Write like there's no one in the room
I admit, I've been watching American Idol this season. My son loves it and we have fun watching together and arguing about our favorites. Please don't judge. ;-)
A while ago, Steven Tyler complimented one of the singers by saying she/he (can't remember) sang like there was no one in the room. And that, he said, is the key to success.
That endearing conversation went straight to my heart. I've been so insanely busy this year with freelance work, family stuff, revisions, etc., that I keep putting my current WIP aside, and then fretting about whether or not it will ever sell anyway. Every time I finally get back to it, I struggle with writing what I want to write and writing what I think would make the book more salable.
Big mistake.
And ironic, since the talk I'm giving next weekend is all about NOT doing this.
Time to practice what I preach. Time to WORK. Time to write like there's no one in the room, including my internal editor. *shoos her away*
My year of being a writer has not turned out the way I fantasized. But I'm realizing I'm actually more of a writer than ever. Working regular freelance again, I've been reminded that I actually enjoy it. I love learning about new health topics and knowing that what I'm writing will actually help someone.
Yes, I would prefer to be able to support myself financially on my novel writing. But I just realized that not having to actually takes some of the pressure off to write what I want to write. Because I didn't become a writer in order to make money. And even though it is FANTASTIC when I do earn money from my fiction writing, that's just the extra frosting. The best part is is sharing the meal.
I know when we put our hearts into our work, when we put the blinders on and focus on the story that needs to be told, no matter how challenging... that's when the best stuff comes out. I really believe that.
Write for yourself first.
Write like there's no one in the room.
Thanks Steven.
Have a good weekend, everyone.
I know whatever we do, we will be thinking about those in Japan and all the others in harm's way. The news is still coming out, and I suspect it will be worse before it gets better. Here is a link you can use to check on people you know in the affected areas and make donations to shelters, etc. http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/feature/2530/Japan-earthquake-live-report
I'm leaving this afternoon for a weekend of celebrating my dad's 70th. It seems a good time to spend with the people you love.
xx
A while ago, Steven Tyler complimented one of the singers by saying she/he (can't remember) sang like there was no one in the room. And that, he said, is the key to success.
That endearing conversation went straight to my heart. I've been so insanely busy this year with freelance work, family stuff, revisions, etc., that I keep putting my current WIP aside, and then fretting about whether or not it will ever sell anyway. Every time I finally get back to it, I struggle with writing what I want to write and writing what I think would make the book more salable.
Big mistake.
And ironic, since the talk I'm giving next weekend is all about NOT doing this.
Time to practice what I preach. Time to WORK. Time to write like there's no one in the room, including my internal editor. *shoos her away*
My year of being a writer has not turned out the way I fantasized. But I'm realizing I'm actually more of a writer than ever. Working regular freelance again, I've been reminded that I actually enjoy it. I love learning about new health topics and knowing that what I'm writing will actually help someone.
Yes, I would prefer to be able to support myself financially on my novel writing. But I just realized that not having to actually takes some of the pressure off to write what I want to write. Because I didn't become a writer in order to make money. And even though it is FANTASTIC when I do earn money from my fiction writing, that's just the extra frosting. The best part is is sharing the meal.
I know when we put our hearts into our work, when we put the blinders on and focus on the story that needs to be told, no matter how challenging... that's when the best stuff comes out. I really believe that.
Write for yourself first.
Write like there's no one in the room.
Thanks Steven.
Have a good weekend, everyone.
I know whatever we do, we will be thinking about those in Japan and all the others in harm's way. The news is still coming out, and I suspect it will be worse before it gets better. Here is a link you can use to check on people you know in the affected areas and make donations to shelters, etc. http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/feature/2530/Japan-earthquake-live-report
I'm leaving this afternoon for a weekend of celebrating my dad's 70th. It seems a good time to spend with the people you love.
xx
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