7 Things
What I’ve Learned From My First 87,000 Words:
Don’t be afraid to write something that might change
Every word, whether it makes it into the final draft or the scrap pile, moves your story forward.
Don’t be afraid to change things
Sometimes you have to write the wrong ending to realize what the right ending is.
Butt in seat
Try to write every day: a journal entry, a short writing exercise, or even just one sentence. Writing is like any other muscle - it gets stronger or weaker the more or less you use it.
Writing should be a dialogue between you and the story
Figure out what you want to say, but also try to listen. After a while, the story and characters have a funny way of taking on a life of their own and telling you what they want to do.
Coffee never hurts
Black and bitter with notes of Hemingway.
Writer’s block is 99.99% fear
If writing (or anything) feels impossible, just break it down into smaller and smaller goals until they individually feel achievable. Then keep stacking them up. Soon enough, you’ll be there.
Even an ant can eat an elephant
Bite by bite. Don’t worry about the ending, just worry about hitting your next goal: chapter, word count, scene, whatever it is. Nothing is impossible - it just takes patience and work!
I’ve still got thousands of words to go and just as many mistakes to make along the way. Join me on this bumpy ride - it’s never too late to start writing!
Today is the most inexperienced you’ll ever be.
Until next time,
R
