Personal writing, what does it mean?  From our earliest days writing was introduced in the context of being able to communicate effectively with others in order to be understood. Remember learning to form the letters of your name? 

  Penmanship, spelling, grammar, flow, cohesion—poof! The magic of writing for the pure joy of putting your mark on the page was traded for writing for others.  Writing well became a  public performance measure in school, and later in the workplace.  

I was interested to discover that Leonardo Di Vinci, like me, wrote backwards, from left to right, possibly because as lefties this makes sense, but also because it provides privacy on the page. This freedom allowed me to experiment with words, concepts, feelings and brain waves, without being judged.  

Breaking away from writing for an audience does two things immediately.  First it removes self-consciousness.  Think of the difference between a child dancing with her shadow on the sidewalk, and in costume on the stage at a dance recital.  Both can be wonderful--and they are different. The other thing that happens when the audience factor is removed is that we can scratch what itches, when, where and how we choose.  We can explore, vent, rage, travel in circles, express ourselves honestly and authentically; what we write doesn’t need to make sense.  A light from within illuminates a path to discovery and delight when personal writing begins.  

What happens when you think someone else will read your words?  You probably begin to make choices with them in mind.  You may want to create an impression, to influence, impress, touch, or connect with them in a particular way.  When your writing is for your own eyes only, you’re able to connect with yourself, to know your self at deeper levels. It’s an entirely different process, one that can add greater clarity when you write for others.  

There is a sacred world of creativity, imagination, memory, intuition, and inspiration within each of us.  It opens like a flower in the sun when the conditions are right.  It has been my experience that personal writing buys us a round-trip ticket to this place.  It gets us there faster, with fewer stopovers, than any other kind of writing.  If you have an itch to write, I recommend that you scratch it first by just writing for you.  When you are ready for an audience, you’ll both benefit from the results.  

“Dance like there’s nobody watching.”
--Unknown  

Joanne Klassen

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Is there a Book in You?

  Have you ever thought, as a kid, a teenager, or as an adult, “I’d like to write a book.”  Or after reading a book, have you ever thought, “I could have written that,” (or even something better)?

Let’s start with the things it doesn’t take, things that can stop people from even starting or taking the first step in the direction of their dreams. 

1.  Time.  It doesn’t take extraordinary amounts of time.  People like you with busy, full lives write most books.  I wrote my first book the year I started a business, was helping raise five children, and worked 60 hours a week.  People who quit work to write often find they are unable to.

2.  Talent, giftedness or special skill.  Books are written by ordinary Joes and Joannes whose desire doesn’t hold them back.  I say, you gotta wanna.

3.  Education, training.  Writing your ideas down is a way to honor your voice and value your own experiences—this is universal.  An editor can smooth the rough edges.  Spelling and perfect grammar are not required.

4.  Money or Connections.  When there’s a big enough why for anything we want in life, a how can be found.  This is true for your book too.

How can I say with conviction these things aren’t necessary to write a book? I have twelve books between covers, plus several hundred workbooks, a CD and a board game.  I’ve got another dozen books in the pipeline, and I have no more of the above than the average person.

What does it take to forge a book from the twinkle of an idea to marveling at the finished product, like holding a newborn in your hands?  I’ve discovered four “F” factors for forging a book.  

1.  Fire.  From somewhere an idea spark ignites, then blazes across your mind.  It travels to your belly and smolders there, and finally takes up residence in your heartspace as desire, where its heat remains, nudging you, until you honor it and take the first step.

2.  Fear Reduction and Faith.  This is the oxygen of creativity and the lifeline of accomplishment.  It’s as necessary as wiping the steam off the mirror in the morning after a shower so that you can see yourself clearly. Belief in yourself and your source of aliveness is the bedrock to carrying on.

3.  Focus.  Distractions, detours, and demands are always nipping at our heels.  Centering our attention, five minutes at a time, gets the job done.

4.  Friends.  My daughter came home from kindergarten and announced, “I’ve got fwends!” Herein lies the difference between heaven and hell. Find kindred spirits. Lavishly assist them.  Let them know what you need.

If you’ve got the fire of a book or other creative project warming your insides, I hope you’ll go for it.  You’re worth it.  If it just keeps calling you and won’t leave you alone, know that you can do it, you have what it takes. 

Pick up your pen and begin to write, “My book (project) is important to me, or others, because…”

You’re on your way…Trust the process, and that you’ll be given everything you need once you put your energy in motion.