Lessons For Writers - Why You Will Never Complete That Novel, You Slacker!
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I have always wanted to be a writer. However, this is far different than saying I have always wanted to write. Envisioning life as a writer meant a rum-soaked existence as an expatriate living on a Caribbean Island, complete with a fan following thirsty for well turned phrases that entertained and educated one to the secret of life’s mysterious purpose.
Fantasies aside, reality tells us that writing is a craft requiring a great deal of the dreaded “D” word: Discipline.
So, without stifling the muse on your shoulder, here are five mind sets you must develop for writing your masterpiece:
Chose A Place To Write. This means dedicating a space with the singular purpose of writing. It should be well provisioned with your writing tools, and more importantly, free of anything that may distract you. After a while, you will begin to associate this area with the act of writing, which will allow you to settle into the process faster and more efficiently.
Don’t Let The Details Discourage You. This is one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received. Sure, you have the story in your head, but as you write, inconsistencies in plot and style will reveal themselves. If you stop to reconcile these problems, you will find yourself stuck in the mire.
Set Your Office Hours. After you have found your writing spot, you should try to find a time of day that you can set aside for writing. For me, writing after dark is generally the time that works best for me. When I am able to keep to this loose schedule, it is like my entire being slips into creative mode. When I vary it, the writing becomes forced. So although sitting in the park with my computer on my lap fits my image of being a writer, the words won’t flow.
Outline! This is one of those things that seems to fly in the face of spontaneous creativity. However, an outline helps to keep you on track and actually can encourage spontaneity by allowing you to jump around to different parts of your story without going off on unusable tangents.
Don’t Quit. The art of writing is accompanied by all sorts of discouraging voices. Publishers, editors, people you share your work with. Learn from criticism and you will find your skills increasing. Remember…If you write one line then you have a writer’s soul. So let your voice be heard.
