If you want to be a writer, you must write and that requires sitting at your typewriter or computer and writing although it may not be easy. That also means avoiding all distractions that will keep one from writing-visitors, friends, relatives, television, radio, and anything that will keep the writer from concentrating on the task.
Although many writers wait for inspiration before they start writing, that is a sure way to bring about writer's block. Inspiration only comes with dedication, concentration, planning, and visualization. If one looks at the work habits of successful writers, it is one of habits, habits established by determination and persistence that require surrender to a timetable of work, a forfeit of time to write. That time must be rigidly adhered to be it an hour or several hours a day.
Setting a time each day is not always easy, but it must be done if one is to become a professional, published writer. During that time nothing must interfere with writing. It is not the time to edit, rewrite, revise, or research. It must be set aside for writing, for putting words to paper or to screen. Discipline is the keyword here and self-control must be achieved inflexibly. Sounds tough? Well, it is! Some beginning writers get up earlier and spend and hour or two before their day job; others prefer time before retiring for the night; while still others steal a few minutes several times through out the day. Whatever is chosen must be adhered to strictly.
This, of course, is where dedication and concentration become most important. One must decide if he or she really wants to be a writer, and since it is a lonely introspection activity, it is not for everyone. Some think it is glamorous, but that part of the profession is not; it must be done alone and isolated, alone with one's ideas and thoughts, isolated from other people in order to express those ideas and thoughts. Those who want to be, and that is almost every person the writer meets, envy writing and writers.
Writing is not easy for most writers. It is like opening up a vein and letting the blood gush forth?or dribble out. It can be painful or exhilarating. Fortunately, most of the time it is stimulating, heady, and more so when it is published and enjoyed by others.
Charles O. Goulet had a BA in history and a BEd in English literature. Several of his novels have been published and are available a Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Barnes and Noble and many other bookstores.
His website is http://www.telusplanet.net/public/go1c
His blog is http://www.telusplanet.net/public/go1c
A friend and I were talking the other day about... Read More
Rejection. This scary word plagues virtually every writer this side... Read More
Your struggling to sell just a few copies of your... Read More
A good white paper is a paper that makes you... Read More
Writer's block! Even columnist Dave Berry has it. He admits... Read More
Chaos and confusion come when established rules and procedures are... Read More
What is a freelance grant writer? These individuals have a... Read More
You can turn your $200 fee to write a press... Read More
One of the most common weaknesses I see in day-to-day... Read More
How to avoid mistakes that undermine your credibilityYou're probably already... Read More
There is no specific formula for children's fiction. There are,... Read More
Writing is a muscle that needs exercise to stay in... Read More
SO YOU WANT TO BE A WRITER?Many people have entertained... Read More
The first step in the writing process is to put... Read More
When I was young, I used to talk to myself.... Read More
Paulo Coelho was born on August 24th 1947 in Rio... Read More
Mix a martini, don't forget the olives, or pour yourself... Read More
Technology vendors often contribute bylined articles to trade journals. The... Read More
It's the funniest thing. When someone asks me what I... Read More
If you become a writer for any publication, private business,... Read More
I've seen it time and again. One of the most... Read More
Why is it that so many people don't take writing-as-a-job... Read More
A certified proofreader is one that has taken a few... Read More
So you've decided to crown yourself with a title that... Read More
Every writer knows that the urge to write is not... Read More
cleaning lady near Wilmette ..If you're getting rejections from your submissions, please don't quit... Read More
Creative Writing Tips ?What a plot is and what a... Read More
As an editorial professional, I'm sure you're aware of the... Read More
Have you ever read someone else's writing and thought one... Read More
Many of us have always wanted to write. We have... Read More
If your articles aren't getting published very often, or you... Read More
Virgil, the great Roman poet, wrote "Practice and thought might... Read More
Agents and publishing houses have their best interests at heart,... Read More
A book coaching client recently emailed me that she was... Read More
First, let's tackle the question that is uppermost in many... Read More
Ever wonder why we refer to convincing an editor a... Read More
In reviewing and browsing web sites over the years, I... Read More
In the business of freelance writing, it's not enough to... Read More
PASSED, PASTPassed is the past tense of pass. Past means... Read More
So you want to learn to research well, and not... Read More
What is a prologue? When should you use one? Should... Read More
I call it cheap therapy. That gushing, near-religious, poured-from-the-body stress... Read More
Typically when falling asleep in bed at night great thoughts... Read More
In the beginning of your story you have to grab... Read More
Riding on the fumes of potential, you take pen to... Read More
People can't believe I did it, but I did. I... Read More
Have you ever wondered how you can adapt your screenplay... Read More
There are a lot of tapes and books and CD... Read More
As a child, I loved to write. I can't remember... Read More
I've just come back to work after nine glorious, sun-drenched... Read More
Writing |