Morning Pages

I woke up at 5 a.m. this first day of the month eager to write "Morning Pages." For several years I've followed this writing practice which I learned from Julia Cameron, author of The Artist's Way, The Sound of Paper, and The Right to Write. Cameron has been my writing/creative living coach for many years. With her promptings, I've filled many notebooks with random writings that have helped me live and think more creatively, sort through life's many ups and downs, and hone writing skills. And lately, these writings are showing up in this blog.

Here's the Morning Pages routine. I hop out of bed, make a cup of coffee, grab the really cool tablet and smooth writing pen that I bought at the Flax art supply store in Chicago, and then get comfortable on the sofa. Willie joins me there, going back to sleep curled by my side. He's ready to start his job--being a loving leech--whenever he's needed.

At 5:20 a.m. I begin to write, the exercise being to just fill three hand-written pages--no re-writing, editing, or obsessing over the value of what I'm getting down. This morning I had no topic as I began to write. Not important. All I have to do is get three pages done and then I can quit--no matter if it's drivel. So, I write about this past weekend's visit with friends, describing the ballgames, storytelling festival, sibling relationships, and political discussions that made up the visit. I'm cruising by now, so I describe an upcoming visit to Baltimore, and plans for a fall wardrobe makeover based on what I'm learning from Bravo's Tim Gunn on his Guide to Style program.

At 6:05 a.m. I have three pages written. Willie wakes up and I can stop writing. Piece of cake--not a single drop of sweat or blood exertion staining the pages! Routine is a good thing for a writer. By following an established ritual, writing becomes as much a part of daily living as brushing your teeth or feeding the dog. You just do it without a lot of thought. Throughout the day you think and then get those thoughts on paper--it's a natural process.

Writing ranks way up there with public speaking on most people's dread meter. We admire good writing, enjoy reading it--and for the most part--believe that we can't do it. All of us are writers. The trick is to just make writing a part of our daily life. And, you know how that goes. Sometimes we'll do well and other times it won't be worth much. No matter, I still have three pages for October 1--enough fodder for this post. Tomorrow I'll write again.