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! ☺
Yup.
Nothing better then the K.I.S.S. system. You know, Keep It Simple Stupid.
Thanks Nathan.
I would say writing + getting critiques + studying the craft (books / workshops). Without these you are unlikely to make progress.
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).
anon-
Definitely, I'm actually planning on blogging about that soon.
Love it. Plus you can't go wrong with a title like that!
I love this! 🙂
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.
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.
Haha, I came here via twitter. How did I know you were going to say that?
Well, that's one approach Nathan. But I prefer eating gummy bears or at least keep writing while eating gummy bears 😉
Short, sweet and to the point. I love it!
Most sensible piece of advice I've received in a while. LOL.
Possibly my favorite post you've ever written, and that's saying something. 😀
Haha, thank you. How timely!
And keep revising!
And reading! It's one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to learn.
is it that this is just a bad time of year for authors???
"A man of few words is most often heard more so than the most eloquent copious orator."
Well said.
Perfect!
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! ☺
To paraphrase the great Dory: "Just keep writing, just keep writing, writing writing writing writing."
Hence my handy graphic representation from 2008:
How to write a first draft 🙂
Thank you, Nathan.
Brilliant:)
And then write some more.
Too true!
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.
Yes, or as Natalie Goldberg is reported to have told every student who came with a writing problem, "Write anyway."
Deep.
Succinct.
LIKE! K.I.S.S.
aka: Butt in Chair.
Good advice, along with: "The hardest part of writing is keeping your ass in the chair."
Touche! I would like to add, keep reading to that as well. 🙂
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very true