Put the Time In

 

From Kate's Writing Crate…

        For most careers, there are educational or experience requirements. You know exactly what it takes to achieve your goals.

        For writers, the career path isn't as clear. Education can help, but it isn't a guarantee. Experience of any kind is a plus, but the reality is you have to write.

        I recommend reading Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg and The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Stephen Pressfield. Goldberg's book gave me a concrete way to really start writing. Pressfield's book keeps me writing every day.

        Six-Word Memoirs ® are a fun and easy way to begin any writing session if you feel stuck. Visit the website or read one of the books written by writers famous and obscure.

I wish someone had given me this simple advice when I first knew I wanted to be a writer:

        To succeed as a writer, you must read and write.

Write. Write. Write.

Read. Read. Read.

Write. Write. Write.

If a writing life is your dream, write.

Keep yourself on deadline.

        Fill a spiral notebook a month every month, as recommended in Writing Down the Bones, for years/decades.

        Write a weekly/daily blog.

Build up your life-long word count.

        Write. Write. Write.

       

The hardest part is starting.

Pick up your pen or sit at your computer and write.

Use writing prompts or write Six-Word Memoirs®

        Write about what you love.

        Write. Write. Write.

        Carry a notepad at all times.

        Jot down thoughts and observations.

        Make this a habit.

        Write. Write. Write.

        Take a writing class.

        Start or join a writing group.

        Enter a writing contest.

        Write. Write. Write.

Then Rewrite. Rewrite. Rewrite.

       

Contact local or national publications or websites for assignments or suggest ideas.

        Submit articles and essays to favorite publications.

Editors always have space to fill.

        Be professional and meet deadlines.

        Write. Write. Write.

        Then Rewrite. Rewrite. Rewrite.

        Set a daily word or page count for your book.

Meet your daily word or page count goal.

Write. Write. Write.

Then Rewrite. Rewrite. Rewrite.

Put the time in.

It's as easy and as difficult as that.

It's also challenging and fun.

You have a calling.

Answer it.

Write! Write! Write!