I would say writing + getting critiques + studying the craft (books / workshops). Without these you are unlikely to make progress.
Anonymoussays
Hi Nathan. Beautiful as always. I was wondering if you ever find it helpful to STOP writing for a time though. I'm new to all of this of course, but after writing about 3 terrible things right in a row, I realized I was not helping my state of mind to keep making myself write (ie: you have to write something EVERY DAY!- advice I've heard). I took a little hiatus- plotted a little here and there for a new piece, watched some TV (gasp!), played outside- and I feel like things are just coming together so much easier (and better) for this book than the first three "works" (a loose term here).
I have a sticky note attached to the side of my laptop that says, 'NEVER GIVE UP!' [sometimes though I want to shred the dang thing] But yes, keep writing is a wonderful solution, with a satisfing ending. ["I did it"] And so easy to remember…♥ [when we're not pre-occupied with wanting to throw computers out of windows] 3 books later, that sticky note is still working for me! ☺
Chuck H. says
Yup.
M.A. Leslie says
Nothing better then the K.I.S.S. system. You know, Keep It Simple Stupid.
Thanks Nathan.
Steven Brandt says
I would say writing + getting critiques + studying the craft (books / workshops). Without these you are unlikely to make progress.
Anonymous says
Hi Nathan. Beautiful as always. I was wondering if you ever find it helpful to STOP writing for a time though. I'm new to all of this of course, but after writing about 3 terrible things right in a row, I realized I was not helping my state of mind to keep making myself write (ie: you have to write something EVERY DAY!- advice I've heard). I took a little hiatus- plotted a little here and there for a new piece, watched some TV (gasp!), played outside- and I feel like things are just coming together so much easier (and better) for this book than the first three "works" (a loose term here).
Nathan Bransford says
anon-
Definitely, I'm actually planning on blogging about that soon.
Rebecca Kiel says
Love it. Plus you can't go wrong with a title like that!
fakesteph says
I love this! 🙂
Anne R. Allen says
Anon makes an interesting point. I'll be eager to read your post on the subject. Maybe the above should read "write, breathe, read, write again."
Except it wouldn't be so cool.
G says
Absolutely. Even if its something as small as a book review for Amazon.
Be amazed at what you can do once you accomplish somthing that simple.
Anonymous says
Haha, I came here via twitter. How did I know you were going to say that?
Beth says
Well, that's one approach Nathan. But I prefer eating gummy bears or at least keep writing while eating gummy bears 😉
The Desert Rocks says
Short, sweet and to the point. I love it!
author Christa Polkinhorn says
Most sensible piece of advice I've received in a while. LOL.
Renee Sweet says
Possibly my favorite post you've ever written, and that's saying something. 😀
TheUndertaker says
Haha, thank you. How timely!
Mr. D says
And keep revising!
Kristin Laughtin says
And reading! It's one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to learn.
Caleb says
is it that this is just a bad time of year for authors???
Lucinda Bilya says
"A man of few words is most often heard more so than the most eloquent copious orator."
Well said.
christinemareebell says
Perfect!
Anonymous says
Hahahahaha, yes, perfect!!!
I have a sticky note attached to the side of my laptop that says, 'NEVER GIVE UP!' [sometimes though I want to shred the dang thing] But yes, keep writing is a wonderful solution, with a satisfing ending. ["I did it"] And so easy to remember…♥ [when we're not pre-occupied with wanting to throw computers out of windows] 3 books later, that sticky note is still working for me! ☺
Kris says
To paraphrase the great Dory: "Just keep writing, just keep writing, writing writing writing writing."
e_journeys says
Hence my handy graphic representation from 2008:
How to write a first draft 🙂
ZeroToBoston says
Thank you, Nathan.
Stacy says
Brilliant:)
Cameron Young says
And then write some more.
Ryan Sullivan says
Too true!
Melissa Landers says
Meh…I partially agree with you.
One of my favorite quotes is "Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect."
It's just as important to keep learning as it is to keep writing.
deepamwadds says
Yes, or as Natalie Goldberg is reported to have told every student who came with a writing problem, "Write anyway."
Conor Neill says
Deep.
The Pen and Ink Blog says
Succinct.
Neil Larkins says
LIKE! K.I.S.S.
Lindsey says
aka: Butt in Chair.
Daniel McNeet says
Good advice, along with: "The hardest part of writing is keeping your ass in the chair."
Selena Robins says
Touche! I would like to add, keep reading to that as well. 🙂
Selena Robins says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Michael Abayomi says
very true