Linda Jo Martin

Writer, Artist, YouTuber

  • About
  • Journal
  • Fiction
  • Art
  • Home
  • The Art of Writing
  • Book Reviews
  • Lists & Challenges

Practice Writing Daily for Creative Development

February 15, 2008 By Linda Jo Martin 6 Comments

Everyone needs a creative outlet – even those who don’t think they do. It is part of being human. For many of us, writing is that opportunity to share a bit of our hearts with the world.

The writing life begins when a person makes a commitment to write. Most of us who are serious about writing try to write every day. As this becomes a ritual habit, we enjoy the exciting fulfillment of our creative urges when we see the results: a viable story, article or poem. This feels so good, we want to do it again and again.

The daily writing habit can be as simple as writing to a prompt. For me, sometimes the key to working with prompts is to let my imagination run free, feeling loose enough to write down whatever comes to mind. At other times I plan a bit ahead of time and then see where the story takes me. Most of my prompt writing takes the form of flash fiction – stories less than 500 words.

Prompts give immediate writing practice, and do not need to produce masterpieces. Writing done for practice can be turned into something worth sharing and submitting, but it doesn’t need to be perfect every time. It just needs to be a daily ritual, to help us develop our writing talents. Every creative artist needs to practice, and this is how many writers do it.

When you write to a prompt, it doesn’t matter if you write poetry, a script, fiction, or non-fiction. All genres are good for writing practice. It only matters that you set down your words, crafting them to the best of your current ability. Save your practice writing for later inspiration, for development into larger pieces, or for posterity. But whatever else you do, don’t stress over it and don’t waste time comparing your writing skills to others. Every writer has a different voice. You need only express yours.

The more you write, the better you will get at it. Don’t be afraid to play with your words, using outlandish descriptions and wild dialogue. Remember, if you don’t like the result, nobody will ever have to see it but you. The goal is to be free with language, getting away from any stilted prose, getting closer to the true expression of your inner creative light.

Similar Posts:

  • Reaching Toward Goals
  • The Unfinished Manuscript, How to Get to “The End”
  • Writers Write
  • Find Your True Writer’s Voice
  • Focused Practice Creates Success – Mixed Media Art and Writing



Comments

  1. Gary R. Hess says

    June 23, 2008 at 8:59 pm

    I definitely agree. I love writing, but I have to say that I’m not great at it. However, the more I write the better it gets. So maybe when I’m old and decrepit I will be able to publish something 😛

    Reply
  2. Linda says

    March 6, 2008 at 9:38 am

    I feel the same way, Martin… a day without writing is like a day without sunshine. Unnatural. I will check out your blog.

    Reply
  3. Martin Welch says

    March 5, 2008 at 6:37 pm

    Definitely, you’re right! As what they say, practice makes perfect! As you write everyday, your skills will be enhanced more.. as long as you have the heart and passion in writing, I think your day is not complete if you can’t write something for that day!

    Reply
  4. Linda says

    February 29, 2008 at 5:19 pm

    Thanks to Meghnak, and HUGS to Cimeron…

    Reply
  5. Cimeron says

    February 25, 2008 at 9:30 pm

    Oh. My. Goodness. Mom you sound like a professional… I’m impressed!

    Reply
  6. meghnak says

    February 17, 2008 at 8:28 am

    I agree with you totally. The more you write, the better you go. I love to use writing prompts for practice and for new ideas regularly, some of which do not come up to my expectations. As you said, practicing on a regular basis improves the writing.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A recent video on my Booktube channel, at YouTube

To receive blog update notifications via email, enter your email address:

About Me

Hi, I'm Linda, the Book Lady, and I'm excited about reading. A book is a gift you give yourself. It is so much fun to open that cover and discover what was hidden within. Books share the wisdom of the ages with us. Who wouldn't want that? So I read frequently and encourage reading. If you're a reader, let me know by becoming my friend on GoodReads.


My novel, River Girl, is about a girl living in the Klamath River Valley.

Here's a link to my prayer website:
Prayer Power.

My childhood memoirs: ljm memoirs.

Professional Reader
I use Amazon affiliate links on this site and appreciate it very much when you purchase from my links.

California Reading

California Reading

California Reading
5 members

This group is for anyone wanting to read California based fiction or nonfiction.

Our recommended shelf

The World Rushed In: The California Gold Rush Experience
The World Rushed In: The California Gold Rush Experience
by J.S. Holliday


Hillinger's California: Stories from All 58 Counties
Hillinger’s California: Stories from All 58 Counties
by Charles Hillinger





View this group on Goodreads »


My Art

Bird Art by Linda Jo Martin - http://lindajomartin.com
Acrylic
Wild and Precious - art by Linda Jo Martin
Watercolor / pen
Summer Afternoon - art by Linda Jo Martin
Pen / Watercolor

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” ? Cicero - Art by Linda Jo Martin http://lindajomartin.com
Acrylic
Acrylic
Angel art by Linda Jo Martin
Sketchbook

Psalm 91:9-11 - Angel art by Linda Jo Martin http://lindajomartin.com
Sketchbook
Art: Idaho Hills, by Linda Jo Martin
Junk journal, acrylic
March Mystery Madness 2020, art by Linda Jo Martin
Gouache journal

Plan A to Z - lettering by Linda Jo Martin
Lettering class project
A daring adventure - art by Linda Jo Martin
Fountain pen ink journal
Small Joys
Watercolor sketchbook

Watercolor sketchbook
Valley of decision.
Bible journaling
Mount Glittery by Linda Jo Martin - mountain climbing quote by John Muir
Acrylic painting

Watercolor sketchbook
“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.” ? Ralph Waldo Emerson ... watercolor painting by Linda Jo Martin
Watercolor sketchbook
Imagination Soars, by Linda Jo Martin - http://lindajomartin.com
Watercolor sketchbook

Plant Seeds
Watercolor sketchbook
The Prayer by Linda Jo Martin
Acrylic painting
A basket of flowers, by Linda Jo Martin - http://lindajomartin.com/writing/art
Fountain pen ink journal

RSS My Most Recent Book Reviews

  • The Gabriel Hounds
  • Madame Bovary
  • The Sign of the Beaver
  • The Painted Veil
  • The Challengers
  • Braving the Thin Places: Celtic Wisdom to Create a Space for Grace
  • The Tea Chest
  • How to Write Like a Writer: A Sharp and Subversive Guide to Ignoring Inhibitions, Inviting Inspiration, and Finding Your True Voice
  • Airs Above the Ground
  • Camp Far West: A Memoir of Early California

RSS Goodreads Status Updates

  • Linda Martin is on page 81 of 651 of Ireland
  • Linda Martin is on page 172 of Life Along the Applegate
  • Linda Martin is 67% done with The Confession of St. Pat
  • Linda Martin is on page 110 of 494 of Lifting the Veil on the L

You can find me on Pinterest

Visit Linda Jo Martin, Book Lady's profile on Pinterest.

My art is at Zazzle.com

Dating Palms
Linda Jo Martin Art and Photography
Buy Scrivener for Windows (Regular Licence)
I love Scrivener, and use it for all my writing. It is a fantastic writing software that organizes a novel, ebook, or screenplay efficiently while I write and revise.

Follow me on Twitter

My Tweets

© 2023 - LJ Martin Web - Legal Notices
Linda Jo Martin is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,
an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for
sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.Com.