, and encouragement. Perhaps you are not sure your idea has any merit until you see the face of someone you’ve told. You might be stimulated and motivated by the excitement of friends. Additionally, telling others is a kind of commitment. It is now public; you know they will ask after your progress, so you get going. Pay attention to which way it works for you, and go with that.

     Another factor is choosing wisely whom to tell.  Sharing your ideas can backfire if people negate, dislike or tinker with your idea. Too much praise is just as bad. “You could publish that!” is a common response. Is that true? Can you publish what is only an idea? Gathering praise feels fantastic, but you’ll get more written if you choose people who offer authentic, yet kind, feedback. Choose people who support you to take the next step. Yes, dream about success! However, do the work that will get you there.

      Unless you tell professional writers, people are offering their friendship and care, more than useful advice. Do not let their so-so responses discourage you; don’t let their exclamations of instant fame go to your head.

     In general, I advise as Larry did for me: put off instant gratification, keep your specific ideas to yourself, tell others simply that you are writing and you feel great about it.

Close the door. Write with no one looking over your shoulder. Don't try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It's the one and only thing you have to offer. ~ Barbara Kingsolver

      Keep the spark and details of your ideas for yourself. Use that spark to light a greater flame, to increase the passion within you. Keep dreaming, thinking, focusing upon and fanning that fire of ideas, until it IS a burning tension. Then channel that discomfort, by transforming your ideas into written words.

Let Yourself Bloom!

© Kimberly Bate                                                                       

Photo by Indigo Rain