Ask the Author: Rick Pinkston
Answered Questions (2)
Rick Pinkston
When you first start, you may be inclined to read tons of books on writing. There are many out there, most of which aren’t all that much help. I’m not going to discourage reading any book on writing craft, but you may benefit more from screenwriting books. Some screenwriting books are highly adaptable to novels and short stories.
If you've read many books on writing, and you feel something is missing, you are a prime candidate for the kind of books I'm talking about.
Read widely, with one caveat, don't use craft study as an excuse not to write. Procrastination with good intentions is still procrastination.
There is a term you need to know. "Scene and Sequel." If you're unfamiliar read a book by Dwight Swain or Jack Bickham. They are older books, thus written in long-winded dialect, but the content is still valid today.
Set a weekly word count goal, this is important. Set your goal at a comfortable level, then add 10%. You must hold yourself accountable. When you reach the goal, feel free to reward yourself. But any time you reward yourself you must raise the goal by another 10%.
Bestsellers don't write themselves, and all the study in the world doesn't either. Actual writing wins the race, never stop writing.
If you've read many books on writing, and you feel something is missing, you are a prime candidate for the kind of books I'm talking about.
Read widely, with one caveat, don't use craft study as an excuse not to write. Procrastination with good intentions is still procrastination.
There is a term you need to know. "Scene and Sequel." If you're unfamiliar read a book by Dwight Swain or Jack Bickham. They are older books, thus written in long-winded dialect, but the content is still valid today.
Set a weekly word count goal, this is important. Set your goal at a comfortable level, then add 10%. You must hold yourself accountable. When you reach the goal, feel free to reward yourself. But any time you reward yourself you must raise the goal by another 10%.
Bestsellers don't write themselves, and all the study in the world doesn't either. Actual writing wins the race, never stop writing.
Rick Pinkston
I don't think writer's block exists. I guess you could call it life block, or distraction. Things do get in the way.
When I'm not at my most productive it isn't hard to figure out why: too many hours at the day job, family commitments, or too many social media notifications.
Many writers have a set writing schedule, but the rest of us have to work it in. It's easy to be tired and excuse it as writer's block, but there is always some underlying issue. Fix your schedule, guard your writing time like a bear guarding her cubs, and the problem tends to go away.
When I'm not at my most productive it isn't hard to figure out why: too many hours at the day job, family commitments, or too many social media notifications.
Many writers have a set writing schedule, but the rest of us have to work it in. It's easy to be tired and excuse it as writer's block, but there is always some underlying issue. Fix your schedule, guard your writing time like a bear guarding her cubs, and the problem tends to go away.
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