I’ve spent almost as much time researching other writers’ schedules as I have actually writing. I keep trying to set a definite schedule for finishing my draft, but I get side-tracked, playing brain games on my iPhone, gathering bouquets from my flower garden, having lunch with a pal, taking Daddy to the doctor. Almost every night, I write down what I intend to do the next day, starting with devotional, prayer and meditation, then writing and walking. And something often derails that writing and walking part.

I’d like to be more intentional with each day’s pace. I pray to be more intentional, rather than letting the whims of others or my lack of discipline dictate my productivity. That truly seems like my life’s work…attempting to live more intentionally, to remember that my time here is finite.

I wanted to use this space to let y’all know me and know about me, but I also wanted to be able to share things I’ve learned about the practice of writing. But I swear I’d feel like a fraud, putting myself in a place where I’m giving advice to other writers.

Instead, I’ll share things other writers and teachers have said or demonstrated that have pushed and urged and threatened and encouraged me toward my goals.

Decades ago, I decided I’d wasted enough time. I needed to start writing more seriously, more consistently, so I signed up for a memoir class at Casa La Luz through the Writers’ League of Austin (now the Writers’ League of Texas.) Saundra Goldman was teaching the one-day class. I had no idea who she was, but in Saundra, I found exactly who I needed to jump start my writing practice.

After she explained to the class what the day would entail, we meditated, which made me antsy, almost afraid, of sitting still that long without music or a book to read. Back then, Saundra was teaching NatalieGoldberg’s Writing Down the Bones, now a classic, and the perfect “instruction book”  for anyone beginning a writing practice. I later discovered it’s a forever-reference and reminder for writers at any stage. If you’re not familiar with Natalie’s rules for a timed writing, I share them here:

“1. Keep your hand moving. (Don’t pause to reread the line you have just written. That’s stalling and trying to get control of what you’re saying.)

  2. Don’t cross out. (That is editing as you write. Even if you write something you didn’t mean to write, leave it.)

  3. Don’t worry about spelling, punctuation grammar.

  4. Lose control.

  5. Don’t think. Don’t get logical.

  6. Go for the jugular. (If something comes up in your writing that is scary or naked, dive right into it. It probably has lots of energy.)”

And finally, before you begin writing, say to yourself, “I am free to write the worst junk in the world.”

Writing Down the Bones is the inspiration I return to when I’m stuck, when I’m not writing authentically, when I just need to be reminded why I write. Get it now.

So, back to Saundra. She is a Jewish-Buddhist-wife of a Rabbi, concerned mother, a liberal and a feminist and is unafraid to voice an opinion. I’m a more conservative Christian, go-along-to-get-along type (or at least I was when I started studying with her). I was a little afraid of her when I first started taking her classes. When I chatted with a friend in the group, she’d bark, “Stop Talking.” She called me out when my writing was too judgmental. But along the way, she told me she loved my voice, gave solid and intuitive suggestions on how to make a piece come alive. And along the way, I learned to love to meditate. Not for hours on end as she can do, but meditation has become a cornerstone of my practice. And along the way I began recognizing that while she is a beautiful writer, one of her standout gifts is how she intuitively knows what each writer in the group needs. One night as she was giving us homework assignments, she said, ‘And, Jenna, when you’re writing, DON’T BE NICE.” Damn. Was I that transparent?

When she thought I was ready, she leaned on her friendship with Natalie to get me into her workshops in Taos, silent retreats with what I considered intense meditation and hours upon hours of writing. I can’t count how many courses I’ve taken from Saundra or how many hours we’ve spent together, but I know her encouragement and support and authenticity have made me a better and more courageous writer.

And at the last course I took from her she told me in our private session, “You’re ready to go. Just go home and write.”

Her practice/business is now called “Intuition First: Writing from Source” and you can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/saundra.goldman

I said earlier that in Saundra, I found exactly who I needed to jump start my writing practice. And along the way and along the years, I found a loving and fearless friend.

I hope you’ve found mentors/friends who motivate and encourage you. If you have, please share there stories here in the comments.