TECH: 101 Tips (17)

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Original posting 28 May 2009

Writers' Digest, October 2004, pages 26 to 33, has a collection of short "nuggets of wisdom" related to getting published. Maria Schneider is the author of the compilation. Take a deep breath, and here we go:

"The way to make time for writing is to steal time from everything else. Don't answer the phone. Forget the mail. Let the houseplants die a lonely death. Call in sick to Thanksgiving and send Christmas cards in January. Don't fix the toaster. Don't fix the broken chair. Don't replace the batteries in anything. Live off the change that has fallen beneath the sofa cushions. Cultivate kind friends and patient landlords. And when you have finally alienated everyone you know, throw a big party and ply them with liquor and food. Play loud music and put tiny umbrellas in everyone's drinks. When they ask about the book, say: soon, soon." Jenny Offill

What can I say? Time to write!

TECH: 101 Tips (18)

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Original posting 28 May 2009

Writers' Digest, October 2004, pages 26 to 33, has a collection of short "nuggets of wisdom" related to getting published. Maria Schneider is the author of the compilation. Take a deep breath, and here we go:

"Whatever you're working on, take small bites. Whatever you're working on should be the most exciting thing. The task won't be overwhelming if you can reduce it to its smallest component." Richard Russo

Hum -- I was going to say "the longest journey starts with a single step" then I decided I should check whose quote that is. Lao-tzu? Maybe... Anyway, before I manage to distract myself completely, break things into small pieces. You can eat the elephant one bite at a time?

If something seems too big, take a smaller piece. What can you do? Do that. Then take another look. Goliath doesn't seem so big now that you're up to his knees, eh?

Novels get written one word at a time. And I'll bet you can find one word, can't you? Write... now, what about one more word?