Many years ago, one evening at dusk, I was alone in the woods and it started to snow. I tilted my head back and chose a distant snowflake and followed its path down onto my tongue.
That's how I like to think about writing. There are zillions of snowflakes, zillions of stories to tell, each of them falling right at you. All you have to do is pick one and concentrate as it comes to you. Just stand there patiently, ready to receive. There are so many stories out there, that it's kind of overwhelming to pick one and tell it. For me, writing has always been a matter of having the confidence to follow through on a particular story, convincing my doubting self that it's a worthwhile way to spend my time when there are so many mundane tasks to do.
A few years ago, I co-founded a local writer's group which has been incredibly supportive and confidence-boosting for me. When I'm doubting myself, and even the wise old-lady part of me isn't piping up with encouragement, sometimes I need fellow writers to gush enthusiasm for my work. And of course, I do the same for them, and when they have successes I feel (almost) as happy for them as I would for myself. I think it's important to surround yourself with people who believe that anything is possible if you truly want it and make a focused effort.
I have a kind of blessing-curse - if I go a few days without writing, I get very grumpy and head-achey. When I don't write, life feels bland. Writing is a sort of preventative medicine for me; it helps me create meaning out of my world. I've never had writers' block exactly, but sometimes I feel I have nothing fresh to say, or if I do, that it's not coming out in a beautiful way, that the words feel clunky and heavy.
What I do then is take a walk to get my blood flowing. (I enjoy alleys since they often have forgotten treasures). Sometimes I find a stream to sit by, alone, and listen to the messages it murmurs. Or I read some poetry to remind myself how good it feels to express experiences with beautiful language. (Pablo Neruda is my favorite). Sometimes I look at prints of paintings I like and write stream of consciousness about them. Sometimes I play loud cumbia or salsa or merengue music and dance for a while. Sometimes I take a book, any book, and close my eyes and put my finger on ten random words and then, very fast, without thinking too much, write a poem using all of the words. Sometimes I impulsively plan a trip somewhere, which always reminds me that the world is a wide, deep, rich place just bubbling over with stories. One way or another, I figure out a way to tap into the river of creativity that is always flowing inside us.
* Read a lot of good books and think about what the author did that made the book so good. Try doing something similar in your own writing.
* Don't expect your first draft to be perfect. Just let your ideas flow onto the page, and later go back and decide what to keep and what to change or cut.
* Keep a journal and write about anything you want-- observations, stories, feelings, dreams-- so that you get comfortable transforming your thoughts into words on paper.
* Have fun and have confidence! Turn off any critical voices in your head and remind yourself that the act of creating is valuable and thrilling.
* Share your writing with other writers when you feel ready. Read each other's work and give each other feedback and support. Make sure to focus on the positive things!
* Make writing a priority. Set aside time every day or a few times a week to write. Don't let yourself make excuses. Just write!