writing life

How I’m Sustaining My Love for Writing and How You Can Too

Editor’s Note: See Jane Write now publishes articles and personal essays by writers who identify as women, non-binary folks, and our allies. Learn more here.

By LaKisha Cargill

A few years back, I was a writer who did not write. I even wrote about it on my blog. I had several excuses, including not having the time, or so I claimed. I told myself that life was too busy for the luxury of just writing. Plus, I did not think receiving compensation for my writing could be a reality. The thrill of my first paid byline in college had become a faded memory despite receiving a free product or a gift card here and there over the years in exchange for an honest review on my blog. 

Then things changed. A pandemic. A social reckoning. Me. And I thirsted for an outlet to share my voice. Watching the video of George Floyd was the catalyst for my hand to pick up a pen again and write. I began to write everything all the time. Poems. Essays. Children’s books. A 5th-grade chapter book and more. Most of it has been for my eyes only, and those I ask to proofread, but some have made it out into the world and landed on magazines’ virtual and actual pages. And for this, I am genuinely grateful to those who have helped me water these seeds. I am thankful that these seeds have been allowed to bloom within me. And I am pleased that I can now call myself a freelance writer who receives compensation for her writing.
 
But I must be intentional to sustain my love for writing. So here are my tips for nurturing a passion for writing, even when life gets busy. 

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For the Teaching Writer — Heavy on the Writer

Editor’s Note: See Jane Write now publishes articles and personal essays by writers who identify as women, non-binary folks, and our allies. Learn more here.

By Jelisa Jay Robinson

Dear Teacher Writer, 

I see you. Finishing manuscripts on holidays and summers.  Attending See Jane Write meetings on Tuesdays. I see you finishing your grading so that you can steal a moment to work on your screenplay.  You are the teacher that incorporates writing into your lessons.  Letting kids know that writing isn’t a bore; it’s a major source of creativity, joy and a skill set that can make you money in the future.  You are the Teacher Writer…Heavy on the writer. 

You’ve been told that those who can’t do, teach.  But you know that’s not true; those who teach…do…and they do it well.  

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How to Make the Most of a Writing Retreat

The amount of work I get done on a writing retreat is unmatched. That’s why I’m counting down the days until the next Busy Bee Writing Retreat, which is set for April 13-16, 2023.

The Busy Bee Writing Retreat is designed for working women who may be “short on time but long on creativity,” as the creator Coretta Collins likes to say. If you’re looking for a creative getaway for this spring, I’d love for you to join me.

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Gift Ideas for Writers 2022

If you need gift ideas for writers, the See Jane Write Gift Guide is here to help. 

Whether you’re shopping for a writer on your list or looking for ideas for yourself to send to your Santa Baby, the See Jane Write Gift Guide will get you inspired. 

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