There are as many different philosophies of writing as their are writers. Some will command you to write a certain amount of words every day, despite your feeling or duties. Stephen King famously writes every single day, including holidays. He sees it as an incredible obligation. While others, often see it as a once and awhile pleasure, waiting for an inspiration to spark their craft. Hemingway is attributed to telling writers to “write drunk but edit sober”. I believe Ernest lived this philosophy to the fullest. There are two sides of the same coin. Writing to live or living to write.
While I am still hesitant to label myself a “writer”, I have realized that I have been writing for two separate outlets for close to five years. During this time, I have acquired a certain amount of absurd talents such as being able to type coherently while watching television – a skill that still baffles my wife. Honestly, there are still things that confuse me as well (commas . . . do I ever use them right? Can I be a “writer” if I haven’t mastered comma placement?).
Perhaps the biggest lesson I have learned is that love takes work.
There are days I honestly cannot wait to get to my laptop. These are rare though. The majority of time, like today, is spent trying to muster enough energy and inspiration to write one coherent thought. But just as many things in life, you have to go to your desk, laptop, family member, or presentation with a grit of someone in love. It is not glamorous nor is it necessarily recognized. Hustle is the part of the glacier few see, but it’s output is recognized, but often classified as luck or talent. I am convinced that most of us have a blank slate in life, and it is the work we put in – which is a result of an enduring love – that creates talent.
Intrigue produces love.
Love produces grit.
Grit produces output.
Output produces skill.
Today, produce from love. Put your head down and get to work.
Matt simon blog 