16 June 2010

I Cannot Control My Book Lust

I fully intended on getting someone a present (in which I succeeded). I did not intend on buying (new) books for myself, but I succeeded in that anyway. Oh well. They were on sale. That excuses me right? Right? Fine.

I got quite a bit further in my outline yesterday. Instead of ploughing on writing and writing, I decided to outline what I already had so I could continue on outlining the middle bits I need. (I have the ending. Mostly.)

To help the rest of you, as well as myself, with the writing process here are 10 characteristics of a good writer according to James Scott Bell:

1. Desire—It has to come from you. You have to be willing to sacrifice.
2. Discipline—You have to find a way to produce the words (a minimum on a regular basis)
3. Commitment to the craft
4. Patience
5. Honesty
6. Willingness to learn
7. Business-like attitude
8. Rhino skin—Rejection of your work is not a rejection of you unless it is accompanied by a punch on the nose.
9. Take the long-term view
10. Talent (& discipline)

I really need to keep these in mind and try to embody them in my work. Especially number two. I have to keep at it. Just keep swimming . . .

No comments:

Post a Comment