SSP
“I get asked all the time… “Can you give me a few tips about being a writer?� And you sense that gleam in the eye, that hope that somehow, this time, you’ll drop your guard and hand over the map to the Holy Grail or, preferably, its URL. I detect, now, a slightly worrying edge to all this, a hint of indignation that grammar, spelling, and punctuation have a part to play (“Don’t publishers have people to do all that?� was one response) and that the universe is remiss in not making allowance for the fact you don’t have the time.
“So, instead, I give tips on how to be a professional boxer. A good diet is essential, of course, as is a daily regime of exercise. Pay attention to your footwork, it will often get you out of trouble. Go down to the gym every day – every day of your life that finds you waking up capable of standing. Take every opportunity to watch a good professional fight. In fact watch as many bouts as you can, because you can even learn something from the fighters who get it wrong. Don’t listen to what they say, watch what they do. And don’t forget the diet and the exercise and the roadwork.
“Got it? Well, becoming a writer is basically exactly the same thing, except that it isn’t about boxing.
“It’s as simple as that.� – Terry Pratchett, Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook 2006
January 28th, 2007 at 10:21 am
I love this. Funny how once you have a few things published people come out of the woodwork looking for an “easy in”. I’m amazed at how many people don’t realize writing isn’t a habit done in your spare time. It’s a lifestyle you’ve dedicated your very soul to.
January 28th, 2007 at 7:25 pm
That is really funny. And it’s great how much it does really, really apply to writing. I agree with the above commenter “writing isn’t a habit done in your spare time. It’s a lifestyle you’ve dedicated your very soul to”
Unfrotunately, this is true of me…to the sacrifice of my college career, I’m afraid. lol
January 28th, 2007 at 9:53 pm
I’d do some writing if I could find a way to cut down the typing involved. Isn’t there a shorter way to put 100,000 words on paper? *grins*
Or how about… It carn’t b so haerd - my frend teld me abowt sum software wil that rite it four yu - it wrot this for me… *LOL*
I guess there is no shortcuts - maybe when they ask for one, tell them the shortcut is to get a govt that cares about education & will actually encourage the population to learn basic skills?
January 28th, 2007 at 10:21 pm
Jennifer - Amen to that!
Bethany - I think one of the rewards of getting published is being able to come up with funny things like that to tell aspiring writers. You could always try a major/double major, or minor/double minor and get in journalism or creative writing.
Marcus - That’s what ghost writers are for.
A gov’t that does that? Where?! Where?! *grin*