December 31, 2007

Memorize This!
If you want a writing life that you’ve never had, you’ll have to do things that you’ve never done—and do them consistently. (Copy the preceding sentence, tape it to your computer, and read it many times daily.)

(If you haven’t read “Set 2008 Writing Goals Now” and “Make the Writing Dreams Come True,” stop and read them now. They’re short, but today’s blog builds on the previous two.)

If you want a rich writing life, cut out time wasters and replace them with reading—and reading a lot. Otherwise our creative wells run dry. Also socialize with a purpose more often (SCBWI conferences, critique groups, book discussion groups, book store readings, lunch with writers.)

Be determined to create new ways of working and thinking. This involves both doing different things AND doing things differently. For example, if you want editors and agents to react to you differently, you’ll have to act differently. You may have to do different things (attend conferences, ask questions) or do things differently (write gutsier queries, research the agency better.)

You must also think differently. Yes, making dreams come true is hard—but you can do hard things! Yes, success takes time—but you can develop patience! Change how you view yourself. Determination to make changes won’t be worth much without an accompanying belief in your ability to do so. If you already hold down a job or have children, you already know how to be patient, delay gratification and work hard. Just apply those same attitudes to your writing!

(Look for the next installment tomorrow.)

2 Comments »

1. 

   Hi Kristi,

   I’ve been reading a number of your past blog entries but I can’t get to the ones you mention in this blog. I am very interested to read them. Would there be a way to do so?

   I can appreciate that you are very busy, thanks for reading…

   Ally

   Comment by Allyson Megaw — January 8, 2009 @ 2:56 pm

2. 

   I think the links didn’t transfer when I moved the blog from blogspot to ICL’s website. I think if you just scroll down on the left side of this page to the ARCHIVES section, then click on December 2007, you should be able to find these articles… Wait, I just tried that, and it appears that the articles before Dec. 14, 2007 didn’t “follow” me from the old blog. I’m sorry! Thanks for pointing this out. I hope you will enjoy the posts for the past year though!
   Kristi

   Comment by Kristi Holl — January 8, 2009 @ 4:22 pm

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