We’re happy to announce that longtime friend of the WU community, Julie Duffy, will join WU as a regular contributor! Julie hosts the StoryADay May and StoryADay September short story writing challenges on her website, StoryADay.org.
Learn more about Julie on her website, and by following her on Facebook and Twitter.
A Writer’s Manifesto
Imagine sitting down at your desk to write on a day when you’re just not feeling it.
You know you have to write this scene, or reach a certain word count, and it just feels like a grind. You light a candle, or sharpen your pencils, and begin to type, hoping to find that ‘flow’ eventually by dint of sheer will.
Now imagine sitting down at that same desk with those same goals.
You pick up a single sheet of paper and read it. Suddenly, you remember your purpose as a writer: why you wanted to do this, what you hope to achieve. You see the touchstones that shape and define your voice. You have a vision of your current project as one drop in the river that is your writing life, all of which is changing the world in a particular way. You remember what, at your best, you wanted that change to look like.
A little tingle of excitement begins to build. And you begin to type.
What was on that piece of paper?! And how can you get one?
Read on!
MANIFESTO OR GOALS?
A few months ago, I realized my writing journey had become like a clifftop walk where I was only looking at my own two feet and completely missing the amazing view all around me.
I lifted my head up and decided it was time to look beyond the next goal, the next deadline, and create a manifesto for my whole writing life.
That manifesto has helped motivate, target, and unify all my writing efforts, from the articles I pitch to the individual scenes I write. I helps me get excited about where I’m going, but also about where I am.
I’d like to help you create your manifesto, too.
WHAT IS A WRITER’S MANIFESTO?
A writer’s manifesto is a highly personal document that,
- Is about your identity as a writer.
- Gives you a unified sense of what you want to achieve in all your writing.
- Transcends genres and projects.
- Is more motivating than individual goals.
Here’s mine:
In my work and my life I will be
OPENHEARTED
OPTIMISTIC
Always looking for the HUMOR, even when it is dark.
SKEPTICAL, but not cynical.
FORGIVING of my work’s flaws.
PROLIFIC and POSITIVE and always producing the next thing.
Committed to the CRAFT (read lots, analyze and share, put into practice)
Committed to the COMMUNITY (past, present and future. Part of a lineage.)
UPLIFTING (this doesn’t mean Pollyanna-is. Remember my mentors.)
A BELIEVER that ART MATTERS.
I create worlds I want to live in, and inspire others to do the same (not just on the page).
Dated & Signed
Some of that won’t mean much to you, because it is so personal to me. In fact, it may make you cringe. Yours will likely look much different, and it should.
But looking that list, I remember the process of selecting each of those values and statements, and it takes me back to a moment when I was my best self. That’s what you should be aiming for, too.
HOW MY MANIFESTO HELPED ME WRITE A SINGLE SCENE
I had goals for my recent novel: I was to write a particular scene by the end of the week.
Only I couldn’t make myself do it.
My scene dealt with important issues and the mood of the piece kept skewing somber. I was depressing myself (and, I assume, my reader) and I kept stalling.
When I pulled out my manifesto the first three qualities were: ‘open-hearted’, ‘optimistic’, and ‘always looking for the humor’. My manifesto reminded me that, for me, art is a way to create the kind of world I want to live in. And that world is not somber.
No wonder I was stalling when I was trying to write a ‘serious’ scene. That realization gave me permission to write the scene in a much lighter way, which broke my block entirely.
For you, remembering your manifesto might give you permission to go deep, to make readers cry, or to scare the pants off them.
Or it might remind you that you have no patience for wasted time, so why are you trudging though this scene, trying to describe everything from the lighting to the drapes, instead of getting your character to the fight scene?
Likewise, when I pitch articles to magazines and blogs, or brainstorm podcast topics, my manifesto helps narrow down the topic areas and the tone each piece will take. It helps me focus on the work I love.
HOW TO CREATE YOUR MANIFESTO
- Make a list of your current favorite writers, artists, creative people , and note what you admire about them. (In my case I wrote: Amanda Palmer, for her commitment to making the art only she can make and finding ways to get paid for it, for her commitment to openness…Mary Robinette Kowal for her pursuit of the craft of writing and storytelling, for her willingness to share, and for her ability to keep turning out stories and books, building her audience; Nick Stephenson for his calculated open-heartedness; Kim Stanley Robinson for his unique style and optimism; Neil Gaiman for the same things, and for the literary family tree he grew out of; Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams for their quirky style, humor, big ideas, and the fact that what they offer I can only get from them).
- Make a list of the commonalities; the things your artistic godparents share. I quickly realized that ‘optimism’,’ humor’ and ‘open-heartedness’ belonged on my list, along with a commitment to the craft and to turning out work. I also saw a strong sense that art matters, that creative works can change the world, something I realized I believed too.
- Write: In My Work I Will Be…and then note down all the qualities that resonated most deeply with you. (I hand-wrote my manifesto, randomly capitalizing words that I wanted to stand out, and put it on my desk. You could be more or less artistic. Frame it, or simply jot it down on a post-it or in your phone. Whatever works to keep it on hand.
- Sign and Date Your Manifesto. This is your commitment to yourself that you are serious about creating a particular kind of writing life. The date is important too. You may find it useful to update your manifesto as you learn and grow and change. Some of the items will remain the same, but others may change.
- Use It. Whenever you sit down to write a new work, pitch a new idea, or continue a piece you’ve been working on, take a quick look at your manifesto. Remind yourself of what you’re trying to achieve, not just today, but in your writing life.
Since writing my manifesto, I have a feeling of comfort and confidence that I never had before. I may not know exactly what I’m going to write today, but I know how I’m going to write.
I’m no longer faced with the paralyzing tyranny of freedom: I am not free to write cynical, mean or perfect drafts. I’m no longer free to imagine I can be unique, but instead must acknowledge my literary lineage. Whatever I write today—from this blog post, to a scene in my novel, to the podcast I plan to record this afternoon—I have a roadmap for it. I know what I’m trying to achieve and the kind of mark I want my work to leave on the parts of the world it touches.
When you find yourself struggling, ask yourself how you want to be writing. Not what characters or stories or subjects you’ll tackle or how you’ll make this scene perfect, but what you want to achieve with your writing. Pick up your manifesto and ask how you can make today’s writing align with your values.
If you can do that, you’ll stay true to your own voice, and you’ll create a vibrant, coherent body of work that touches the world in a way unique to you.
Who would you list as your artistic ‘godparents’ and what do they have in common? Did you notice that, before now? Are you more motivated by outward goals (e.g. “Publish a novel!”, “Hit the best-seller list!”) or by this kind of internal identity (‘I am a writer’, ‘My work makes people feel…’) or something else? Do you already have a statement you live by, as a writer?
About Julie Duffy
Julie Duffy is the founder and director of the creativity challenge StoryADay.org where she has blogged about the creative life and short stories since 2010. StoryADay is the host of annual short story writing challenges in May and September, year-round writing prompts, articles and community resources for creative inspiration. She regularly talks at writers’ groups and conferences about creativity and writing.
Love this. I especially appreciated the reminder to feel my place within a lineage—gratitude to those who have walked this path before me, and generosity toward those who are walking alongside me or may come after. Writing is a solitary endeavor, making community essential. An open heart, like an open mind, allows the material of life to come in (and to be given back). You’ve evoked the creative process itself, Julie—thank you!
“gratitude to those who have walked this path before me, and generosity toward those who are walking alongside me or may come after”
I love that, Barbara!
Wow. Timing! I spent the last week brainstorming a definition/direction/purpose statement, which began as something for the series I’m writing but has since expanding into ‘my life’. When I was thinking only in terms of my work, I wrote that I want to ‘enlighten, entertain, and inspire.’ But as I re-read that for the millionth time (who am I to think I can enlighten anyone about anything?) I realized that this was how I want to live my life. And yes, some of the lame-ass things I’ve done can act as cautionary tales for others, although I’m not sure if that counts as enlightenment. But I can aspire), and after reading your post, I’m ready to go back in and expand. I too, love the idea off a literary lineage. Thank you so much for this, Julie!
Susan, I’m so glad you found this useful.
And never underestimate your ability to enlighten. Too often we take for granted the lessons our experiences have taught us, and the way our thoughts come out. A reader may find YOUR way of expressing a shared experience to be just what they needed to hear.
Good luck as you expand and work on this!
Lovely post, Julie. Thank you for sharing your manifesto. Several years ago I heard Mitali Perkins and she spurred us to write an artist’s statement, why we write. I write to give voice those who have none. It’s held true all these years. I also write for a number of other reasons–joy, money, clips, fun, expt.–but the works of my heart all have my artist statement at its core.
Ah, I have many literary mentors: Lloyd C. Douglas, A.J. Cronin, Katherine Paterson, Cynthia Rylant, CS Lewis, Thomas Merton, and more!
Vijaya, it’s lovely to hear that your artist’s statement has held true over the years. I think it’s there, in all of us, but paying attention to it can really solidify our purpose, and make writing easier (I’m a big fan of anything that makes life easier!)
I love your list of mentors. And now I have to go and read some A. J. Cronin!
Yay, Julie! Welcome aboard. I can’t imagine a more natural fit for WU.
Thanks for provoking some meta-level thought this morning. I’ve always wanted to provide the sort of immersive experience that my epic fantasy heroes have provided for me. But not as pure escapism. My favorite fantasists, going back to Tolkien, provide applicable lessons and an enhanced worldview. That’s just a sketch to get me started, but yes, I can already see my mission is a worthy one.
Thanks again! Great to have you here. Looking forward to more essays.
Thanks, Vaughn! I’m giddy to be part of the crew!
I think the benefit of seeing it as a mission or manifesto is that you don’t HAVE to think of yourself as providing lessons in individual pieces of writing (and risking getting preachy); you just get to know that you ARE on a mission, and that it is most definitely worthy.
And I love that word ‘immersive’. That definitely belongs in your manifesto.
About 10 years ago, my then-boyfriend (now-husband) gave me advice like this, and we made a “manifesto” (although he didn’t call it that at the time). You’re right, it definitely helped to inspire me and push me forward in my writing path. Maybe it’s time for an update…
It’s always a good idea to do a refresh from time to time….
Glad to hear this resonated with you.
I like this idea of refocusing your writing goals as a whole, it’s so easy as a writer, especially when you’re told constantly to always be closing the next deal, to end up always living in the future instead of taking moments to enjoy where you are.
Great point, Renee. A-a-and…breathe!
To be honest, I’d rather spend the time working on my manuscript.
Well that’s certainly fair enough, David. It might only be a good use of your time if the writing ISNT going well and you need a little something to get you to the point when you are able to work on your manuscript.
Otherwise, write like the wind, my friend ;)
Wonderful post, Julie–I would expect no less from you. Thank you for the words of wisdom.
Thanks, Marian! And I’m sure the word “prolific” would feature in your manifesto if you ever stopped writing long enough to pen one ;)
I toyed with a manifesto a couple of years ago, but never polished it… Seems like it’s a grounding device – and I’m definitely in a “needs grounding” season!
I need to revisit mine (really needs some rethinking and rewording) but I like the beginning:
You have a blank canvas before you. Or empty Word doc, cursor taunting you. Note-less staff paper, an empty studio, a bare stage. These all have in common the need for creativity, the spark that changes it from blank and empty to a work of art.
Yes, that’s it entirely. If you’re in a ‘needs grounding’ season, this could be something that helps.
This is something to think about. Now that you’ve tossed the word manifesto out here, I can tell that some thoughts I’ve had about my work might indeed be manifesto-esque.
The beauty of having been writing for a while, is that it is easier to figure out what ties all your work together.
Welcome, Julie. And thanks for the work you do at StoryADay. Years ago I sat down to write my mission statement and realised that it is the same for all aspects of my life: to create and extend community. Inviting readers to see the world through my characters’ eyes is one way to do that. I’ve found that having this as my North Star has kept me motivated.
I like the way you’ve extended that idea by naming specific qualities and also by recognising our “godparents”. Thanks!
1. A year from now you will regret not having started.
2. A story in circulation is a story with a possible future.
3. Luck and talent help, but only grit will see you to the ending.