While down at the Baltimore Comic-Con after party Pig Roast, fellow writer dude Jim Chambers and I were, besides knocking back a few, bestowing some writerly wisdom (such that it was), to Eric, the teenage son of another friend who was at the shindig.
Eric expressed some interest in writing–specifically zombie stories (hey, whatever floats your boat)–and so Jim and I took it upon ourselves to school the lad. And in doing so, Jim also schooled me. Or should I say, reschooled me.
AmonWhile down at the Baltimore Comic-Con after party Pig Roast, fellow writer dude Jim Chambers and I were, besides knocking back a few, bestowing some writerly wisdom (such that it was), to Eric, the teenage son of another friend who was at the shindig.
Eric expressed some interest in writing–specifically zombie stories (hey, whatever floats your boat)–and so Jim and I took it upon ourselves to school the lad. And in doing so, Jim also schooled me. Or should I say, reschooled me.
Among the pearls of wisdom we espoused, we suggested to Eric that he:
* write what you love
* write because you love it
* set writing goals
* write your way
* even if the words don’t come right away, sit there until they do, no matter how long it takes
None of this is rocket science, but it’s amazing how often we can overlook the basics, just because they seem so … basic. But they are the cornerstone of getting writing done.
And as we were talking, I mentioned to Eric that even if he can’t get to his writing every day, try to make a consistent schedule and stick with it, as the routine will help him find a rhythm. This is where Jim chimed in. He flat out disagreed, at least in part. He was in total agreement about routine and rhythm, but he essentially insisted, is that the hallmark of writing is this–[b]Write Every Day[/b].
While in my head I was thinking about finding the balance in life–juggling work, family, health, finances, etc.–with my writing schedule, Jim just struck a nerve with me. Because you know what? He’s right.
Write Every Day.
That doesn’t mean I can write for the same amount of time every day, but it’s better if I write something–anything–than to write nothing. It’s like anything else. The more you do it the better you get. And it’s amazing how quickly you can lose your edge. Since Jim’s proclomation I’ve written just about every day (sorry, dude, had to skip one or two), but I’ve been writing more in the last 10 days than I have in months.
It’s amazing the kind of time I can find for things when I just stop making excuses and do it.
So thanks, Jim. You gave me the kick in the butt I needed. It’s not that I wasn’t writing, it’s that I felt I wasn’t writing [i]enough.[/i] And sometimes I just need to hear the right thing at the right time in the right way from the right person to get me on track, or to kick it up another gear.
Write Every Day.
Indeed.
Post edited by: rcolchamiro, at: 2008/10/07 06:52
