So as promised, here’s the first major lesson I’m learning as I fight the good fight for my art every day.
Lesson #1: Write-As-Write-Can
Here’s the first thing I’ve learned since accepting my writer mission and assuming the role of General Writer-Mom:
Write where you can, how you can, when you can.
This is key in understanding how writing is like guerrilla warfare. It doesn’t matter if what you’re writing is crap. Hell, this blog post feels like it’s crappy. But I don’t care. I’m going to write it, then edit it, and then publish it, because that’s what writers do. And they do it where and how and when they can. Period.
And in saying all of this, I’m going to throw a book suggestion out there for all you creatives. Check out “The War of Art“, by Steven Pressfield.
I’ve only read the first few pages thus far, and let me tell you, I’m already HOOKED. Pressfield not only knows his shit, but he understands the self-defeating, procrastination-loving, validation-needing nature of us crazy creatives.
He knows artists.
And his book is not only inspirational, but it’s real, with real-time methods to defeat your shadow self and help you to become the kind of artist you need to be: the one that finishes shit.
But honestly, his book description and his over 1500 4.5 star reviews are a better testament to how awesome his book is than I will ever be. So without further ado, here’s some info on Pressfield’s book, “The War of Art”!
The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield
Think of The War of Art as tough love… for yourself.
Since 2002, The War of Art has inspired people around the world to defeat “Resistance”; to recognize and knock down dream-blocking barriers and to silence the naysayers within us. Resistance kicks everyone’s butt, and the desire to defeat it is equally as universal.
The War of Art identifies the enemy that every one of us must face, outlines a battle plan to conquer this internal foe, then pinpoints just how to achieve the greatest success.Though it was written for writers, it has been embraced by business entrepreneurs, actors, dancers, painters, photographers, filmmakers, military service members and thousands of others around the world.
So there you have it, folks. Check out the book if you have a chance, perhaps when you’ve finished a bout of writing and you need a little downtime. (DON’T use this book to procrastinate!) But also, keep fighting your war, whether the enemy forces come from within or without. As for me, my war’s against time and baby gas, lol. What about you? What are the creative wars you fight, and how do you win (or lose) your battles? Share below, and, as always…
Keep it indie!
<3 Colby