WRITER IN TRAINING

I don't doubt for a second the importance or necessity of continuing to learn over a lifetime. As a writer that means never thinking for a moment that I've got it all figured out after all these years of endless scribbling.  I know this is one of those professions (and aren't they all) where it's essential to continually strive to improve and perfect my craft. Back in the day, that meant perusing piles of books and writer magazines, but now it's more about spending a fair amount of online browsing time reading clever blog posts, visiting websites, and cruising my favorite writer networks (Writer Unboxed!!!).  All because I know and respect that feeding the engine cranking inside my head is essential for keeping those cranky old cogs and gears well-greased and rust free.

But really that's only part of the deal. There's the rest of the package to think about.  Because being an effective writer in training involves a fair amount of time allowed for Going for the Burn, Sweating to the Oldies, building up Buns of Steel. It's all about the mind-body connection and the fact that if I don't take time every morning to pump some iron, break a sweat, and rack up some mileage on my sneakers, I can actually feel my mind all, too, easily [and quickly] turning soft and lazy.

What this means is that everyday is a work out. Toning the body means toning my mind. Being fit isn't just about what I'm eating or how far I'm biking, but it is a part of keeping in fighting form. It's why I regularly read about health and nutrition as much as I do about plotting, character, and grammar.

Long ago I discovered that the only way to accomplish my lofty goals, whether those writerly or otherwise, is through discipline. That's not to say it's always so easy-- absolutely it can be a daily kick-in-the-pants challenge to stay on course. I'll even admit to wallowing--shameful moments of the poor-pitiful-me variety. But more times than not I hold to my personal grindstone.  Because it works. And if it works, and it feels good at the end of the day when my head finally hits the pillow, then it's worth it.

Care to share? What do you do to keep yourself in tip-top training mode?