the best [writing] advice -- part one

“Take everyone’s advice, then do as you please.” – inscription in my dad’s high school yearbook under his name.

I’m not really sure how many books I’ve read or seminars I’ve attended where I’m just looking for that one perfect piece of advice that will make it all better. That easy solution that will solve all of my problems. Whether it’s life, money, books, or something else, I think I’m always searching, seduced by the promises of a bold title.

But in reality, I usually have to sift through a bunch of dross to get to the gold nugget. Usually, I have to sit through someone’s life story—why they are qualified to give this advice—and then because I’ve read so many books, when I finally get to the meat of it, much of the advice I’ve heard before. Sometimes something basic will hit me in a profound way. But usually, I’m looking for some nuance, a slightly different way of looking at the world, that will hopefully change my life.

Is it a wonder I’m still looking?

I do, however, have a lot of notes and things I’ve learned from reading all these books and attending all these seminars. And I think I’m going to start putting them here on my blog (crediting the source to the best I am able) because I had this idea that I should put them in one place for my own use.

But might as well share, no?

So here goes:

The best writing advice from Anne Lamott (at least that’s what my notes say):

Stop not writing. No one cares if you write or not, so you’d better. Sit down at the desk and keep your butt in the chair. Write one passage, conversation, and let yourself do it badly. Finish (!) this one shitty first draft. Victory! Reward yourself with candy.

So. Stop not writing. Yes, it’s simple and obvious, but it’s also profound. Think about it. If you want to write, stop not writing.

Bonus: For blocks to writing, read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron and do what she says.