Not long ago, I saw a quote attributed to Larence Block that says, “Do five things daily to move your writing forward.”
I can’t find out for sure he said it, but it’s darn good advice for writers. I mean, if you don’t, who will?
So, what should those five things be?
The most important, of course, is writing. As writers, we should be writing. I once saw the definition for a writer is someone who is writing, and the definition for author is someone who has written. Makes sense to me and hit a nerve. Somedays, I’m just an author. I want to be a writer more.
Reading should probably be second on the list. What was it Stephen King said about reading? “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” And then there’s this one. “If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. By reading a lot, we learn how good writing sounds. And we also learn how bad writing shows itself. One thing I learned early on, it’s much easier to see flaws in other’s writing, and then you can see them in yours.
I can’t find out for sure he said it, but it’s darn good advice for writers. I mean, if you don’t, who will?
So, what should those five things be?
The most important, of course, is writing. As writers, we should be writing. I once saw the definition for a writer is someone who is writing, and the definition for author is someone who has written. Makes sense to me and hit a nerve. Somedays, I’m just an author. I want to be a writer more.
Reading should probably be second on the list. What was it Stephen King said about reading? “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” And then there’s this one. “If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. By reading a lot, we learn how good writing sounds. And we also learn how bad writing shows itself. One thing I learned early on, it’s much easier to see flaws in other’s writing, and then you can see them in yours.
There are a lot of other things that could be on that list. Blogging, research, editing, doing social media and promo stuff, marketing, and even plotting the next story.
I’m really working on getting my daily five things. Some days I do better than others, but at least I’m making a deliberate effort. And it is moving me forward which is a good thing.
What about you? Are you doing things to move your writing forward daily? What are some things you are doing or need to do better?
Thanks for stopping by…say hi in the comments and share your five things.
Remember, sign up for the newsletter and get a free Halloween story and be kept up to date on book news and events. I promise not to spam or over email you.
I’m really working on getting my daily five things. Some days I do better than others, but at least I’m making a deliberate effort. And it is moving me forward which is a good thing.
What about you? Are you doing things to move your writing forward daily? What are some things you are doing or need to do better?
Thanks for stopping by…say hi in the comments and share your five things.
Remember, sign up for the newsletter and get a free Halloween story and be kept up to date on book news and events. I promise not to spam or over email you.
