by Kait Carson
When it comes to the mechanics of writing, I’m a spaghetti against the wall type of person. I’ve scribbled Morning Pages as described by Julia Cameron. Dabbled with bullet point and deep outlining. Begun with deep character bios and most often, just let the story flow from scene to scene. Each of these methods worked in their own time. None except pantser achieved a lasting place in my writing arsenal. Spaghetti, however, makes a lousy writing tip.
The best tip anyone ever shared with me: Butt in chair. Fingers on keyboard. Show up every day. Write. You can’t polish a blank page, and there’s a reason the first draft is called the vomit draft. Don’t worry about it. Just do it.
Oh, a secondary, but no less valuable writing tip: Get out there and live, then share your stories.
And a reminder: Some lucky reader who leaves a comment on one of our blog posts this month will win a bundle of books.
Yes yes. Can’t polish a blank page. Thanks for the butt kick (and butt paste).
I laughed out loud right in the baby aisle when I spotted that stuff. Kept a tube on my desk ever since to remind me.
Sweet advice. The sign made me chuckle. Bad things happen so write about them.
It gives them purpose 🙂
Great advice. Butt in chair. Ideas on page.
Thanks, Gabby.
We cannot be reminded too often of this fundamental truth. Thanks, Kait!
So true, and you’re welcome. It’s the simple things!
This aligns with my vacation opinion – the things that go wrong (or nearly go wrong) make far better memories and anecdotes than the days of sunshine and rose petals. Not that I crave disaster or anything!
Marilyn
YES! It is so true.
I used to make my students carry little notebooks (or use their phones) to record things they observed and then bring them to read to the class. One student claimed that they’d seen nothing, so I asked a few questions and then “did you have earbuds in?” Of course you don’t observe if you’ve shut out the world. There is story everywhere.
Kate