Over the weekend I taught at a writing conference about revision and feedback in a critique group. My classes were filled with folks who are new to the writing game, but I was impressed by the sincerity and earnest longing they each possessed for learning their craft. A lot of new writers talk about “talent” and “gift of writing,” but as Outliers author Malcolm Gladwell has said, most artists become masters after about 10,000 hours of practice. That doesn’t sound as if most of us woke up and were master writers. Writing is a craft and you can learn a craft.
Writing Tip for Today:
Get started on your 10,000 hours now and practice, practice, practice. That means 3 things: Write a lot, whenever you can, the obvious articles, essays, poems or novels but also in a journal, a letter, even a grocery list. Read aloud what you’ve written to others or at least your pet rock. Don’t be afraid to write crummy stuff. Remember, there are only two kinds of writing: Writing that works, and writing that needs work. Get busy.
Thanks for todays writing tip! It gives me much to think about. I started writing when I was 11 years old and I have written so much in the past 30 years that I have to wonder if I ever bypassed the 10,000 hours of practicing my writing skills?
Although, I do not have any idea how many hours I have spent writing in the past 30 some years, I can at least acknowledge that I write a lot, a read my articles or short stories aloud, my mother is my #1 fan and that there is always room for improvement.
Hi Linda,
Thank you for the encouragement this day’s message brings to me. As a beginning writer, about every other day I wonder what I am doing and if it will ever lead to anything productive. But then I remember how much I am enjoying writing and how good it has been for me in this transitional point of my life.
Even if I never produce any great writing, I have already accomplished a lot. Just look at the nice people I have already met through writing and the new skills I am acquiring. I am a process person anyway. I love the freedom of just getting words down on the page.
Thanks for the great reminder that anyone can learn the craft of writing, just like one has to learn to read or do math. It renews my hope and reminds me that I do not have to be successful everyday or with every story. As I write, write, write, every word offers growth and is valuable.
My cat, Cymba, is my #1 fan for storytime.
Diane Lemery McDonald