Whether you consider yourself a writer or not, chances are you've at the very least written a five paragraph essay for your elementary school graduation. For many people, in order to really get your thoughts out onto paper, it takes a certain kind of process. Carrie Bradshaw of "Sex and the City" has this process down to a science and exemplifies what it feels like when writing my weekly content. Here is Carrie's process to keeping up with her column in the New York Star...
1. Ponder recent life events by posing a question
"Later that day I got to thinking about . . . ."
"I couldn't help but wonder . . . . ."
2. Do research through your friends
Miranda the lawyer, and Charlotte the romantic artist, and Samantha the party girl, all bring a different perspective to the table on whatever subject Carrie is currently pondering....and have fun while doing it.
3. Sit down and open your laptop
Often the hardest part of writing is sitting down and getting started, after that it all starts to flow.
4. Live it out for yourself
Firsthand experience makes for the best stories, sometimes you just have to jump into whatever life is throwing at you.
5. Go back to writing ...and take a break...
Sandwich break, cigarette break, a phone call to friend break.....whatever the writer's mind needs.
6. Realize it's due tomorrow
Procrastination is the writer's gasoline.
7. Suffer from writer's block
Stay up late, because for some reason most writing magic happens late at night.
8. Ask your friends to proofread
Rejoice in thankfulness that they always help you with the finishing touches, even when they have their own busy lives.
9. Proofread before submitting
Reading back over what you wrote like "Oooooo this is good."
10. Revel in your accomplishment
"....alone. No books, no man, no friends, no armor, no faking."
Apply the revelation you received from writing to your life and results in a bad to the bone, independent woman (or man).
11. Thank your supporters
Cherish the people close to you who encourage you to continue crafting your art and expression, whether that be writing in itself or having to write for a degree, job or scholarship you are pursuing.
While I do not write a column about sex or live in a big city, I still admire Carrie Bradshaw as a writer regularly and think that we all have a little to learn from her authentic and transparent style of writing. Hopefully, this guideline can help you next time you have a writing assignment of your own.
