The Best Writing Advice I Have Received: Part 1

The best advice I have received can be summed up in two words. Part 1 is about the first word…

Write!
Writing is like a muscle—it only becomes stronger if you work it out every day.

Bill Konigsberg, author of the best-selling novel Openly Straight and co-founder of my writing program, gave my class the best advice about how to become a better writer. He told us to make it part of our daily routine to write at least 350 words A DAY.

Up until I started the program, I was used to writing when I was inspired. So, the idea of sitting down and writing every day was daunting.

I tried to follow Bill’s advice—I really did. I made the attempt and sat in front of my computer every day. But, obstacles kept getting in my way when I tried to put words to paper.

Instead of writing, I was usually stopped by these inhibiting writing suspects: I was too tired (I had a long day at work), distractions (TV, etc.), or (my favorite) I needed to think about the scene more to figure out what to write next.

All sound valid, and can be valid. But, I noticed that once I stopped giving in to the obstacles…they lost their persuasiveness.

I might not write 350 words, but I do write every day. I’ve learned how to eliminate all distractions, and I can pickup where I left off easily. It took time (and determination), but it’s possible. Best of all—I can see that my writing is benefiting from this change.

It’s an obvious piece of advice, but it’s obvious for a reason—it works!

Keep writing every day, I believe in you.