Feelings of inadequacy can often overwhelm any confidence of competency and send us running for a big spoon and the nearest half-gallon of ice cream (chocolate for me) for comfort. But think about this: Bona fide professionals, those people we consider successful, do not, cannot rest on their laurels. Okay, that’s a cliché, but truly, professionals continually work to improve and perfect their skills.
Every time Donald Maass, author of WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL, leads a workshop on writing, I’d venture to guess he’s included something new since his last workshop. He’s a professional writer/lecturer/teacher who keeps polishing and improving his craft. Pro golfers take lessons; powerhouse baseball hitters have trainers as do Olympic runners and skaters.
The lesson is
clear. The way for writers to improve their writing craft is to practice; i.e.,
they must read stories in all genres,* (but especially in their chosen genre), and
network with fellow writers. And those tasks never cease.
By accident or intentional
research rabbit hole, I try to find some tidbit that I can incorporate into a
work-in-progress or add to my growing list of helpful hints. Really, though, I
love to learn something new most every day, Reader or writer, I wish you the
same success.
[ * Book coach Robin
Henry’s essay on Jane Friedman’s blog explains more about how best to read to
improve writing practice. Find out more here: How to Read to Elevate Your Writing Practice
| Jane Friedman ]
§§
Tax Day is April 15, and I am breathlessly
relieved that my taxes were eFiled—Friday, April 12. I was
beginning to think I’d have to file for an extension, but hey, they got done…YAY!
§§
Okay, that’s it for today. You-all guys keep on keeping on,
and I’ll try to do the same. Raising prayers for a happy and safe you and yours.
cj
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