Ten Commandments For Writers
Copyright 1999 Fay Robinson. All Rights Reserved
I call these my Ten Commandments. They are really resolutions I try to live by each year. With a new year, decade, century and millennium approaching, I can't think of a better time than now for writers to make their own set of Commandments/Resolutions. Take my list and personalize it for yourself. Tape it where you have to see it every day when you begin your writing. Throughout the year, assess how you're coming. Are you sticking to these resolutions or attempting to meet them? If not, be honest about why. Then work to correct the problem.
1. I WILL WRITE EVERY DAY.
I will do my best to write as much as I can each day, but will be satisfied with whatever amount I am able to complete, whether that is one sentence or one chapter. I understand that consistency and perseverance are more important than talent. I must plan each day around my writing, rather than putting writing last as a priority. I must write even when I don't feel like writing or can't write well.
2. I WILL NOT PROCRASTINATE
I acknowledge that I waste valuable time and miss opportunities when I procrastinate. I will set realistic deadlines for myself and meet those deadlines. I will begin early and always complete projects early or on time, so that I can feel good about myself, not be rushed, and produce the best work possible. I will not avoid writing by doing other things first, or excessively reworking what I have already written.
3. I WILL STAY ORGANIZED
I acknowledge I must stay organized to succeed. I must first plan my time wisely. I must keep my work and living areas clean and materials filed and in order. Because I have duties other than writing, I must develop schedules and stick to them. I will ask for help when I need it.
4. I WILL NOT FEEL GUILTY
I will stop being my own worse enemy. Writing is very important to me. I will not feel guilty about the time I spend writing or what I choose to write. I will give up the notion that my family and the world is helpless without me. I will encourage my children, my spouse, my friends and others to do things for themselves. I will have my own space for writing where no one else is allowed and not feel guilty about using it. I will give up activities for schools, community, and church that I honestly do not have time to do. I will volunteer only for those activities I want to do and that enrich me mentally, physically or spiritually. I will turn down requests which cause me stress or guilt. And I will not worry what others think of me for giving up these activities. I will guard my time and not allow it to be wasted by me or others because it is one of the most valuable things I own. I will not feel guilty or offended if others do not understand what I write or why I write a particular thing or in a particular genre.
5. I WILL WRITE SOMETHING DIFFERENT AND CHALLENGING
I will not be satisfied to write the same thing all the time. I will write something new this year--a poem, a song, a diary entry, a short story. I will try writing something that I've never written before, even if I'm not good at it. I will try writing in another genre, or try a different style, voice or point of view. I understand that I don't have to show this writing to anyone if I don't feel like it. I acknowledge that to try new things is an extension of my creative soul and necessary for me to grow as a writer and a person. I will also write a letter or article to preserve for a future generation of my family.
6. I WILL IMPROVE MY WRITING AND BASIC SKILLS
I will read more newspapers and magazines. I will educate myself on current events because they often provide good sources for ideas. I will read outside my genre and areas of expertise. I will pick several different subjects and learn about them, even if I don't anticipate needing the information for my work. I will take this year to refresh my grammar and basic writing skills. I will learn more about my craft by reading books or taking a class. I will also take the time to reread the classics and find examples of good writing so that I will have a goal to which I can aspire.
7. I WILL IMPROVE MY KNOWLEDGE OF MY CRAFT AND BUSINESS
I will network with other writers for friendship. I will also learn more about the marketing, promotion and business end of writing so that I can protect myself and wisely develop a plan for the development of my career. I will, in return, share my friendship with other writers and my knowledge with them when possible and prudent. I acknowledge that writing conferences, mailing lists and other such activities where business information are exchange are important. But I must also be careful not to over extend myself, or to share information that is personal, confidential or that, in sharing, might result in harm to myself or my career. I will put myself first.
8. I WILL BE HAPPY FOR THE SUCCESS OF OTHERS
I understand that every writer is different and that every career develops at its own speed. I will be happy when another writer makes a sale, writes a bestselling book, wins a contest or is the recipient of other good fortune. I will not compare another writer's career to my own or be jealous or resentful of any writer's success. I will have one writing friend whom I trust, whose opinion I trust, and whom I admire as both an individual and as a writer. I will work hard during this year to enrich that relationship, so that it will last a lifetime.
9. I WILL WORK ON OTHER AREAS OF MY LIFE AND BEING
I am a wonderful creation, a being comprised of thought, emotion, movement, as well as aspirations. I acknowledge that my creative side is only one side of me and that all sides need to be nourished for me to thrive. This year, in addition to improving my creative self, I will also work to improve my physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental selves. I will work hard to be a good spouse, parent, child and friend.
10. I WILL ENJOY WRITING
Above all, this year, I will enjoy the gift I've been given. I will accept--without guilt--whatever money, prestige, honor or success comes to me from my writing. I will accept--without sorrow--any disappointment and failure I sustain. I will understand that reviews are subjective, that editors have bad days, and that readers have different tastes. I will not let the opinion of anyone influence how I feel about myself or my work. I will have fun writing this year. I will write because I love it.
Copyright 1999 by Fay Robinson. All Rights Reserved.
