Ask the Author: John D. Barry
Answered Questions (3)
John D. Barry
Write as often as possible, be open to critique, and listen to your editor (when you have one). I also have several tips on how to get published and keep getting published on Slideshare: http://www.slideshare.net/johndbarry
John D. Barry
I usually write because I have a problem that I want to work through -- and I don't really know what I think until I write. There is something about the process of words going on paper that helps me process. Even in the remote regions of India, way out of my comfort zone, it was the process of writing in a journal -- and then making that part of my prayer life -- that helped me the most. The best part of writing is how it changes my relationship with God -- how it helps me gain intimacy with my maker. It is then is really fruitful to hear from readers how my effort to process my thoughts has helped them. Ultimately, I write because I am passionate about truth -- and seeing that truth change me and then others makes it all worth it.
John D. Barry
Writing on a regular routine is one of the best solutions to writer's block. Based on the writing advice of Steven Pressfield ( https://www.goodreads.com/StevenPress... ), I try to write nearly everyday and don't care if it's good or not. If it's bad, I can always throw it away. Pressfield views writer's block as for amateurs -- meaning, it's an excuse. And I think that's generally true, although there are clearly times in life when things are so difficult that it's hard to write. But those can also be the best times to write. It's all a matter of perspective, and I would argue, prayer.
From Leo Babtua's The Power of Less ( https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... ), I learned that having a rhythm where you prioritize your creative activity (especially in the morning) is also critical.
I live by these principles and it works.
From Leo Babtua's The Power of Less ( https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... ), I learned that having a rhythm where you prioritize your creative activity (especially in the morning) is also critical.
I live by these principles and it works.
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