By Kathy Cannon Wiechman
Jane Yolen calls it BIC (Butt In Chair), but in my circle, it’s known as AC/WP or Ass in Chair/Words on Paper. I admit, in these days when many published works never see actual paper, we ought to change the P to Page.
What writers call it doesn’t matter. The important thing is to DO it. The first rule to becoming a writer is to write. Whether you write every day or once a week, whether you sit down and write 50,000 words in one month, you have to write.
I have met people at writers’ conferences and workshops who describe a story they want to tell or an event or person from history they want to preserve in a written work. “It would be a shame for this to never be told,” they have said to me. And yet, they haven’t written a single sentence.
Getting published isn’t easy, but it’s impossible if the story is still in the idea stage.
It doesn’t matter how brilliant your idea is or how much talent you have. If you don’t put your A in the C and get the W on the P, there will be no story.
So don’t tell me about the story you want to write. Write it! AC/WP!
| cartoon from reticulatedwriter.blogspot.com |
Great advice for your first A-Z challenge post. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Now I have to focus on my own AC/WP.
DeleteVery true. You can't publish it in any manner if it isn't even written yet. Speaking of which...I have some writing to do.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! AC/WP!
DeleteI can't imagine not getting my stories out of my mind and on paper (screen).
ReplyDeleteThe sign of a true writer. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteThere must be a certain amount of discipline or we will not force ourselves to grow and improve as writers. Amen Sister! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, DL. We need a definite combination of discipline, study, talent, passion, & determination. And without the first one, the others won't get us very far.
DeleteExcellent advice! And too true! Thank you for the laugh and wonderful push to work on my book today.
ReplyDeleteKonstanz Silverbow
nothoughts2small.blogspot.com
A-to-Z April Blogging Challenge Co-host
WWW.a-to-zchallenge.com
Thanks. Hope the push led to a productive day.
DeleteCan I get a hallelujah? I couldn't agree more. It's all about sitting down and doing it (although sometimes I wish there was an easier way).
ReplyDeleteHallelujah! I just wish someone would do my other work while I sit & write.
DeleteJust. Found. My. Fave.
ReplyDeleteGreetings! Found you as part of my five daily blogs homework during the A-Z Blogging Challenge. I've been sort of tossing a dart at the blog list without a ton of luck. But you... YOU (echoes from Robin Hood, the one with Kevin Costner)... you know how to write! AC or WP... doesn't matter. I'm here to stay. Where do I sign up???
Found it! Clicking now. I'll be eager for tomorrow's blog. No pressure. :)
Dana
http://www.danamartinwriting.blogspot.com
Thanks, Dana. So glad to have you aboard.
DeleteKathy, Brilliant! I'm going to use this from now on! It's true, being published won't ever happen if ya don't get to work. Thanks for the post! :)
ReplyDeleteThank YOU! It's easy to post those 4 little letters someplace as a reminder. Then you just have to make yourself do it.
DeleteJust dropping in from the A to Z challenge! This is a cute idea! And so true. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by & leaving your comment.
DeleteGreat post, Kathy! (I'm a friend of Jon's) And it's so true. I heard a quote once that went something like this, "The worst words you write are better than the best words you never write."
ReplyDeleteThanks, Erin. Any friend of Jon's is a friend of mine. I love your quote. And I'd add to it: With more practice, your worst words will improve, so WRITE!
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