Trying something new

Pentimenti Affirmations for Writers

With the start of a new year comes a chance to pause and reflect on where we've been and where we're going.  Over the past year, the Pentimenti Women have been compiling a list of affirmations: things we find ourselves repeating to each other over and over.  Writing is hard work - finding the time, reliving emotional experiences, facing self-doubt, quieting the voices in each of us that tell us what we have to say is no good.  When those voices start to get too loud for us to write on, we repeat the affirmations below.  Together they form a sort of Pentimenti Manifesto.  

1. Don't worry if it's right.  Just write!

2. Listen to the silence - pay attention to your speaking silent voice.

3. You are the author.  You decide.  

4. Let yourself feel the joy, but also remember that writing takes time.  Give yourself that time.

5. Asking questions helps you open up.

6. Rewrites are not desecrations.  

Other writers out there, leave a comment to let us know what affirmations help you put pen to paper when the going gets tough.  Happy 2013 to all!