Writing's not so hard

I'm on day four of writing my thesis, and right on target, having completed 37 draft pages as of last night. By the time I go to work next week, I hope to be up to page 70 or so.

Whenever I meet authors, I'm struck with how, well, average they are. No offense to authors. It's just a fact.

Now I know the secret to writing longer pieces. Once you have something to say, there's only one other secret: sit down and actually write. Getting and keeping your body in a chair and actually writing seems to be an important part of the writing process. Who knew? That's something I've never tried before.

As long as you're okay with editing (don't forget what Ann Lamott said about cruddy first drafts), that appears to be the secret to writing.

Comments

[BD]

Good for you! And that's a good writing tip. Writers are very ordinary, although I've met my share of neurotic ones, including the one putting in this comment.;^) Getting edited gets easier over time, at least that's what you can keep telling yourself. Five drafts is definitely my limit...found yours yet?

[Darryl]

"Five drafts is definitely my limit...found yours yet?" No, but I have a feeling it's a number lower than that one! ;)

[Trish]

If you need an editor let me know. lol

[Greg]

Also, put your desk facing a blank wall! Greg

[Jim]

Just take it "Bird by Bird!" I'm leaving for a 3-week vacation tomorrow. Taking along a box of 20 books! I'll hopefully get through about half of them, but I'm not sure which ones yet.

[Darryl]

Jim: Now that's my type of vacation! My wife doesn't get excited about taking so many books on our vacation though. Yours must love you more. ;)