In Others’ Words: Start Writing, No Matter What
I’m in a “not writing” phase at the moment.
Except the moment has stretched over a number of days. And, while I’m not on a hard deadline, I do have things to write.
I have written blog posts … my In Others’ Words posts and other blog commitments. But that’s one type of writing, as opposed to working on fiction ideas. I’m a novelist. I write stories … except when I don’t.
Not writing for several days in a row is like deciding not to show up for work because I don’t feel like it. Imagine how long I’d keep a “real” job if I did that. Only writing is my real job — not a hobby. I get paid to write. I signed a contract for a 3-book series, and it’s time to work on book #2.
Today’s “Start writing, no matter what” quote provided a not-so-subtle kick in the pants to act like a real writer and write. Sure, it might be nice to toss my new novella idea around with a few writing friends. And yes, it’s always fun to Skype with other writers — getting face-to-face time while we talk about pitching at an upcoming conference or fast drafting a book.
But talking is not writing. Putting words on the paper only happens when I get past all the reasons why I’m not writing — a busy schedule, I’m tired, my daughter’s volleyball games — and produce actual words that become sentences that become paragraphs that become pages that become the stories I want to write.
To be honest, I’m writing this blog post as a wake-up call for me. But I’m also challenging any other writers out there — pre-published or published — to “turn the water on” and get writing. The simplest definition of a writer is someone who writes.
If you’re not a writer, what is your dream? Are you pursuing it or do you need to get started, no matter what?
In Others’ Words: What do you do to get the water flowing again if you’re not feeling inspired to pursue your passion or goals?
In Others\’ Words: Start Writing, No Matter What http://wp.me/p63waO-2pG #quote #amwriting
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\”Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.\” http://wp.me/p63waO-2pG #quotes #amwriting
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