A Q&A with Productivity Class Leader Sarah Ruiz

Today, we are thankful for this Q&A with Sarah Ruiz, who will be teaching a class on productivity for us on December 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Quail Ridge Books. (Read more about the class and sign up here. Hurry! Early bird registration rates end November 30.) Sarah is an educator, writer, and mother, and one of the most productive people we know! We asked Sarah about her writing obsessions, her tips on how to write consistently, and more.

What are you currently reading?

I'm currently reading two delightful Rom Coms: Well Met by Jen DeLuca, and Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert. Both are research for my newest project which attempts to tackle a big emotional issue (grief) in a way that is both light and heartfelt.

What is your favorite time of day to write?

Sarah and her children all working on their craft. (Photo courtesy of Sarah.)

I am an ardent member of the #5amwritersclub. I have two kids, so waking up early is the only time I can tackle my writing projects without my toddler smashing at my keyboard or my preschooler begging me to stop working so I can play ponies. I get so much done during those early hours and then I can go about my day without having writing hanging over my head.

What is the best, or worst, piece of advice you’ve gotten about how to write fiction?

I like to say I've gotten two MFAs: one from NC State and one from YouTube, which is likely where I found this bit of advice. I am in love with the idea of the "zero draft" or "discovery draft." I can get really stuck in my head about what I'm writing as I'm writing it, but reframing my first draft as a process of discovery helps me to let go of that inner editor and go where the words take me. Everything can be fixed in revision. There's no use agonizing over sentences when I'm not sure the scene they're in will even make the cut to draft 2.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to writing consistently, and how can writers overcome this obstacle?

Time, but not in the way one would think. The problem isn't that we don't have time. The problem is that many writers think they need an hour or more to truly be writers. This simply isn't true. Right after my son was born, all of my writing was done in snatches of time. Slow progress is still progress. Ten minutes of writing is better than none. You can't let not having your ideal writing schedule/scenario stop you from having one at all.

Is there a quote or piece of advice you consistently return to in order to motivate yourself?

I mostly need motivation while I am writing first drafts. This piece of advice came from one of my college roommates, and while not intended for creative writing, is spot-on in relation to getting first drafts written.

"Done is better than good."

Another one that is in a similar vein: "Slow progress is still progress."

Do you have a writing obsession? Something you return to again and again?

Florida. I'm from South Florida and it is such a bizarre culture that doesn't quite fit anywhere else. I find my writing is most creative and enjoyable when I'm writing about my hometown.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Failure and rejection are normal at every stage of the writing life. Get comfortable with the idea that your pet project might never see the light of day. That doesn't mean it wasn't worthwhile. Learn to cultivate your identity as a writer and don't  get bogged down by one project. You are more than one story or one book.

Thanks to Sarah for these highly motivating and encouraging words! We hope to see you all in Sarah’s class!