Writers Write!

“If the desire to write is not accompanied by actual writing, then the desire must be not to write.” ~ Hugh Prather

Are you a writer? Or, are you someone who only talks writing? Another question, do you attend conferences only to rub shoulders with writers and talk the game? Or, are you there to learn and network?

It’s so easy to talk the talk without walking the walk, or should I say writing the page? Over the years I’ve known writers who, after being rejected, picked up their pencils and went home. They were done. Finished. I know others who simply cannot take constructive criticism from honest critique. One of my friends had a bright future ahead of her with one of the big five publishing houses. But she argued with an agent representing the house about a change he wanted before accepting her manuscript. The result? She was rejected and was never published. By the way, the agent’s suggestion was spot on. Many of us in her critique circle had suggested the same thing.  Thankfully, she continued writing but many do not. They simply remain in writer’s circles talking writing instead of writing.

Always bear this in mind, rejections and critiques are not the writer’s enemies. Quite the opposite. They are the gym where the writer grows stronger. Avoiding the computer or putting pen to paper is the true enemy.

If you are discouraged with your writing or have fallen off the writing saddle, I encourage you to get back on and start a new habit. Write a paragraph every day about something you’ve observed: a news story, a conversation you overheard, or a comical antic by your pet. Anything that stirs a thought or emotion, write about it. Another good exercise is to enter contests. Even if you don’t win, you will have written. Another plus, by entering contests you’ll have good bones for publishable work.

Remember, there is only one guarantee in writing: If you don’t write, you won’t be published. Don’t be a quitter—or a talker. Be a writer!

WRITE! 

Christmas is only 12 weeks away! If you have a child in your life, my first children’s book is an excellent gift idea!  Not only does it entertain, but it also has an important message: You are special, you have purpose. I’ve also included a page with topic suggestions for discussion, as well as a fun and interactive activity – find the ladybug on every page. The kids love this! You may purchase them for $16.99 on Amazon, or see me at our next conference…you are planning on it aren’t you? Hmmmm?

THE WRITE MINDSET

Posted by Linda Apple

www.LindaApple.com

“If the desire to write is not accompanied by actual writing, then the desire must be not to write.” ~ Hugh Prather

 It seems lately that I’ve not been as concerned with the nuts and bolts of writing as much as the mindset of writing. After all, if your mindset isn’t right, you either are not writing or not doing your best work.

So today I want to know. Are you a writer? Or are you someone who talks writing? Do you attend conferences to rub shoulders with writers and talk the game or are you there to network in hopes of promoting and selling something you have already written? It’s so easy to talk the lingo and play the game. But what does that accomplish?

 Nothing.

 I know some writers who were rejected after their first few submissions. They were offended. Discouraged. So what did they do? They picked up their pencils and went home.

Then there are writers who refuse to accept constructive critiques. They argue defensively and eventually, when no one wants their work, they start talking the talk instead of writing the words.

Rejection and critique are not the writer’s enemies. Quite the opposite, they are the gym where the writer grows stronger. Avoiding the computer or pen and paper is the writer’s true enemy. 

Gene Fowler is attributed to saying, “Writing is easy. All you do is sit, staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.”

 It is discouraging and seems hard sometimes. I get it. But don’t quit. Get in the writing habit. Write a paragraph every day. Perhaps an observation about life or something you heard on the news. Start writing for contests. Even if you don’t win, you will have written. AND the entries that do not win are the bones for pieces that WILL win in the future or something you can submit. Don’t quit!

 My agent, Terry Burns, makes this promise: “There is only one guarantee in writing. If you don’t write, you won’t be published. So don’t be a talker, please. Be a writer! Don’t give up! Keep it up! Write!

My question is this, are you a writer or a one who talks about writing? Are you discouraged? What are you doing about it?

To all of you who have overcome discouragement, what words of advice do you have for those who are struggling?

www.lindaapple.com

www.lindacapple.wordpress.com