"It is impossible to discourage the real writers - they don't give a damn what you say, they're going to write." Sinclair Lewis
Most of the successful writers I know write because they can't not.
There are stories inside of them, tugging at their fingers like anxious children yearning to splash into the inviting deep waters at the end of some warm, sandy beach. The children have no fear of posssible dangerous coral or fish lurking beneath the frothy foam. They just know to go.
No matter how much research has been done, how many mental plans, how long and intricate of an outline, no writer really knows where those characters tossed into the sea will swim. That's part of the thrill of being a writer.
And part of the drudge.
Writing, while certainly an entertaining adventure, is still hard work. A first draft is merely that: A beginning.
But it's those first steps that must be taken. As Nike (C) proclaims: "Just do it!"
Assignments:
1. Continue writing at least 15 minutes a day.
2. Continue reading at least 15 minutes a day.
3. Continue observing the world as a writer for at least 15 minutes a day.
4. Consider writing a story, poem, or song using one of the idea starters below:
* A storm is brewing outside...
* You have just been abruptly awakened in the middle of the night...
* While cleaning a closet, you find an old letter...
5. Writers love helping one another. Currently Orson Scott Card is offering tips on "Formatting Outlines and Manuscripts": http://www.hatrack.com/writingclass/lessons/2006-03-07-1.shtml
Best,
Judi
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