The Catholic Writers Guild

My Daily D.R.E.E.M.

By Lisa Livezey

Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly. 
~ Langston Hughes (1901-1967)[i]

When considering 2024 goals, some of us may struggle to fit in writing. But the Divine Call nudges and prods. Therefore, this writer has created an acronym to incite individual action. I call it: “My Daily D.R.E.E.M.”

‘D’ designates “devotion,” which means writing one devotion (my personal niche—insert yours here) each day. If lacking daylight and desire, I do fifteen minutes of any writing.

‘R’ represents “read.” Writers need to read. I enjoy biographies of saints, but I also find consuming classics and poetry will enrich my own writing. Fifteen minutes of daily reading is my minimum.

‘E’ entails “edit.” Revisiting previously penned pieces with a fresh eye improves the quality of one’s finished product; ten minutes per day.

‘E’ equals “educate.” Edify with material that enhances one’s niche. Examples: The Art of Spiritual Writing by Vinita Hampden Wright, Selling your Writing by Michael Robertson, Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul, or view an online event from the Fiat Self-Publishing Academy run by guild member Kate Frantz. Time spent here may range from five to fifty minutes.

‘M’ means “market.” Pitching ideas to editors is one way I market, thus building readership through published pieces in places like Guideposts, National Catholic Register and Good Old Boat magazine.

I typically average sixty to ninety minutes pursuing my D.R.E.E.M., tucking these tasks amongst life’s responsibilities. Are you pursuing your dream, my fellow writers? I challenge you in 2024 to respond to God’s call and D.R.E.E.M on!

 

Copyright Lisa Livezey 2024

(Images: pexels.com)

[1] Dreams by Langston Hughes – Poems | Academy of American Poets, December 26, 2023.