Word Pirates

Word Pirates tonight at my house. Hope you all come!

I get an e-mail newsletter called “Writing for Dollars,” which you can sign up for here. The most recent issue had an article about procrastinating by Jennifer Brown Banks that I am re-posting here. The advice is kind of elementary, but also encouraging and a good reminder: If you don’t write, you will never be a writer.

7 Fool-Proof Ways To Kick Procrastination (In The Pants)

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by Jennifer Brown BanksThere are hundreds of bright and talented writers whose works you will never read.

They will never motivate, move you to tears, or make a difference.

How do I know? Because I have the pleasure of teaching them in creative classes and workshops throughout the city. They are men and women, young and old—some even with “rocket science” potential. The prospect of which saddens me. For as a friend of mine often states, we all have a piece of the puzzle of this thing called life, of which we uniquely possess. Nobody has the exact same vision or creative voice.

Yet I see it far too often. Here’s the script. An aspiring writer will sign up for my class. He/she will enthusiastically ask questions, and pen page upon page of notes. They leave the session singing my praises, and swearing to put into practice the things they have learned. Then they get home and reality settles in. There are everyday distractions—a demanding job, family obligations, and plaguing doubt. Not to mention, there never seems to be enough time.

Consequently, they join the ranks of the “someday” people. You know them. “Someday I’m going to finish that novel.” “Someday I’ll publish my poetry.” And someday never comes.

When I follow-up with them, months later, I find that they’ve given up on their dreams, while toiling on dead end jobs. Perhaps you’re even one of them.

Given this scenario, how does one go from good intentions to great author?

Here’s how to start:

1. In the words of a very famous Nike commercial—“Just do it!” Start somewhere, anywhere. Pen a piece for your community newspaper or your church’s newsletter. Believe me when I say that the thrill of a byline is addictive. I’ve been writing for 15 years, and every time I go to a bookstore or supermarket and open a book or magazine with my work, I get that same original high! Still

2. Get a Goal Buddy. [Word Pirates!] You know how some people have work out buddies to tag along with them at the gym to stay motivated and accountable? It works for writing as well. Perhaps it can be a friend with similar aspirations, or even someone you meet through an online bulletin board.

3. Establish Short and Long Term Goals. Where would you like to see yourself a month from today? A year down the line? Decide, then write it down. Studies show that people who commit their goals to writing are 3x more likely to achieve them.

4. Set Deadlines. A goal without a deadline is just a dream.

5. Stop Striving for Perfection—Instead pursue excellence. Sometimes procrastination occurs simply because of over analysis and over editing. Write it to the best of your ability, and then send it off already! It doesn’t have to be picture perfect; that’s what editors are for.

6. Set Priorities. Can you have it all? Most definitely. Just not all at the same time. Know that there are sacrifices to be made. For example, sometimes my writing causes me to live the life of a hermit. For you it may be fewer hours in front of the TV. Which is more important?

7. Know that “Discipline” is not a Dirty Word. Believe it or not, good habits are just as easy to cultivate as bad ones. Sit down to your computer or journal—daily, weekly, or whatever works for you. But be committed and consistent. Then watch the results!