I saw  this on Facebook this morning and it struck a chord. I was a guest at a book club meeting yesterday at the local library, and one of the members stated, “I don’t know how you do it. I could never write a book.” I hear that a lot, even from people that have that burning desire in their eyes as they say it. You know the one’s I mean. They talk about writing something all the time, but never seem to get around to doing it.

Well this photo says it all to me. Writing something is better than writing nothing, even it is crap. Just like any discipline whether it be sports, acting or writing, it takes practice. If you don’t exercise your muscles, you’ll never become stronger.

If the passion is within you, don’t fight it, write it.  (Hey, I like that quote!) We all have busy lives, but if you’re passionate enough you can schedule the time to sit down and at least write a few hundred words a day/a week/ on the weekend. Even if you’re just jotting down ideas in a notebook, it’s something.

Writing takes discipline and study. Just like an athlete must eat right, practice and exercise, so must a writer. Find some books that will help you improve your craft, and if a novel intimidates you, start with a short story. Find someone more experienced in writing than you are (not a family member), and ask them to read your work. This will toughen your skin and make you a better writer, preparing you for the volumes of rejection letters you will receive.

Writing is a personal craft, and we “pencarriers” tend to fall in love with our words, but the best thing you can do is be open to feedback. It helps you grow. Embrace those negative reviews if you’re published, and, if not, embrace the critiques you receive from someone you’ve asked to review your work.

The most important thing is write! So write on, my friends, write on.