…well, maybe just a little. Busy week. I’m preparing a keynote address, a breakout workshop, critiquing manuscripts, and doing double-time on existing projects before leaving the studio for several days. The great thing is that I get to meet our own Edie (who is busy organizing the Maryland SCBWI conference as I write). I'm making an attempt at time management, so instead of a thoughtful blog-post, I will let others speak.
TEN RULES FOR WRITING FICTION
Several authors, inspired by Elmore Leonard’s 10 Rules of Writing, share their personal dos and don’ts.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/feb/20/ten-rules-for-writing-fiction-part-one/
Here are a few snippets to entice you:
Michael Morpurgo
It is the gestation time which counts.
Andrew Motion
Think big and stay particular.
Joyce Carol Oates
Keep a light, hopeful heart. But expect the worst.
Al Kennedy
Remember you love writing. It wouldn't be worth it if you didn't. If the love fades, do what you need to and get it back.
Remember writing doesn't love you. It doesn't care. Nevertheless, it can behave with remarkable generosity. Speak well of it, encourage others, pass it on.
Margaret Atwood
Nobody is making you do this: you chose it, so don't whine.
6 comments:
Hmmm, Christy, very apropos post! I feel like whining this week, but as Margaret Atwood, a much admired author, reminds me--I chose this field. Thanks!
Edie, you are organizing an entire SCBWI event-- that is different from writing-- you get to whine!
Christy, these are delightful and filled with truth. Thanks for the post. And good luck with your Keynote and presentations. You can whine too--
Good luck on juggling your schedule, and thanks for the inspirational advice / reminders. I need to print a couple of them and hang them on the wall in my writing shack as reminders....
Some very good reminders, Christy. Sometimes I do everything I can to avoid writing and it's good to be reminded that this is what I've chosen to do over anything else.
And yes, good luck with all that's on your plate!
Christy, thank you for this. Perhaps my favorite is this one from Philip Pullman:
My main rule is to say no to things like this, which tempt me away from my proper work.
That one is so tough to do. Like now.
I love that Philip Pullman one too.
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