…wrapping up the running theme
Some days are great, some days aren’t:
Some running days are fun, some start hard and get easier, some start easy and get hard. And there are some that you just have to get through. Writing is the same. Don’t let a hard writing day scare you from getting back into the groove.
Love what you do:
I’m slow, I’ve got funny form, but I love the way running makes me feel: strong and powerful and joyful, like a little kid.
While I set goals and due dates for certain projects, I never know how easily the words will come. This is where love for the writing process helps to sustain me. Last summer I got stuck on two stanzas for a picture book and couldn’t move forward for weeks. I spent hours and hours on what amounted to roughly twenty words. Twenty words! As frustrating as this was, I’m so thankful I kept returning to the story, sat with what I had, and trusted the words would come. The writing process has never worked the same way twice for me, but I love what eventually unfolds.
Find your rhythm:
There is something very familiar and comfortable about settling into your pace. The same can be said about your own writing process. Maybe you need music in the background. Maybe you have to re-read everything you wrote the last time you sat down. Whatever your system, if it works for you, use it. From that familiar place your work will grow.
Keep track of your goals:
Just like runners love to record their fastest times, make sure you’re paying attention to — and celebrating! — your progress: finishing a manuscript, positive feedback from critique partners, requests for partials from agents. Those milestones keep you moving forward.
When things don’t work, try something new:
I’ve had my share of injuries and have had to alter the way I’ve approached running. For months I practiced the walk/run system my sister swears by. Other times I kept all running to a mile — holding onto the fun and cutting back on the work.
Are you working on a manuscript you need to retire? Are you writing in a genre that just doesn’t fit? Give yourself permission to try something new or approach your work differently.
Metaphor for life:
Running is hard, but life is harder. When I push myself physically, I feel like I can take the world on.
Isn’t it just the same with writing?
This post originally ran March 16, 2011
Update: A friend just told me about What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, a memoir by author Haruki Murakami. Can’t wait to dig in!
You’ve got some more great comparisons between writing and running. They are all great. It’s so important to celebrate the little goals along the way, just like I’m sure you do with running.
I’m much prettier writing not running. 🙂 But I love your comparison.
I’m so envious of people who can run. I do try. But I hate it.
I’d rather swim! Good metaphor though! Keep at it!
One final comparison: in running once you’ve finished a run or crossed a finish line, there’s always a new run to do. Writing’s the same.
Kristine, my dad has told me I sure look miserable when running. He’d never guess I actually like what I’m doing. 😉
Connie, you’ve come up with some great comparisons this week!
I love especially the advice to try something new. I hit a wall with a manuscript and shifted gears trying out several new genres by writing short stories. It has helped me keep up a writing routine, develop new skills and most of all, have more enthusiasm for writing.
LOL, I don’t run unless it’s after a bus. Or I’m being chased. But I love this post, anyway. 😉
You’re so right about establishing a rhythm, and the ability to try something new. That’s really helped me to become a better writer, more than anything else.
I like how you said writing has never worked the same way twice for you. As I begin a new project I’m realizing how true that is for me. Each story requires a different approach. It’s like raising children; they all need different kinds of discipline and love.
I agree with you and Liesl. It’s neat how the writing process constantly changes as we tackle new projects.
Liesl, I’ve never thought of it that way, but yes!
Oh my gosh, yes!! Running is a lot like writing. Loved that!
Excellent metaphor. I’m picturing you running like Phoebe on Friends. Ha!
Like Elana, I was thinking of Phoebe throughout the entire post!! I’m going to write that way too!
I’ve loved reading your posts on writing and running. I’m a beginner runner and I really enjoy it even when it’s hard. The same goes for writing. 🙂
Elana and Jemi, just you wait. I’m gonna make you watch me sometime.
Ghenet, thanks! So often I’m not sure if what I post here resonates with others. I’ve decided if it’s something I’m processing and something that interests me, that someone will hopefully connect with what I’ve said.
I took up running a few years ago and I also absolutely love it. For a while, I was running 24 miles per week, but that took up all of my writing time, and so now … it’s more like 12 miles/week. But don’t the ideas just flow when you run? And yes, it makes you feel powerful.
Catherine, ideas don’t normally flow for me. In fact, my brain gets pretty empty. It’s something I love — a chance to get away for a while.
I love Murakami’s book! As a writer and a runner, I love his perspective. It inspired me to run my first race:)
Love hearing this, Kimberly!