I have so many lofty goals with writing. Do it. I want to write a book, but don't know how to start. Do it. I want to be published... or start a blog... or keep a journal... or write touching letters. Do it.
I wish I could figure out how to embed a video in this post. I keep trying, but I just can't seem to make it work. I really, really want you to watch this 2 minute, 42 second video by motivational speaker and former NBA star, Art Williams. So instead, I'm going to give you the link and encourage you to watch this little snippet of video titled, Just Do It. Go ahead-- I'll wait right here until you get back.
I've spent the last several months talking about all kinds of aspects of taking the leap with the writing life. I've talked about forging opportunities, taking steps of faith, nurturing our creativity and creating a lovely writing space. It's all good stuff, and you have openly shared your amazing journeys with me and with each other. But perhaps the two most important posts I have written have been about building and creating our community and today's post, Do It.
Here's where it comes down to the brass tacks, as my mother used to say. We need to be writing and we need to be encouraging and supporting each other in our efforts. I told you in the community post, if you friend me, I will friend you back. If you message me, I will respond. I will visit your blogs, and I have (they are creative, fun, imaginative-- we are good writers!). I have even made a few permanent writing friends. I want to know what you are working on. I want to cheer you on. We are a writing community. It is the heart and spirit of what we can do through She Writes.
But friends, if we're not writing, producing work, spending each day creating thoughts with words,
we aren't accomplishing our goals. We aren't doing it.
This is so important to me-- that we spur each other on towards our goals, that we continue to write and be writers-- I will check in with a Do It post every now and again. We need to share with each other what we are working on. Are you writing a book? Keeping a journal? Writing a blog? Do you write articles? Fiction? Nonfiction? Maybe you are a prolific letter writer. It doesn't matter what kind of writing you do or if you are seeking publication or just love to dance with words. You are here for a reason. To be a writer, you must write. Just do it.
So let's do it. Let's be a supportive and encouraging community, cheering each other on toward our goals.
In the comments, share with each other where you're at with your writing. Maybe you're stuck and haven't been able to write for awhile; let us know and let us encourage you. Maybe you are deep in the muck of life and can't find the time or emotional energy to write; share that with us to so we can spur you on. Let us know what you are working on so we can be amazed and admire your creativity and offer you the ooos and ahhhs that can be missing in the lonely writing life. Share a blog title or book title or link to your articles. Let us be impressed!
And by all means, keep writing. Do it.
Julie
Hi Mike-- what a time of it you've had. And then sometimes you just have to float a bit when life rocks your boat too much. Best to you.
Hey Julie! Wonderfully inspiring, and I know you are true to what you write. Trying to come out of the dark and catch up with my tribe...went to your site and was led here. So glad.
Hi Hywela, I think that's what it is for me too- getting beyond the "here are my goals" without ever DOING the work towards them. And again, I think that's why that vid clip spoke to me. Great, super duper (as he said), do it. For me, the procrastination is at its worse when I'm most fearful and insecure.
Hi Sonia, Aughghg-- I have those times too. And honestly, sometimes I do think we have take the time off and feed our souls too. I've read great articles from people who strongly don't believe in writing every day-- they may only write once a week or every two weeks-- they've found a pace that works for them. But at some point, if we want to write, yes, we still have to do it.
Great post - thank you. It's so easy to say 'I want to...' instead of just getting down to 'do it'! I'm a terrible procrastinator, there always seems to be something I need to do first before getting down to writing, but this is a good reminder to stop procrastinating - and yes, 'do it'!
Julie,
Thank you so much for the words of encouragement and the reminder to write and support. I am glad that I found this writing community as it encourages me to write more. There are times when I dont write...yes I know...Just Do It. Thank you again for the energy boost. It was much needed.
Sonia
Hi Kamy, thank you but truly I'm so grateful for the opportunities and encouragement you all give to me! I'm so glad I found She Writes!
I love this post and the spirit of action and encouragement in which it was written -- thank you Julie, for all you do to keep this community thriving!
Hi R :) Yes, so true. Which is what I'm having a heck of a time doing today. Grrr.. sitting my butt down and WRITING. I need to watch that little video clip again. For some reason, that was so powerful to me. It just stripped all the talk down to the action.
That pretty much says it all. At some point it has to be about our actions, not our wishes. Wishing won't get the job done unless we're acting in accordingly.
Hi Mark-- After I wrote this it kind of seemed like an odd combination all under the "Do It" title, but I guess that's what my mind was thinking. When I think of writing, I just have to DO IT... sit down, find my focus and write. But to do that in isolation, without the support of others, is emotionally difficult. I like how you relate it to fiction-- so true!
Julie - your post is an excellent combination of two ideas: perseverance and community. Does anyone create a "great work" in complete isolation? I don't think so. While, at the end of the day, we must be the ones to do the work, it's the timely encouragement that seems to me to be the critical difference between success and failure. Pushing through what appears to be the limit of what we can do can't happen in isolation. As novelists, it's a fact we deal with in terms of story design. At the story's critical climax, they either accomplish what seemed to be impossible, or they fail, turning the story into a tragedy. What makes for the difference? A relationship, one that's either healed or destroyed. We write this story because we know it to be true, but need to be reminded.
Thanks for your reminder...
Lisa, thanks for commenting. I'm going to stop by your blog -- I'm interested in what you write for several reasons. I'm also interested that you have crossed genres, which is something I've thought about.
I don't know why that video struck me, but it did. There was something in the way he pounded home, getting over the excuses, quit talking about it and do it, that hit me where I'm at. But you're spot-on: sometimes there truly are reasons in life we can't always "just do" what we want at the time.
Thanks for this, Julie! I watched the Do It video and agree! Just do it. But certainly life throws us curve balls that get in the way of what we want to do, write. Sometimes it's just me, myself and I getting in the way...I like to remind myself of Hemingway's famous saying about writing "The first draft is always shit" This gives me the ok to just write without judgment. I'm a blogger, I have written a non fiction book and I'm working on a novel right now. I've also written about 4 articles related to legal issues and divorce. http:/
Oh Olga, if I can be of any encouragement to shove you to submit, let me. I think the idea you mention is a perfect theme for Freedom and, honestly, one more of us can relate to in one form or another. It's funny you should mention that. I'm going to submit a nonfiction piece for an anthology with the theme of Waiting. The editor said she already had so many posts about waiting in a hospital on a loved one, or waiting for death and she was hoping for something a little different to add to those themes, which is perfect for what I have in mind. Maybe your editor will be the same way-- just waiting and looking for a different twist to the Freedom theme.
Thanks for the encouragement, Julie. I need it right now. You see, I just found this upcoming speculative fiction anthology on the theme of Freedom, and they are open for subs. I'm considering sending them one of my short stories but I've been doubtful. My story is not about battles or great sacrifices. It's about two women trying to escape the place they hate, the place where they had been held captives for years. They're not fighting anyone, they're tired and afraid, but their desire for freedom drives them ahead, into the unknown. I'm not sure the editor of the anthology will accept my story, but I'll do it. I will send it to him.
So, thanks.
That's the encouragement and support piece I think we can be doing for each other, and it's well-deserved.
That's so nice of you, Julie. Thanks so much!
Gwen-- you're so sweet to stop by and offer encouragement. Speaking of bragging a bit-- I'll brag on you and your great blog and book Giving Up the Ghost.
Thanks for the inspiration, Julie! I like that motto - just do it! Right now I have first drafts of both a novella and the second novel in my series. I'm procrastinating on the editing :( But now I'm just gonna do it!
Julie-- and what an amazing inspiration YOU are as a writer. Talk about someone who is producing impressive and great work. I hope folks get a chance to check out your book, Polar Nights. And check out your great blog. Thanks for your support. :)
Love this, Julie! I'm feeling totally psyched up now. :)
GO ADELA GO! (I'm at that three chapter finish line, with pom poms!) What kind of novel are you working on?
Hi Katie-- You and me both. Trust me. Thanks for stopping by and saying hi. :)
Wonderful inspiration, Julie! (As always!) Thanks for always giving me the gentle nudging to keep writing (even if you don't know that's what you're doing!)
The perfect nudge for me today. I MUST finish my novel. Just 3 chapters to go.