Today I rolled out of bed ready to act on the advice with which I both admonish and encourage all other writers:
– Just do it
– Do it regularly
– Keep doing it
For years I have procrastinated on establishing a blog on effective writing and I’ve hesitated for all kinds of reasons to express my life long passion and contribution towards cultural communication. Why?
Indeed why after celebrating the set up of my blog with TWO entries did I suddenly feel I had to let more than a week slip by without even a peep of prose? Why did I suddenly think I needed more research on my own opinion and experience? Did I really need to consult the hasty writings of a new generation of net gurus, who are in reality, younger than the very thoughts I was harbouring?
Yes and no. Smart writers do research. They stay aware of societal activity and of communication trends. We are often more than ready – you should pardon the irony – to procrastinate, especially when it comes to our own work. But, there comes a time to move forward. Often a little faster.
Whether you write in journals, emails or for various publication sources, you’ve probably surpassed your own millionth word. You’ve met your deadlines, ultimately, the only way one can – by sitting down and writing.
Best to write regularly. Even if all you think you have are 20 uninterrupted minutes to put pen to paper, or for fingers to fly on keyboards. Imagine the cumulative results of your writing! Give yourself the gift of discipline and suppleness of mind by making writing a practice.
Follow your own rituals. I cook during projects as a brain break to process. I prep for new projects with cleaning. Perhaps I literally create space so my mind can roam around my room, unfettered, with only my file boxes to bump up against.
Speed in communication calls us today. It shouts. Technology rushes us on. Even the OED (Oxford English Dictionary) and others will be adding the English language’s millionth word, ‘they say’ on June 10, 2009.
In closing I’ll quote George Burns the famous, youthful and long lived American comedian, “I look to the future because that’s where I’m going to spend the rest of my life.” George also spoke of this ritual: ‘I get up in the morning and read the obituaries. If my name isn’t there, I take two prunes and start my day.’
Go. Make friends with your communication future. Write now.
