You know that part I love in “Finding Nemo” where Dory sings “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming…”?
That.
I’m in the “Just keep writing” phase. And that means something different to me on different days.
Some days, it means, “Please don’t forsake this hobby altogether and take up quilting. That was an expensive mistake last time. The computer is paid for. Just keep writing.”
Some days, it means, “Yes, you’ve hit 500 or 1000 words, but you’re not needed anywhere. Just keep writing.”
Some days, it means, “It’s fine that your words are c-r-a-p. They will get better. Just keep writing.”
Some days, it means, “Don’t answer the phone. There is voicemail for that. Just keep writing.”
Some days, it means, “It’s okay to let yourself do this purely selfish thing, for nobody but you. It’s fine that you’re not folding or washing or scrubbing or baking anything. Just keep writing.”
Some days, it means, “Don’t worry that these words are completely unpublishable. Just keep writing.”
Some days, it means, “You are here, at the keyboard, and the words won’t come, but you can still keep trying. Just keep writing.”
Some days, it means, “This is an exercise. The act of writing will make you a better writer. Flex the muscle. Do it again. And again. And then tomorrow. Don’t get flabby. Just keep writing.”
Some days, it means, “Remember these characters that you love? Let them out. Just keep writing.”
Some days, it means, “God gave you this little gift. Make something of it. Just keep writing.”
(5) Comments for this blog
For some reason, your website isn’t updating on my blog. Dang it. I like this post because it’s soooo true. Hey, I entered a short story for the contest at LDS publisher. If you get tired of writing, you should go try to figure out which one is mine, hint, hint.
So true. I just have to keep on writing too. Great advice. Thanks Becca!
I have the same little devil on my shoulder telling me to do the laundry, answer the phone. He tried to convince me to go back to quilting too! Thanks for reminding me to keep on writing.
Those are all such great things to tell yourself. I need to be better about letting myself write–even when I feel like I should be scrubbing or cleaning or laundering. Keep it up, Becca because you’re incredible.
I used this very analogy with my kindergartners today, only I said, “just keep reading.”
Thanks for reminding me that it means different things on different days.