Experience

EXPERIENCE

“Quantity gives experience. From experience alone can quality come.” Ray Bradbury, ZEN IN THE ART OF WRITING.

Bradbury’s essays on creativity are a series of pep talks for writers. Few of us will have his talent, but we all can learn from his insightful advice.

He wrote at least a thousand words everyday from the age of twelve. Expect to do a lot of writing before you get published. I’ve heard several novelists say that it takes about three novels before one gets accepted. That’s a lot of work, a lot of words written and revised.

Back to work, writing. For now we’re focusing in on quantity. Writing a journal, stream of consciousness, family stories, short story attempts, descriptions, essays, or anything is good. Just write regularly and often. Make the habit; train the brain. Write, write, right now!

Still Writing

Still Writing

You have to hit a lot of balls to be a good golfer, tennis player, or baseball player. To be good, writers must write, write, write. This may sound obvious, just another “duh”, but it is the key to success.

Epictetus wrote almost nineteen hundred years ago, “If you wish to be a writer, write.”

ZEN IN THE ART OF WRITING

Zen in the Art of Writing--Essays on Creativity by Ray Bradbury @1989 is a wonderfully inspiring book that aspiring writers need to read, not just once, but often. His enthusiasm leaps off the page and catches you. His practical tips and advice help immediately. Get this book, read it. It’s great.

One of Bradbury’s tips: “You will have to write …. a lot of material before you are comfortable… You might as well start now and get the necessary work done.”