School are wonderful places… and for writers, too often the scene of crimes against creativity. I don’t know how many people I’ve seen in my coaching practice who have been unable to write or to enjoy it when they do because of something that happened to them in school. (And yes, schools also are places that can inspire writers as well).

Usually it goes along these lines: An enthusiastic writer turns something in to the teacher, whether a creative piece or an essay on the History of Western Civilization. The teacher, probably tired and cranky after a long day, is sitting at home grading papers when her own teen storms out the door to smoke cigarettes. Angrily, the teacher picks up the paper… and vents. She doesn’t just grade it, she adds a comment like “Whatever you do, make sure you don’t take up writing as a profession,” or “I’ve seen chimpanzees write better papers than this.”

Not helpful.

The student reads the paper, takes the comment personally, and that’s it. They have just enough doubt in their own ability (who doesn’t in school?) to believe the comment. Then they continue through the years finding “evidence” to back up the belief that they can’t write, which is just how the mind does things. We like to prove ourselves right, even if it’s painful and untrue.

Then, they show up at my door X number of years later because, despite that blow, an inner writing voice has been quietly trying to get their attention. And it’s been knocking at the door a long, long time.

Another version of this is the budding writer who turns in something highly creative… and it’s strangulated by grammar rules. So they start learning to jump through grammar hoops rather than creative hoola hoops.

Then there’s the academic who has gone on for advanced degrees and was taught a rigorous, stylized method of writing. Rather than learning to open and write from their passion, they make each word work. Hard. Each sentence has to stand at fancy angles to look smart, and be obtuse enough to impress. Their inner editor rides them with a whip the whole way.

Usually it doesn’t take long much coaching for a client to get beyond these wounds and start writing in a way that feels more natural and fun. But if you’re looking for a few tricks to try on your own, try:

• Take the thought, such as “Mrs. Blarneybum said my writing was worse than chicken scratch,” and imagine what her life might have been like. Instead of seeing her as the all knowing God she obviously wasn’t, humanize her. Imagine her getting home after a long day. Taking off her shoes and massaging her bunions. Eating cold Chinese food leftovers. And then sitting in her threadbare recliner to grade papers… and not seeing past her own pain or arrogance as she graded your writing. Just as you couldn’t see your writing objectively, neither could she.
• Don’t see writing as black or white, good or bad, acceptable or not. See it as shades of gray, and then get a paint brush, a dollop of yellow and red, and jump in and play. Do some word cartwheels. Don’t let your editor in, just have fun and don’t judge. Isn’t that why you want to write anyway, to perhaps get a message out WHILE you’re frolicking?
• Keep in mind that if you can talk, you can write. Period.

As adults, away from the grades and criticism, it’s our time to dip into the joyful, creative part of the writing process. If you’ve been waiting to write, don’t wait any longer – take the leap and see if you don’t just fly…

As founder of Backyard Pearls, LLC, Carolyn Scarborough helps people tap into their inner wisdom, then share it with the world through books, blogs and articles. As a Writing Wisdom Coach, she supports you through the journey from inspiring idea to published piece in a way that’s joyful, effortless and profitable.

She’s done almost every kind of writing imaginable, including magazine features, newspaper columns, books, journaling — even ghostwriting for Donald Trump! Her favorite sort of writing is the kind where she has to be really present to find the story, so her life and writing are both a constant awakening to a deeper, richer way to live in the world.

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Do you ever have so many great ideas swirling around that it’s hard to keep track of what, or where, they all are? Perhaps there’s a partially written book manuscript in your drawer, a painting languishing on a shelf and great business ideas scattered in your computer files?

Or, on the opposite end of the spectrum, are you very good at staying focused on one thing – so focused, in fact, that you dogmatically stick with it and the process is, well, slightly dry and joyless?

If you’re in either of these camps, you’re not alone. As a writing coach, I’ve seen people in both of these spaces (and been in both myself!). The former are frustrated that they just can’t seem to finish what they start, the latter are frustrated that it’s just not fun. There are, however, insights to guide your way.

In HeatherAsh Amara’s’s new book “Sacred Time Management,” she says, “When we have too much intent (focused purpose) running, we get narrow-minded and dogmatic. There is no room for discovery or learning through our mistakes. When we live solely from our creativity, we become ungrounded and scattered. We have lots of ideas, but not the force to manifest them in a concrete manner. It is only when we balance play and focus, discipline and experimentation, intent and creativity, that we possess the ingredients to fully catalyze our blossoming.”

I love this. It so beautifully describes the relationship between the two styles, and what direction will move us towards more balance. In upcoming posts, I’ll explore ways to find this balance. Meantime, awareness is a huge leap – so enjoy flying!