Day 56: New Year’s Writers Ritual ~ #wewrite

New Year’s Writers Ritual!

Over the years I have brought in every new year with different rituals. I have prepared my altars, cleansed the house, carried money in my pocket, lit candles and incense, started new journals, used new pens, and written myself countless letters.

I have made vows, intentions, set resolutions and made myself many promises; some I’ve kept and others I’ve failed at completely.

Resolutions have always been about changing the things I don’t want in my life. 

2016 is about focusing my attention inward and directing my thoughts on the things I WANT more of!

In October, I was invited to write in Galveston and that experience transformed me. It made me crave more experiences like that one–opportunities to create and develop my projects. I was surrounded by writers who pushed me, encouraged me, believed in me and nurtured me. And it was exactly the renewal necessary to help me end the year strong. Over 15 submissions sent to anthologies, writing competitions, fellowships and residencies! BRAVO ME!

At the beginning of last year I had no idea what I would accomplish. There were two things I knew for certain that I wanted. The first was to release the “poverty mindset,” this idea that there isn’t enough, that I am not enough, and that I am not worthy.

The second thing I wanted was to more attract more abundance.

What I learned from last year was that attracting abundance would come in the way I understood how I should see money, the value I placed on money and how I used money. I have mastered budgeting and saving! THIS IS HUGE! I am very proud of that. What an amazing shift.

In the past “attracting abundance” was about praying for the miracles and hoping it would happen! I was waiting for the pot of gold under the rainbow that would be waiting at my front door.

I have always believed that the universe provides but some days it has been challenging..

These days I am working with the universe and acknowledging all that is being provided to me. Key words here WORKING and ACKNOWLEDGING. Abundance comes to me in the form of ideas, inspiration, creativity, my tribe, my stories and writing community.

This year I am working hard!

This year I am acknowledging everything that comes my way!

Not a moment to waste!

And so it is.

Today let’s try writing in the first person and see where it goes…

Writing Prompts:

(1) My story begins… (60) minutes. Writer or character can respond. (Ask of your character every question you would ask about their motivation and intention)

Remove yourself from this exercise. Allow your characters to speak. Allow what wants to be written to find its landing on the page. Surrender to the process. Lean in and trust what wants to be expressed.

Set your timer for the time allotted. Do not lift the pen off of the page. Do not over think. Do not censor or self edit. You are writing from a stream of consciousness. Trust what wants to be written. If you get stuck begin the prompt again… GO!!!

There are things we fear as writers. Certain truths we rather keep hidden. Let’s go there!

The intention for these prompts is to help you flush out your story and look for the scenes you might want to write. Whether we are writing fiction or nonfiction there are moments (the  great stories do this well) where we are called to feel things. Allow us to feel everything. Allow us to see everything. Bring us into this world.

BEGIN!

Joining in on my writing challenge and writers commitment! Here are the TWO rules:

1. Check in for yesterday’s writing each day:
How was yesterday? (post if you wrote, didn’t write, got stuck, need some support.) Did you find it challenging to carve in the time to write? If we are honest with ourselves where could we have begun instead of doing…….. (Fill in the blank-leave your response in the comments). Yesterday is done. We are not beating ourselves up. Today we get to begin again.

2. WRITING COMMITMENT:

I AM committed to writing everyday!

I AM completely off FB or any form of social media until the days writing is done!

I WILL check in once a day everyday to share that I have met our goal!

If you are writing fiction or nonfiction, choose to write the prompt from whichever POV, or character you choose-i.e. 1st or third person.

Writing Prompts:

(1) My story begins… (60) minutes. Writer or character can respond. (Ask of your character every question you would ask about their motivation and intention)

Check in later.

Happy writing!

NOTE TO READERS: I’m so grateful for this community. I’m currently raising money for the TENGO SED “I’m Thirsty” Writers retreat in Costa Rica, I am one of seven writers selected for this amazing opportunity. Only $450 left to make my goal and five days until I travel. Please consider donating and sharing my gofundme campaign. Please spread widely: gofund.me/tbdvdhw4

With love,

Alicia off FB, IG, Tumblr, WordPress – #WEWRITE

Copyright © 2016 by Alicia Anabel Santos