Laura McBride
I teach composition at a community college, which means that I spend my working life persuading recalcitrant writers to write.
So I use the same tricks I offer my students.
I set a goal - a word count, a number of hours writing without stopping, anything concrete will do - and then I do it. I don't worry about whether I am writing something good or something bad, I don't worry about where the writing will take me next, I don't wonder what will happen if the writing is not right; I don't do anything but stick to my goal and pat myself on the back when I reach it. Also, I add ice cream.
Choose a small task that you know you can do. Do it. Smile. Wait until later to choose another one.
So I use the same tricks I offer my students.
I set a goal - a word count, a number of hours writing without stopping, anything concrete will do - and then I do it. I don't worry about whether I am writing something good or something bad, I don't worry about where the writing will take me next, I don't wonder what will happen if the writing is not right; I don't do anything but stick to my goal and pat myself on the back when I reach it. Also, I add ice cream.
Choose a small task that you know you can do. Do it. Smile. Wait until later to choose another one.
More Answered Questions
Elaine Mullane
asked
Laura McBride:
Question 2: You have said that people who write their own memoirs are "daring". Do you ever see yourself writing your own? And do you read memoirs? I am currently reading At Home in the World by Joyce Maynard and think it is fantastic! And Question 3: What are your all-time favourite works of fiction? Thank you so much!
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