What’s on Top – Writing From The Heart

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Remember the days as a primary school child when you had the daily challenge of morning talks? These days children are more likely to sit in a sharing circle and share What’s on Top. Some children pass. Some children can’t resist the chance to prattle on about nothing. Some children share important news, such as the death of a pet, or a family matter that is important to them.

As writers, shouldn’t we all share what’s on top. The writing that is most successful is the writing that is written from the heart. The things that are capturing our thoughts on any one day are what we should be writing about. I used to spend a lot of time worrying about what I should write about. Now my morning ritual includes jotting down thoughts that are occupying my mind at that particular time. Usually from this personal thinking I time, I come up with something that I can focus on writing about that day.

Once you’ve decided what your writing focus will be for the day, let it simmer. My day starts with sitting up in bed making notes. If nothing has jumped out at me, screaming I’m your Topic for Today, I read something motivational. My favourites are books called ‘Write From the Heart’ by Hal Zina Bennett and ‘The Creative Habit’ by Twyla Tharp. Usually, within minutes of reading, an idea leaps into my mind. This is what I focus on. I then take that idea into the shower and let thoughts tumble around, playing chase and catch with the cascading water. My best ideas come to me in the shower!

For the rest of the day I let this idea take shape. I’m often surprised at how many of that day’s experiences contribute to the topic I’m focused on. There is definitely an energy force out there that senses your thoughts and channels you in the right direction.

So, next time you face a blank page or a blank screen, ask yourself, What’s On Top for me today. Then run with it. Write from the heart. You’ll be surprised at the depth you bring to your writing when it is something you feel strongly about.