Branching out with my writing
So many ideas, so little time.
So many projects, so much self-doubt.
It will be tempting to let it wash all over you.
Go ahead, give it an hour.
Call it a short-term pity party.
Then pull out your notebook, audio recorder, laptop, hammer-and-chisel [and acceptable hard surface]–whatever!–and churn out a few words.
Even if it’s that chapter you finally finished yesterday, despite concerted efforts from a family member. If you finished it, that’s success.
Just don’t overdo it. A sugar-high can be an ugly thing.
Success is a journey, not a destination.
The doing is often more important than the outcome.
*Arthur Ashe*
A book I like on success and ‘getting stuff done’: The One Thing by Gary Keller. [No, I don’t always heed the advice, but it serves to get me back to the essentials.]
Image by Gratisography
First of all, I love short chapters.
Thank you, Joel Saltzman, author of If You Can Talk, You Can Write [1993]—50 chapters squeezed into 190 pages.
And he practices what he preaches, as Saltzman might as well be playfully preaching to us over coffee in the kitchen.
Three of my preferred chapters:
My favorite Saltzman quotes:
Saltzman also weaves in short anecdotes, pop quizzes [Ten questions you can’t get wrong], and valuable quotes from other writers, including:
This is one of about a dozen books I would snag from my shelf in case a fire broke out at home. [If it wasn’t already been planted in my back seat box of writing stuff…]
First of all, I love short chapters.
Thank you, Joel Saltzman, author of If You Can Talk, You Can Write [1993]—50 chapters squeezed into 190 pages.
And he practices what he preaches, as Saltzman might as well be playfully preaching to us over coffee in the kitchen.
Three of my preferred chapters:
My favorite Saltzman quotes:
Saltzman also weaves in short anecdotes, pop quizzes [Ten questions you can’t get wrong], and valuable quotes from other writers, including:
This is one of about a dozen books I would snag from my shelf in case a fire broke out at home. [If it wasn’t already been planted in my back seat box of writing stuff…]
This chapter is killing me!
A whine emanates from the other room. He knows…
A little he-and-I time wouldn’t hurt.
A deadly whimper-whine combination.
Stop right there! You know deep down once you leave that keyboard, there’s little chance you’re coming back, not even to turn things off.
Aim for a quick win, or at least a compromise. Set the timer for 20 minutes. You power through till the buzzer goes off and then Droopy-Eyed Ralph can get his walk.
Other anti-distraction tips:
http://published.com/magazine/how-to-create-distraction-free-writing-life
…and for those with family members who can’t read ‘Do Not Disturb’ signs and who claim to not understand clearly-stated boundaries: http://www.diyauthor.com/distraction-working-home-when-you-have-pets/ .
And, don’t forget the one writer you should always be competing with: the previous version of you.
***
photo courtesy of Gratisography
You face-planted on your last foray into a new genre. Critics cared enough to send their very best…jeers, barbs, and insults. [Remember, writers, everything comes in threes.]
Trust that you will find your voice. Characters will come alive. Plots will write themselves. [Again with the threes?]
It’s time to hop back on and start pedaling. [After some reassembly.]
***
photo courtesy of Gratisography
guitar player, or saxman.
Experiment with different working audio.
Even try migrating from digital to…
yes, vinyl. [Granted, if you’re under a tight deadline or you’re on a roll, you might have to hire someone to switch albums for you and nudge the turntable in the event of skipping. Talk about a narrow niche for a side-hustle…]
You might also consider background noise [not counting the barking dog next door].
***
photo courtesy of Gratisography
Word Inventions