Instructions for Writers Everywhere
By Val
@valmnz (17095)
New Zealand
February 26, 2016 9:46pm CST
As February comes to an end I'm sure many of us are checking on whether we've met our goals or not. Personally, I've worked hard this month, spurred on by two favourite quotes or sets of instructions.
The first comes from the Australian / South African writer Bryce Courtenay who died a few years ago. When reading an insprirational book on writing, life and death by this prolific writer, I smiled at his choice of words. He suggested all writers needed to apply bum glue - in other words, sit at your computer each day and work if you expect to reach your goals.
In my case applying bum glue has enabled me to complete yet another chapter, source some valuable photos for my book and learn a few new skills as I work toward how my finished layout may look.
The other quote is really just an inspirational saying my mentor sent me, something she saw on Facebook. It was a message for all writers, everywhere, a picture of a dog and the words Sit, Stay.
And that is what I've been doing throughout February. Much of the month has been spent in rewriting, as I changed the way the book is going to be presented. But, I'm pleased with where I'm at. One more session of sitting and staying will see me exactly where I hoped to be by the end of the month.
Likewise, I hope you have achieved whatever writing goals you set for yourself for February? Where has the month gone?
19 people like this
19 responses
@troyburns (1405)
• New Zealand
27 Feb 16
Off topic perhaps,but Bryce Courtenay was a lovely man., I had the pleasure of interviewing him three times when I worked in the media. Enjoying your summer Val?
3 people like this
@silvermist (19701)
• India
27 Feb 16
@valmnz Glad to know your book writing is progressing nicely.The days go by rather fast.
1 person likes this
@silvermist (19701)
• India
28 Feb 16
@valmnz Yes,but you do have to spare more time for the book.
1 person likes this
@valmnz (17095)
• New Zealand
28 Feb 16
@silvermist as long as I meet my monthly goals I'm fine. This month I've made it with a couple of days to spare!
1 person likes this
@valmnz (17095)
• New Zealand
28 Feb 16
Thanks @silvermist I wish I could be here more!
1 person likes this
@Inlemay (17712)
• South Africa
3 Mar 16
Ahh it can only be a South African that could write such powerful stuff, He went to one of the TOP schools here in SA and I remember all the fanfare over his book The Power of One. So he lived in Australia - I didnt know that.
I hope his power in writing in transported to you in the bum glue he suggests.
Hard work always has its rewards.
Onwards VAL!!
1 person likes this
@Inlemay (17712)
• South Africa
3 Mar 16
@valmnz I shall give them a look over - Most people who leave SA to live in Australia actually consider themselves Australia but whats strange is that their reflections are always based on their lives in SA - their foundations were here and no countries citizenship can change a man's birth place.
@Inlemay (17712)
• South Africa
3 Mar 16
@troyburns its ok - everyone has a choice of where they call home.
1 person likes this
@troyburns (1405)
• New Zealand
3 Mar 16
@Inlemay @valmnz - Sorry Lany, but yes, Bryce Courtenay did consider himself an Australian and I think his later books which dug into the history of the place reflected that. "Jessica" is based on a true story told to him by a lady in Griffith NSW (where I lived for a few years) so there was a 'local' connection to a couple of our interviews.
2 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
27 Feb 16
more than 50 cents a day on here, done, other writing, eh nope, but whatever, had fun
@crazyhorseladycx (39503)
• United States
28 Feb 16
i need more'n bum glue these days, lol. i aint met a 'goal' since november...but that's a long story.
fer myself, if'n i sit 'n stay i tend to get no place. 'tis gotta be'n my heart 'n straightened out'n my wee brain 'fore i get much accomplished.
so glad to hear yer makin' progress with yer book, hon. big hugs!
@sueznewz2 (10409)
• Alicante, Spain
27 Feb 16
sounds like there was a theme there... bum glue and sit and stay .... say the same thing... I'm glad you took note and it has paid of for you, and you are happy with your accomplishments.....
@Rohvannyn (3098)
• United States
28 May 16
Bum glue is the only thing that's helped me finish what big writing projects I have finished. I have a tendency to always be popping up and doing things, otherwise.
1 person likes this
@Ladypeace (2028)
• Singapore
27 Feb 16
These two quotes certainly touched a chord for me. Although I'm not a writer but it reminds me to be motivated with completing projects at hand. There's also a bit of humor involved which I've enjoyed. I see you are drafting your own book, how exciting!
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (189838)
• Boise, Idaho
27 Feb 16
Work at writing each day regardless of a direction or a actual article or story. This is one reason I started to journal. It really help me alot. This helps us become disciplined and you have to be that to be a writer.
@AbbyGreenhill (45490)
• United States
27 Feb 16
Since I don't 'write' to make a living, I don't set goals. If I were to set goals it would take the fun out of what I do. I want it to be May so I'm glad Feb. is almost over.
@just4him (323168)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
27 Feb 16
Now that I have a computer I can work with, I can get on with my writing goals once again. Both of those are good quotes.
@JudyEv (382014)
• Rockingham, Australia
27 Feb 16
Sit. Stay - is a good one and well worth remembering. It hardly seems possible that February is almost over. I wonder what March holds in store for us? Glad the book is coming along well.
