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 