Two Truths

Two Truths

While the title could imply any number of topics on which I’d love to share my vast thirty-two years of wisdom (politics, parenting, marriage, finance, money-making scams) I thought I’d start off with what I’ve learned about writing.

There are important things I need to remind myself of, disciplines I need to master, that are pretty much necessary to be a writer. They are things that will help me along my way to a successful career in writing. Here are two of the many important things to know and do.

First, to write well I must read quality work in the area I write. These two things are a struggle for me to do simultaneously. I tend to be either on a writing spree or a reading binge. If for no other reason than I have only so much time. I’d like to develop a systematic approach for tackling both of these beasts in the same day. Perhaps I need to read in the daylight and write in the dark. Maybe I spend time in a book in the am hours and on the laptop in the pm hours. Either way I must find time to do both of these important things. What is also important in this area is that I find good reads. Currently, I am reading The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima. It’s the first book of three (at this time) followed by The Wizard Heir and The Dragon Heir. These are definitely quality books exactly in the genre I like to write.

Second, one must write everyday. I’ve spent months not writing and then wondering why I don’t get anywhere. It’s is a simple and common concept, perfect practice makes perfect. I’d love to be able to write consistently, to have my time blocked off for X number of hours each day. Instead I tend to squeeze it in when I can. I’m getting better. I work on one project or another most every day.

Should I Try This Again?

Blogging is one of those things, like journal writing, vehicle maintenance, or even sticking to a budget or exercise regime that comes easy for some, with effort for others, and pretty much not at all for most others.

I’ve always wanted to be a person who journals. To write out my daily thoughts or inspirations, to keep a log of important moments, or to track my growth and development is appealing to me. But honestly, it’s never happened. I’ve started multiple times. Always with a renewed energy, a different angle, a greater purpose. Well, here goes again. It’s time to blog. Will this time be any different? We’ll see.

My previous attempt yielded a single post. I am committed to doubling that. In concept, I plan to continue both previous blogs, sharing my projects, reviewing the books I read, the movies I see, and commenting on what inspires me. Facebook is my primary addiction, and so I will likely copy my posts there as well as on this site. I’d love to hear from anyone who stumbles across My Writing Workshop.

Blessings!