. . . And me and all who labor in the dark dungeon a reader described. Today I am ready to ride that donkey. I’m still the same person I was yesterday in the throes of depression, except that I’m not.
Writing Tip for Today: As Susanne noted yesterday, being caught in the occasional sinkhole is part of the writing life. My advice is always the same: Work that pity party for all it’s worth, for 24 hours. At hour 25, however, sit down and write (whether you feel worthy, inspired or just plain crappy) and remember:
- Crow-eating Keeps You Humble. If I begin to be over-confident in my writing, I seem to immediately suffer blindness to self-conscious writing, smug writing or purple prose.
- Good Company. Nearly every writer has depressive periods. Even the great literary geniuses doubted themselves at times. While you’re throwing your pity party, invite some literary giants to attend–they’ll totally get it.
- Connection, not Worship. Most importantly, writing should be about connection. The best writing connects with people on a deep level. This is what we’re after–not idle idol worship. Here today, gone tomorrow–unless you strike a chord that vibrates long after a reader closes a book. Excuse me, but isn’t it about time we all got our BIC and wrote?
