“Write only what you love, and love what you write. The key word is love. You have to get up in the morning and write something you love, something to live for.” – Ray Bradbury
It is absolutely essential, no matter your writing goals, that you reveal and sink deep into the joy of the writing process. Love the feel of the pen in your hand or your fingertips on the keyboard. Love the soundtrack in your headset or in your mind as you develop your ideas. Love the way the words fill the pages in a flurry of dialogue, brief notes, or sweeping prose.
Sure there are aspects of all our endeavors that are less pleasant, but if you hate what you’re writing, why are you doing it?
Loving what you’re writing will transform your work like nothing else.
Early in my writing journey I was uncomfortable, almost ashamed at the joy I felt while writing dark and edgy paranormal elements. Several people in publishing told me the work was too dark to find an audience, but it’s what I loved to write. The stories in that world flowed almost effortlessly, until I let those outside voices interrupt me. I didn’t want to give up before I’d started and yet I wanted to be published.
My entire perspective shifted when an author told me to let go and follow the words wherever they led me, dark or otherwise. I took her advice and followed the words and worlds I loved and completed the novel. What a journey! That book eventually became my first fiction sale.
Whatever you write, find the love in it today and let yourself follow the words.
What is your favorite part of writing?
Live the writing adventure!
21Mar2017
Excerpt from 31 Days of Mindfulness: Inspiration for Your Writing Journey volume 1
