How was your weekend? Mine was relaxing for sure, exactly what the doctor ordered. About six months ago I made the decision to take weekends off from writing and it was the best decision I have made in a very long time. I come back on Mondays primed and ready, smoke curling out of my ears.
Today I’d like to talk a bit about how to write. I just did a Google search with that phrase, how to write, and found 1,350,000,000 results….that’s quite a few. It seems there are a few people out there who want to know how to write….but the answer seems so simple to me…..you just sit down at a computer and write.
Listen, I was a teacher in another life, and I’m a stickler for good writing for sure…but….if someone has the passion to write, the first thing they need to do is write. Don’t worry about grammar….don’t look for inspiration….just write.
I have published over 100 articles on how to improve at writing, so obviously I feel strongly about the art of writing, but at the end of the day, a writer or a writer-wannabe has to simply write. It is the only way to improve.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I don’t know how much longer I’ll be around. I’ll probably be writing when the Lord says, ‘Maya, Maya Angelou, it’s time.’”
Maya Angelou
Now those words were written by a true writer. When they bury me I want them to bury my laptop with me in case I think of something to write about on the way to my next life. J
WRITER OF THE DAY
Stop by and see my friend Greg in Puerto Rico….and learn about writing from his blog. You can find him here.
CONTEST OF THE DAY
1,000 Prompts, 1,000 Dollars Writing Contest; no entry fee but the deadline is December 22nd, so hurry up. Open to U.S. and U.K. writers. You choose from 1,000 prompts and write the beginning of a story based on that prompt. This really is a cool contest so check it out.
PROMPT OF THE DAY
It seemed appropriate that I do the prompt right after that contest announcement. J
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
I’m going to do an article about this subject next week, but I wanted to briefly touch on it now.
Everybody has an opinion, and it is true with writers for sure. Ask a question on a forum and count the seconds before you are inundated with answers, most of which are reasonable and sincere. Ask a question on Facebook and then get out of the way so you don’t get run over by the avalanche of answers….still….those answers are, for the most part, simply opinions.
There once was a time, before computers, when people sought advice from experts and not simply people with opinions. There is no reason to change that approach today. Check the qualifications of the person giving advice before you accept their word as gospel. Simply because they are on a writing website does not make them an expert. Simply because they have published an ebook does not make them an expert. Simply because they have a blog does not make them an expert. I want you all to succeed, and I sure don’t want you snowed by someone who really hasn’t proven themselves in the real world of writing.
MORE ON THURSDAY
Time to wrap it up for the day. Thanks for the visit. You are greatly appreciated. Remember, if you need an editor I’m always available.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
I will always keep you in mind for editing and can’t wait to read your article next week. And I was so taking weekends off and still trying to, but every once in awhile something does need to be taken care of and I do it, but definitely on a slower pace. But glad you totally do get your weekends for you and does make a world of difference for sure. Have a wonderful day today, Bill as always 🙂
Janine, you are just the sweetest person….thank you for being you….please don’t allow life to change you.
Bill, thank you my good friend for the link and words of encouragement. I am blessed to have met and have you as a friend. Merry Christmas sir, and a Happy New Year… to the wife too, may you all be blessed.
Greg, it’s my pleasure….always happy to pass on some writing love to my friends. Blessings to you as well.
Hi Bill, I’m with Maya. I especially feel an urgency to write since in a six weeks period, I lost my father and my brother. Add to that, my sister has cancer. Life got in the way for too long, in my thinking. Its now or never.
I have to laugh at times when I see friends who take up the banner of some crazy idea. I think that the logic and critical thinking classes that I took in college have been time well spent and I recommend that anyone who calls him or herself a writer should at least have a working knowledge of logic and critical thinking. I really look forward to reading your article on the subject.
Hi Donna, good to have you here.
Urgency for sure. I’m not getting any younger. Who knows when my days will run out. I have a ton still to do and a limited time to do it all…so write I will until I can’t write any longer.
Logic and critical thinking…two things that seem to be in short supply these days. I’ll try not to disappoint you with that article. 🙂 Thanks for being here.
gotta count the number of articles i have written.
Also, I too would’nt mind a notepad buried with me just in case…lol
looking fwd to reading your insight next week 🙂
happy tuesday, bill
Happy Tuesday to you Ruchira and thank you. I’ll be interested in how many articles you have written.
One of my favorite posts ever, Bill bro! I love that you’re taking weekends off – even if smoke does curl!
I love that you break writing down to it’s simplest form – JUST WRITE!
And i LOVE that you’ll need your computer – just in case..
Oh, and – i LOVE YOU!
Leslie… I love you too…..seriously…not that “love ya” bullshit that sounds like “have a nice day”…I love who you are, your spirit, your love of life, you screw you attitude….yep, Sis, I love you. 🙂