No, this is not a blog about math and equations, nor is it written entirely in rhyme.
This blog is all about where stories come from, based on my book of the same name . . .
I have been slightly delayed in writing these posts, but I promise I am trying my best.
I have been navigating a new move and a busy time of school visits, particularly in February, our national "Love to Read" month.
On February 2nd, I relocated to a new home with some lovely neighbours nearby . . .
On February 5th I had the privilege of reading Cosette Goes to the County and Where Do Stories Come From? to over 1000 elementary students across Manitoba and Quebec. It was my busiest virtual day yet, and left me feeling very honored to get the chance to share my stories with others.
I love to receive feedback from every school I visit, and this time around I discovered teachers and students alike would enjoy some writing exercises of there own. To try writing their own tales.
I will be including one simple exercise at the end of every blog, some taken directly from my Where Do Stories Come From? Writing Workbook.
But, let’s get back to that word – try. The very first piece of writing advice, written in red and underlined twice, in Where Do Stories Come From?
Many wonderful things - like stories! - come from trying.
Many of my readers may know I am a big fan of Yoda, and I often hear his sage words while working at my desk:
“Do... or do not. There is no try.”
It seems for this Jedi master, the act of trying invites excuses.
You might tell your mom you will try to do your homework, but you could wind up playing video games instead. And next thing you know, the only story you are bringing to school the next day is the tall tale about the neighbour's French Bulldog eating you essay for supper . . .
Doing your homework, on the other hand, means you are DOING it. English essay done! Math equations = check! French homework, fini!
Doing is awesome, and without committing to putting one word after another I would never finish my own stories and books.
However, for once Yoda and I will have to agree to disagree.
I love the word try.
Why, you ask?
Well, as a writer words are like my closest friends. I like to discover where they came from, to look at the essence of each one meet.
(*Like the word “poet”, which traces back to the Sanskrit word "cinoti", meaning to gather, and heap. Poets then are like gatherers of thoughts, memories, and feelings, heaped into a pile of words we call poetry. Try it with your favourite words. Like what does "nincompoop" really mean . . . ?)
So, what is the essence of "trying" vs "doing"?
The word “do” means to take action often resulting in achieving a result.
To "try" means to use effort in order to see what happens.
"Trying" can also imply that you're testing something new, exploring what is possible.
Unfortunately, "trying" is often associated with a lack of effort.
But, I have discovered effort is as fickle as the shape of a pickle.
The amount of effort we have to give is not consistent, but what IS consistent is our ability to show up. To use whatever energy we have on hand. To pull out your pen and see what is possible.
Don't take it from me. Here are some words of wisdom from Rick Rubin, author of "The Creative Act", Jedi master of mixing music:
"The creative process isn't just about having an idea (thinking), but actively engaging with it through experimentation (trying), staying present in the moment (being), and ultimately taking action to manifest that idea (doing)."
Yes, when writing we have to think - about the craft, the process, and our story. We also try - exploring, shifting, stalling, falling, succeeding, discovering. The list goes on.
While thinking and trying the mind is still at work. Effort is still applied.
Being and doing are different. They come from drifting into a space where we are less self-conscious (Is this character interesting? Is this a good ending?!)
Our natural habits (from all that writing practice!) overtake the thinking mind. Our effort becomes more effortless.
Some people call this flow state (see writing workout below to get in your own writing flow...)
So I am sorry, Yoda. But, it appears there is such thing as both trying and doing when it comes to honing your craft. It is not so black and white after all. Or even grey (boring).
It is a lovely rainbow of all the colourful ways in which humans (young or old) use to magically create something out of nothing.
So, my final equation:
Thinking +Trying + Being + Doing = Wonderful Creations!
Writing Workout: For one whole month, you can try to discover where your own stories come from by using a tool I love called the “morning pages”. Designed by Julia Cameron in her book The Artist’s Way, these are three pages you write first thing in the morning – even before your bowl or cheerios or favorite cartoons! Many of my best ideas have come from this exercise. Maybe you will remember a really cool dream? Or, feel inspired about a book you are reading? Or maybe its just a boring list of the things you would rather be doing, like watching cartoons. Don't worry - you can always draw your own to go along with your story. Whatever happens, the more often your pick up your pen, the more curious you will find you are to discover what might be stored in your imagination waiting to be released on blank page. And slowly, your morning time effort may even feel a little more effortless.
I will try to put out a new blog on the 1st day of each month, just like my B-Side Stories, where I had a solid deadline to finish each original story. (Your teacher gives you due dates for a reason. It’s helpful to know where the finish line is. Just ask the tortoise. Perhaps, not the hare . . . )
Purchase my books or request your very own school visit HERE.
Thanks for reading and happy writing . . .
