What's the Best Writing Advice You've Ever Received?
I've read tons of books on writing. Tons. I have shelves filled with them. Some of which I haven't even read yet. I think the best writing advice I've gotten has been BIC (butt in chair). I'm one of those writers who will procrastinate so long, I'll use all of my writing time up and I'll have to quit before I even did any writing.
My biggest distraction, besides dishes, vacuuming, and cleaning out the lint trap, is the internet. I sat down last night, for my first time, in my new writing room. My husband was taking care of our son, and I planned on working on my Script Frenzy project. I ended up answering a bunch of emails I've let pile up (which I can't do since we own a cleaning business), and checking out Facebook. About an hour later I came downstairs and my husband asked how my writing time went. I said it was great, even though I didn't get any actual writing done. But I did have a great time being alone in my writing room and getting a feel for things.
So even though I don't always follow my favorite advice, I'm striving towards it. Before we moved I took every single opportunity I had to write. At work while cleaning houses I keep a little notebook in my apron where I jot down notes. My head was so into my YA story that I had to stop and write on envelopes, napkins, whatever was available. I'm finally getting back into that mode now that we're more settled at our house. And it's a great feeling.
My biggest distraction, besides dishes, vacuuming, and cleaning out the lint trap, is the internet. I sat down last night, for my first time, in my new writing room. My husband was taking care of our son, and I planned on working on my Script Frenzy project. I ended up answering a bunch of emails I've let pile up (which I can't do since we own a cleaning business), and checking out Facebook. About an hour later I came downstairs and my husband asked how my writing time went. I said it was great, even though I didn't get any actual writing done. But I did have a great time being alone in my writing room and getting a feel for things.
So even though I don't always follow my favorite advice, I'm striving towards it. Before we moved I took every single opportunity I had to write. At work while cleaning houses I keep a little notebook in my apron where I jot down notes. My head was so into my YA story that I had to stop and write on envelopes, napkins, whatever was available. I'm finally getting back into that mode now that we're more settled at our house. And it's a great feeling.
Comments
Mostly I never do. I go to bed..or put away dinner. But I am with you on the not writing when you have the time.
My favorite advice is "writers write".
a good question to ponder.
Pretty similar to the BIC advice, come to think of it.
And I'm with you on the whole procrastination thing. The internet is EVIL!!
Don't let your work out into the world until you are absolutely sure it is the best it can be.
btw, I'm so jealous you have a whole writing room! Enjoy!
ann
I've heard this in two places recently, including an interview by one of my favorite authors, Elizabeth Berg.
My favorite advice is "writers write".
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