• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • San Diego Momma
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
San Diego Momma

San Diego Momma

Sharing some humor, a bit of writing and way too much information

Home / Etcetera / How To Write

How To Write

Etcetera

Instead of reading this, why don’t you enter my giveaway? I’d erase this post altogether, but that would be in direct opposition to my Tip #1 included below, in the midst of this drivel I’d rather you ignore.

 

How to write. I ask myself this question almost every day. Because I overthink, and because I second guess, and because I doubt, and because I can be better, but I don’t know how.

 

Writing is like combing hair. You stand in front of the mirror trying to coax your hair into shape. And a strand falls out of place, so you comb it, but in combing that strand, you’ve mussed the other strands and there is no way in hell all the hair strands will stay neat and in place, because each strand lies atop another and the ripple effect says you could comb all night and still, your hair won’t be perfect.

 

I look around. I read what’s out there. I get impressed. I wish I could write like that. I hang my head in shame. I wonder what all the great writing has in common. I agonize over writing. I re-read my stuff and I cringe. It is clunky and it is trying too hard and it is ineloquent and it’s not funny or touching. My voice doesn’t shine through, and if it does, I find it annoying.

 

Sometimes I think I’ve got it figured out. There are all different kinds of writing, but there are common threads.

 

But maybe it comes down to the one thing that eludes me…my How To Write Tip #1:

 

Be Confident.

Just put it out there. Your voice. Don’t erase stuff you think is inappropriate. Have faith in your word choice. Don’t self censor. Adopt a sure tone that tells the world you are in charge of your prose. I love reading people who say the silliest things or the most painful things or the deepest things or the most asshole things and just let their souls seep unto the page without saying sorry. It’s so pure. And honestly, I’ve read some pretty crappy writing that sounds a whole hell of a lot better simply because the author sounds like they could care less what I think. But confidence applies mostly to good writing.

I think.

 

Pretty sure my highest self just talked to me.

 

p.s. In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s about time for my bi-monthly “why can’t I write?” post. And for you newbies, this is when I question my abilities and skill set and draw the conclusion (as you so surely have) that I can’t construct literary sentences and who do I think I am anyway?

 

p.p.s. As much as I love what you have to say, I don’t want this to be a “gimme” post (tell me I look good naked! tell me I can write! tell me you love me!), so I respectfully ask that you act like I don’t exist. And yes, I’m on my period.

 

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

December 13, 2008 · 15 Comments

Sure I’d love to see you again

Previous Post: « Stocking Stuffer Giveaway
Next Post: The Bigger Better Deal* »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Comments

  1. matteroffactmommy says

    December 13, 2008 at 12:54 pm

    i’m a shitty writer and stuff.
    haha. seriously, i think i’ve gotten better since i started my blog. because i read several excellent writers and it kinda rubs off on you after a while.
    as far as self-confidence. meh. i’m confident when it comes to many things, but certainly not when it comes to my writing! i’m constantly second-guessing and trying to think of a “big word” to use, like “vapid” or “verbose” in my posts, but always end up using dumbed down words like, “shallow” and “talks a lot” or something.
    i have too much time on my hands today. i’m sorry for that.
    finally, you’re an amazing writer! now shut the fuck up and take some Pamprin. (i love you.)

    Reply
  2. vodkamom says

    December 13, 2008 at 12:56 pm

    THis is what I’ve discovered by blogging. We are ALL unique and talented in our own way. There are writers out there who an weave a beautiful tapestry with their words. Some make me cry, some make me wonder, some make me think, and others make me laugh! I will TRY not to be jealous, and I also try to believe that my own little voice is just that- my own. And, to thine own self- be true.

    right?

    Reply
  3. vodkamom says

    December 13, 2008 at 12:57 pm

    AND, might I add, I love YOUR voice.

    Reply
  4. stoneskin says

    December 13, 2008 at 1:56 pm

    I relate.

    I find it enfuriating because I tend to develop an idea in my mind during the day, then write it out “off the cuff”, then proof read, then post.

    Then, I spot a zillion grammatical errors, remember a zillion points, gags and lines that I was going to include, and then spot some dumb typo right at the end.

    AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAargh.

    Reply
  5. Midlife Mama says

    December 13, 2008 at 2:16 pm

    LOL I so feel your angst. I want to write so badly it almost leaks out my pores, but I “what if” myself into writer’s block because I am so afraid it will be “wrong.” And you are so right about finding your own voice. I am wayyyyyyyyy to sensitive to the criticism of others, so what often comes out in my writing is what I want other people to hear. Because I want them to like me. Because I’m just that insecure. LOL

    And why can I write a brilliant blog post in my head while standing in line at the Post Office, only to totally forget what it was about when I get home?? LOL

    Reply
  6. tinsenpup says

    December 13, 2008 at 3:51 pm

    You look sooo good naked. Oh sorry…I mean you write good.

    Reply
  7. Cheri @ Blog This Mom! says

    December 13, 2008 at 4:07 pm

    I read tinsepup’s commnet and forgot what I was going to say.

    Reply
  8. Renée aka Mekhismom says

    December 13, 2008 at 5:06 pm

    Me too! I have my period. What did you think I meant? Actually I question my ability to write on a daily basis. One of the main reasons I started my blog was to get back in the habit of writing. I am still working on it. And you my dear have nothing to worry about!

    Reply
  9. Jenn @ Juggling Life says

    December 13, 2008 at 5:11 pm

    You could be like me and think you’re not a writer and then be really happy if anyone ever mistakes you for one.

    Your voice is unmistakeable.

    Reply
  10. kate says

    December 14, 2008 at 12:07 am

    deb who? i don’t know who you’re talking about.

    Reply
  11. Barrie Summy says

    December 14, 2008 at 12:19 am

    You definitely know how to write. Definitely. xo

    Reply
  12. vodkamom says

    December 14, 2008 at 3:33 am

    wait, did I miss seeing someone naked?

    Reply
  13. Jessica Bern says

    December 14, 2008 at 1:24 pm

    I can’t go back and read my posts because I too cringe. Name me one writer who doesn’t at some point think, “man, do I suck or what?”

    Reply
  14. Last Place Finisher says

    December 14, 2008 at 4:23 pm

    I just go to to other people’s blogs, copy their words, and then paste them into my blog. It’s so much easier than writing.

    Reply
  15. g says

    December 14, 2008 at 5:19 pm

    sometimes I feel like I just can’t stand my own words. Sometimes I feel like there’s no way I can put this thing I’m feeling into words so someone will understand it. sometimes I feel like I’m unable to describe even the most basic of human feelings.

    And then I’ll go out and see something totally unrelated that inspires me and the words just flow and flow and flow.

    One of the reasons I love your PROMPTuesdays is that they create so many moments like that. It’s the gift YOU”RE giving me, and other bloggers.

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

I love words. Every one, every time. (Except “moist.” That word can go.) …read more

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Sure. I’d love to see you again.

Categories

Archives

Blogroll

  • Blog This Mom
  • Da Goddess
  • Dirt and Noise
  • Discover San Diego
  • Foolery
  • Juggling Life
  • Mama Mary Show
  • Mel, A Dramatic Mommy
  • Mom Zombie
  • Mommy’s Martini
  • Motherhood is Not for Wimps
San Diego Momma

Footer

Archives

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Categories

sandiegomomma

sandiegomomma
Back in Lake Geneva after 36 years… Circumstance Back in Lake Geneva after 36 years…
Circumstances have changed since post-Prom-picnic-circa-1986-vibes…
#WhereIsBryanAdamsNow
Dorm drop! 🏫👩‍🏫🥲💕 Dorm drop!
🏫👩‍🏫🥲💕
💫Travel poster for Saturday wine tasting.💫 💫Travel poster for Saturday wine tasting.💫
Celebrating the new 16-year-old with a quick Santa Celebrating the new 16-year-old with a quick Santa Monica trip.
And now she knows she doesn’t want to live in LA….
#LifeLessons
It’s happening….. It’s happening…..
Barely tolerating me….. Barely tolerating me…..
Beach day with my “little” one while big sis e Beach day with my “little” one while big sis explores Cal Poly…
Life transitions. Beautiful but I haz the olds.
#NotAboutMe #Whhhhyyyyy
A rare Bubbie sighting. Spotted in the wild. #HeDo A rare Bubbie sighting. Spotted in the wild. #HeDoesntLikePictures
Sunset squad. Brought a picnic and drinks to Del M Sunset squad.
Brought a picnic and drinks to Del Mar and watched the waves and horizon. Not too crowded or cold - another good hang with the neighborhood gang! ❤️❤️
Imprinting 2021 holidays on my brain (and in my In Imprinting 2021 holidays on my brain (and in my Instagram) (and in my antibodies). It’s a COVID New Year’s Eve…
Husband and I down for the count(down).
BUT. We’re doing decent and it’s cozy up in here…
Winery times! Winery times!
Guys on couch watching football; girls in kitchen Guys on couch watching football; girls in kitchen talking about everything.
Smells like a Sunday neighbor night. ;)
Line dancing lessons… My two left feet did nothi Line dancing lessons…
My two left feet did nothing right - but they did it with gusto.
Looking for a new book to read! #BookClub Despite Looking for a new book to read! #BookClub Despite the seeming divine intervention from above, we weren’t struck with the “perfect” next book to put on our list…..
Post-white-water-rafting super exhaustion. (Oh my Post-white-water-rafting super exhaustion.
(Oh my gosh you guys…! No! I’m not a sports model! But I totally understand how you might think so.) 😜😜😜
I wanted my hair to do that. #NordicSisters I wanted my hair to do that.
#NordicSisters
Dad’s hats on the people who loved/knew/laughed/ Dad’s hats on the people who loved/knew/laughed/sang with him.
Miss you Dad. Hope we do your hats justice. Lord knows we’ll have fun in them, just like you did. 😇
Paso Robles! Wine tasting beauty. It’s stunning Paso Robles! Wine tasting beauty. It’s stunning here. And the landscape is nice too ;).
Found my brother’s old ad copy. Good fun-writing Found my brother’s old ad copy. Good fun-writing inspiration...
Just in case I wasn’t feeling ancient enough, th Just in case I wasn’t feeling ancient enough, the rainbow jumper and white bobby socks oughta do it. No but wait! There’s a bowl cut. Annnnnnnddd giant gold-rimmed specs.
#CentennialFashion
Load More... Follow on Instagram
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Hello Chicky

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT