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Why Choose a Writing Companion?
by Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ

Writing is a journey, but you, the writer, don't have any pre-drawn or pre-printed map to guide you. You create/draw your own map as you go along. Your mind is the navigator; your hand moves and writes whatever your creative self tells you to write.

This is the reason you have to let go of expectations. Let your inner creative self lead you wherever it leads you. Allow yourself the space and the freedom to write "crap" or "trashy pieces." If Yin has Yang, so have you the Creator and the Critic co-existing inside you.

For any beginning creative writer, the first step to actually writing is battling and defeating his inner Critic (or editor). The Critic blocks the Creator in you even before you can even express an idea or a thought. For the aspiring creative writer, the inner Critic should be tamed and put in its proper place.

In the process of writing, it is the Creator in you that should be let go and given freedom first. It is a matter of knowing and learning when and how these two, the Creator and the Critic in you, should and could be drawn out and used.

Below are just a few simple journaling and writing exercise you can do...

For Your Journal Only

On the first page of your journal, draw a line in the middle. On the left side, write the word CREATOR in big, strong letters. On the right side, write CRITIC in big, bold letters too. Under CREATOR, write at least 5 reasons why you should let the Creator in you be your companion. Under CRITIC, write at least 5 reasons why you should let the Critic in you be your companion.

[****DO NOT READ BEYOND THIS UNLESS YOU HAVE DONE THE ABOVE INSTRUCTIONS.****]

The Purpose

The purpose of writing down these items is to make your fears and hopes come out in black and white. This way, they become concrete, and not merely invisible and intangible concepts. By doing so, you'll be facing your fears and taking measures to put your hopes into action. Facing the 'fears' you have about your critic self is a step towards conquering the critic in you.

Now take a black marker (with a broad tip) or a black crayon and one by one, draw a line across the 5 items under CRITIC. Cross them out. Forget about them. Slay your fears. You have chosen who your companion is going to be as you start your writing journey.

Activity

Go over your list under CREATOR. Choose one of the following writing activities:

1. Begin a poem about your journey with your CREATOR based on your list.
2. Write a short essay on why you want the CREATOR along.
3. Write a short dialogue between you and your CREATOR. Imagine that you and he are packing.
4. What will the two of your bring with you? What will you two be doing on your journey?

Copyright © 2001 Shery Ma Belle Arrieta-Russ

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