No rules writing project—a quick-start guide

Sometimes you just need a re-set. Life can be like that—writing too. What follows is a guide to starting fresh, whether you’re a new writer or an exhausted (ahem, experienced) one.
If you’ve decided to try your hand at a new writing project for the new year, you’ll have some decisions to make. What to write about? How will I find the time? What form should the writing take?
Starting any kind of project can feel intimidating, so why not begin by lowering the stakes? Make no rules, set no goals. Instead, allow it to be new, easy, and fun.
I started a new writing project last year by saying to myself—I’ll just write what I’m interested in, try to write a little every day, and try to keep going for the year. A year later, my project has turned into a manuscript and I’ve learned a few things along the way. Here they are:

• Notice what interests you—people, nature, research, questions, funny situations—and write about that. Begin by simply recording what you experience, imagine, or wonder about.
• Sneak time whenever you can. Write in an app on your phone or keep a scrap of paper and a small pencil in your pocket. If you’re in the habit of writing on a computer, switching to a smaller, more accessible tool can make it easy to write when inspiration strikes.
• Write in fragments. Start with a word or phrase, or a few small notes. If you’re waiting around for something, pick up your writing and add or revise a line or two. If you have a moment to yourself in the morning or at the end of the day, try to write a little longer. Develop a page or a small piece over the course of a day or a week, then start again—or continue.
• Reread and revise as you go—or keep moving forward without looking back. Experiment with different approaches to see which way allows you to feel a sense of flow.
• Trust yourself. Since your perspective on the world is unique to you, your project will be distinctive if you allow the writing to be itself rather than imposing rules or expectations on it.
• Believe that what you write will add up to something. If you believe that you’ll make discoveries, you will.
• Consider collaborating. Working on a project with another writer creates opportunities for affirmation and fruitful conversations.

Happy writing!

—VC