In the excellent book The Echo Within (Waterbrook/Random House 2009), author Robert Benson describes his creative process as one of writing to a specific panel of 12 people he is trying to reach. He keeps the “jury” in front of him as he writes, so as always to keep his audience in mind. Many of us, whether seasoned veterans or newbies, often have some kind of presence which gives us permission to create, to burst through the usual, to shine. This presence can be God, a teacher, a fellow writer or friend, or even one’s own subconscious. If we imagine writing to this presence, our work likely becomes more honest and authentic, more than the sum of its parts, even more genius at times. Whether you believe in performing for others like this or you simply try to trick yourself into producing word count, imagine those you admire most and write for them and to them. As you pound those keys to generate wordcount, create your own jury of 12 and keep that list handy. Give yourself permission to be uniquely you. As Robert likes to say, “Namaste.”
Writing Tip for Today: Think of one of your writing teachers, admirers or mentors. How has that person influenced your desire to create? One of my closest friends, Kristen Ingram, was also one of my best mentors and teachers. She’s been very ill these past few days, and I’ve even worried we might lose her altogether. As I write I will put Kris’ name at the top of my Jury List, and hope and pray for her recovery. Get well, Kristen.