Lessons from Memoir Writing

Writing is always a journey. The difference between this journey and that road trip you may take this weekend is you really you can't plan out where the road will take you. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't take it.

I started an online class a few months ago to help jump-start the memoir I had been writing in my head for the last few years. Every time I would get a few scenes written, the focus would change, and I would go back to the starting line. Again. I was hoping the class would change that. It did, eventually. It would have changed it sooner if I would have allowed myself the chance to let the lessons sink in. No matter. Even the shitty first drafts will be of some use down the line, and now I have stopped crinkling the road map and throwing it under the seat of my writer's driver's seat. Instead, I've pulled over and I'm taking a good look at where I want this book to go. More details on the to come. In the meantime, at least one big lesson I've learned: writing is therapeutic.

This may have already been something I knew, on some level. I've been keeping a diary, journal, or writing morning pages since I was in 3rd grade. Something about that must have helped my sanity. During the gaps in my writing was when I acted the most crazy, so maybe I should have been better about keeping a daily habit. Or maybe not. There's some good material in those gaps.

During a recent conference call or class, someone mentioned the scientific studies (maybe this is one) that proved that writing your truth, even when you truth consisted of the most stressful time in your life, benefited your immune system. If you wrote about the hard facts of your life for 20 minutes a day, your health could potentially improve.

Well. Hopefully I can get into a daily habit while writing my truths for this memoir. Not all of it is the "tough stuff" (studies be dammed--that sounds like it could drag a person down), but I could do with a little immunity boost. I've been fighting the same cold since my flight was delayed in Las Vegas 3 weeks ago. I'm a writer, so I should be getting all the health benefits that come from taking to the page. This weekend, I'm doubling my healthy dosage: I am attending a yoga retreat and spending an extra night for some "alone time" with my WIP.

I SHOULD be able to fend off anything this flu season sends me. Right?

Happy Writing!
--Tina

Do you feel a change in your body when you write? If it makes you feel good, do you still find yourself avoiding it at times? Do you think it's like exercising--you know it's good for you, but, it's just so hard to get started?

• I've been learning other ways to keep my body healthy--by paying attention to what I put ON it! It's as important as what I put IN it. I started selling Pangea Organics to fund my writing project, and now it's become a passion. If you would like to try a healthy line of products that smell fantastic and work even better, and support Excuse Editor along the way, please shop here. This month, you can get a free Skincare Discovery Kit, which includes Facial Cleanser, Toner, Cream, Scrub and Mask, with any order of $80 or more (all $100+ orders get free shipping). The holidays are just around the corner. Hand Cream, Hand Soap, Lip Balm and Body Polish all make fantastic gifts. Stock up on a few, and get a Discovery Kit for yourself. Writers deserve to treat themselves. If you have any questions about Pangea Organics or how I'm using it to raise money for next year's writing conferences and more, contact me: tina (at) excuseeditor.com. You can also visit my Healthy Skin Party Facebook Page.