Hey Writer,
Welcome to the first issue of Writuity Weekly! I’ve been feeling really inspired this week so I’m running with it. I’ve started writing a short story but to be honest my main focus has been this newsletter. I’m really excited to be back at the beginning with you and looking forward to see where this takes us.
Ernest Hemingway: Show Up and Stop
Ernest Hemingway was an American novelist, short story writer, and journalist whose simple writing routine produced multiple novels that have withstood the test of time and a Nobel Prize for Literature in 1954.
Hemingway often woke up at 6 am and made sure to write before the sun even rose. He felt that his mind was clearest in the morning and kept it simple by writing with just his typewriter or pencil on a board. The most important part of his routine was that he didn’t push himself until he had nothing left, he always stopped right before the scene was resolved. He famously said to “always stop when you know what happens next.”
When he did stop, Hemingway spent the rest of his day doing chores, socializing, and fishing and hunting. No writing was done in the afternoon unless it was absolutely necessary.
When someone thinks of iconic writers, Ernest Hemingway almost always makes the list. Although his last book was published 60 years ago, his dedication to his craft is something we can learn from today. His daily word count of 500-1000 shows that quality is more important than quantity and stopping while you still know what’s next will help keep writer’s block in the corner where it belongs.
Writing Prompt
Start a timer for 15 minutes. Write a scene between two characters where conflict is rising and stop it right before the confrontation happens. Leave yourself knowing what happens next and come back to it tomorrow.
Writer’s Block Autopsy: Down with Distraction
As children of the internet age, many of us are accustomed to dopamine being readily available. Social media itself is filled with videos that will make us feel however we want. Before you know it, hours have gone by and you’re going to bed feeling guilty that you haven’t written anything.
It’s not your fault. Our brains are hardwired to repeat actions that feel good which leads to our need for instant gratification.
Pay attention to the next time you’re feeling like this. Instead of watching mindless reels and TikToks, I set a timer for 5-10 minutes and read or watch a Western that has inspired me in the past. Then I put the screens away and sit down and write. You’ll be glad you chose creation over consumption.
What has been pulling you away from your writing? Hit reply and let me know.
The world has an endless supply of stories. The only thing missing is yours. See you next week.
- Mike