Archive for the 'The craft' Category

What to Do When You Suspect It’s Not Enough

“Doubtless some ancient Greek has observed that behind the big mask and the speaking-trumpet, there must always be our poor little eyes peeping as usual and our timorous lips more or less under anxious control.” – George Eliot, Middlemarch, 1871 So you’re finally ready to get honest? You’re finally ready to admit that your writing is no good? Congratulations. Welcome to
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How Professional Writers Get Unstuck

“If you get stuck, get away from your desk. Take a walk, take a bath, go to sleep, make a pie, draw, listen to ­music, meditate, exercise; whatever you do, don’t just stick there scowling at the problem. But don’t make telephone calls or go to a party; if you do, other people’s words will pour in where your lost
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Nope, Writing Is Still NOT About Creativity

“We are about contribution. That’s what our job is. It’s not about impressing people. It’s not about getting the next job. It’s about contributing something.” – Benjamin Zander   What’s different about a book is far less important than what’s the same. Conventional wisdom holds that all true artists abhor convention and delivering what’s expected. They’re just too creative for
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How Embracing Pain Can Prevent Jerkitude

I’m special. I know you’re wondering how I know. But I’ve always known, crazy as that sounds. In fact, I suspect most people who haven’t experienced big, deep pain probably agree with this. And anyone who has experienced a massive life event that brought them deep pain, they’ll probably confirm it: Not suffering pain makes you special. Since life inevitably
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How to Finally Get Free of Fear and Just Write

Writers can treat their mental illnesses every day. – KURT VONNEGUT How do you hold onto your inspiration in the midst of all you face, and learn to be an inspiration every day to others? It’s what we all want down deep, maybe more than anything else. But nothing else seems more difficult. Everyone wants to live from their deepest
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