Timothy J. Pruitt's Blog, page 144
October 22, 2021
500 Words
You may have a question from my post yesterday, why 500 Words a day? If you look at a book from the perspective of an architect, like a building, a book is built from the ground up. An idea grows and morphs into a completed project. Unlike a building, a book is built of words, this is why the 500 words is so captivating.
To say a builder builds houses, can distract from an important truth. They actually lay foundations, raise framing, lays floors, hang drywall, joists, and build roofs. Much like a writer produces more than a book, they write words which become sentences, paragraphs, and chapters.
When you write 500 words a day, you are building both your book, and your writing muscle. A builder doesn’t evaluate every board when building a house. I would encourage you to avoid doing the same with every word. Every piece of writing, whether Shakespeare, Hemingway, or Dickens was edited, none were perfect at the beginning.
This means that you should not be evaluating your writing as a finished project, but a work in process. I would encourage you to avoid editing while you write, that can slow down the process of adding words. Once the words are written they’ll be plenty of time to edit, for now I would encourage you to write 500 words a day.
If you do this, by the end of 5 days, you’ll have 2,500 words, in ten days 5,000 words, and so on. You are well on your way of becoming an author, as you are building towards it with each word you write. Tomorrow, let’s look at two more questions, why do we desire to write, as well as what is the purpose of writing a book? Let’s talk more about that in the morning, I don’t want to take too much of your time after all, you have writing to do.
October 21, 2021
iPainting The JSA
This is the second in our new Super Heroes collection, The JSA, or Justice Society Of America. Comic fans will know that this is an older organization than the Justice League itself. While both shared many members, they each have their own history.
Sketch Inktober Fuzzy
Today’s Inktober word is fuzzy, this seemed appropriate lol.
Ready Set Write
In ten days, this year’s National Novel Writing Month, known as Nanowrimo will begin. Each year, thousands of people begin this thirty day challenge with the dream of writing a book. Some complete their first novel, others begin a writing journey that will lead to the completion of their first book.
As someone who has written over thirty books myself, their dream excites me. I would not only like to applaud them on their journey, but would like to help guide you on yours. Have you always dreamed of writing a book, or do you feel like you have some knowledge that would benefit others?
If the answer to either question is yes, then don’t you have a reason to write?
Writing is as accessible to all of us, regardless of circumstance or situation. It can be daunting, even a little scary at times, but I promise you it is most definitely achievable. If you would allow me, I would like to serve you as a guide on your journey to being a writer.
Most will start on November 1, but I would encourage you to start today, why wait? Beyond a jumpstart to your book, starting early can do several things for you. I can provide you with some tools that can make this journey easier for you, if you would allow me too.
For today, I would encourage you to write 500 words. Before you are intimidated by that number, consider this. The average sentence is 15 to 20 words. The average paragraph is 5 to 6 sentences. This means that the average paragraph is 100 words, so 500 words would be roughly 5 to 6 paragraphs, or half a page.
To begin your novel, you don’t even have to write a whole page worth of words, but it will get you started. Getting started is half the battle. If you still have any trepidation, there are some other things you can do to make it easier.
Instead of trying to start from scratch, write down an event that occurred in your life. Be as detailed, or as general as you care to be. Tell it from beginning to end, then count the words. If you’ve written 500 words, guess what, you’re done for the day. You began with a goal in mind, and you completed it. Tomorrow, writing 500 words will be easy, because you already have.
Writing is a muscle, it must be exercised to become stronger. One way to do this, is to write daily, and the best way I can recommend is 500 words a day. Let’s talk more about this tomorrow, but for today, let me encourage you to write!
October 20, 2021
Sketch Inktober Root
Todays Inktober word is Root. My mind went to Isaiah 53, “For He grew up before Him … like a root out of dry ground…”. While there’s a lot to it, it can be simply broken down to this. Jesus can turn any situation you have, into something of growth. From salvation and redemption to transforming lives, He can. We just have to ask Him.
October 19, 2021
iPainting Justice League
Here is an iPainting Series I’m starting, beginning with Justice League, and the paintings that make up the four portrait set. Superman will follow in an upcoming set.
Sketch Inktober Loop
As an old computer student, I remember the Basic programming language, and the Goto Loop. Loop is the Inktober word of the day. The danger with a Goto Loop, if written improperly, is that it’s called an endless loop. You have to hit a command to break the loop.
It takes effort, but loops or cycles can be broken, and you can begin a new phase in life. I believe in the power of prayer, and I pray that all find the way to break harmful loops and begin new beneficial cycles for them and their families today in Jesus Name!
September 29, 2021
Happy Coffee Day 2021
Happy Coffee Day 2021 on a beautiful fall morning. Whether it’s breakfast blend, Sumatra, or even French Roast, I hope you enjoy your coffee today especially.
