Express First, then Refine …

In Women’s Writing Circles, I often say “we’re not looking for good. We’re looking for true.” Which might raise the question, “Why?” Why not try to write well?

In our circles, we don’t try. We allow. We give full ourselves permission to express what is true in the moment.

There’s everything right with writing well, but there’s an order to things: express first, then, (if you choose), refine. With my memoir or any essay I’ve ever published, you can bet a lot of editing and refinement went into each work until I pressed send. Discernment is essential.

But if that energy is deployed too soon, it can choke the the flow of laying words down on the page, and also, the energy of the words themselves. When I work with people who are learning to access their writing voice, I use this *wild writing practice of laying words down quickly as a way to bypass our inner critics, and say “yes” to what arises.

Also, there really is something beautiful in raw and unfiltered writing.

My Fall circles are full. I’ll be announcing new retreats soon. New circles begin in January 2026. And if you’d like to get on my monthly email list, DM me or drop me a line. dayna@daynamacy.com. And in the meantime, Carpe Diem!

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Photo: Face to face with a blank page and here's the truth, I'm not afraid.