Screech!!!! Halt!!! Wait, wait. I just saw the latest software for writers who are just starting out on xyz website and it is a must. A manuscript cannot be written without it. I can't start writing until I have that in my writer's tool kit. I mean it is very important to keep track of my word count.
Oh, and while I was at the bookstore I just had to buy this book on how to sell books and articles. Never mind that I already have 10 books with all the advice that any novice writer needs even though I don't have anything written yet, but I know I will, so I need to be prepared.
I can't forget to subscribe to 15 magazines, websites and news papers and read 30 books before I put my first word on paper.
Now....What else do I need? Oh, what about that seminar?....oh, oh, dictionary, thesaurus, uh, ......just put it in the basket. I'll read later.
Okay, okay, you get my drift. As a new writer, blogger, etc, I have found myself doing everything BUT writing lately. Instead, I have gathered as many self-help books and articles on a freelance writing career, looking for THE secret. I have discovered that I have THE secret. It is in my fingertips right here, right now.
I realize I am not saying anything new to you veterans out there, but if there are any new writers listening in...run...don't walk to the nearest keyboard or note book and start putting your words down. Until that happens, you will never be a "writer" and any advice you receive won't do you any good until you put it to Action.
All of those things I mentioned above are very important but my point is that they do not stand alone and a writer can not learn by osmosis. I appreciate all the help that is out there for people like me and I shouldn't waste it by doing nothing.
To name a few of the important people who are here to help fledgling writers like me are Lisa Gates of Intrinsic life design, FundsforWriters, Writer in the making, The Golden Pencil and on and on. Please visit them.
Write it down,
Karma
Too funny Karma!! You have described my life from October 2006 - December 31, 2006. But you are right, the only way you are going to learn how to write and get better at it is to do it.
ReplyDeleteKarma, thanks for all the link love and the great post.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, but as a coach I work with people from all walks, not just writers, and all of us suffer from this affliction in one way or another. It all comes down to that one nagging voice: "you're not good enough...better not even try...you need a degree...gotta have a better hairdo...fake nails make for prettier words..." Yammer, yammer, yammer.
Who told us we had to be perfect while we're "becoming"?
Lisa, I don't know what drives me to feel I need the latest item, book, gadget. I guess you could say my closet is full of "gadgets" that were supposed to make me the "expert".
ReplyDeleteHarmony it's great to be able to laugh at what we used to do. That just shows we are growing in our craft every day.
ReplyDelete