Block out the noise.
You know, those thoughts rumbling about in the back of your head, driving you to distraction.
Put off any decisions about publishing routes, for today.
Stop wondering if you’re blogging all wrong.
And just write.
Put those new ideas on hold, just for a little bit.
Ignore the stack of books by your bed or lining up on your ereader.
Stop figuring out if you want to officially sign up for Nano.
And just write.
Take a break from that query letter and researching agents.
Ignore the Doritos calling from the kitchen.
Stop feeling like you’re falling behind in this big race.
Because there isn’t a race. It’s in your mind.
And just write.
And just write.
And just write.
Thanks for the pick-me-up because that is what I absolutley intend to do today.
Absolutely. I actually use writing as a way to block out all that stuff, so I guess it’s a bit upside down, but I totally agree! Just write.
Yes, this is the best advice ever.
Best advice ever. Just what I need. Especially the race part. 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Very good advice! It’s hard to step back and just sit in quiet and let your own goals and desires to wash over you. Thanks for the cheer this morning.
Planning to do this, Laura, as soon as the present round of publicity is over and I plan to stop this as soon as the bad weather moves in. Then it will write, write, write, until the Spring and the end of hibernation! :0)
I do this pretty much everyday. That’s why I love writing. I haven’t let all that other stuff stress me out. 😀
So hard to do…yet also so true.
Thanks everyone! That’s what my plans are for the day! shut everything else out and write. 🙂 Good luck to all of you!
Yes, yes and yes! Kick the distractions aside, put your butt in a chair and write.
Yes! Really the only writing advice you’ll ever need. #awesome
But the Doritos are just so darn loud and persuasive!
Oh yes, smart and much-needed words 🙂
You almost made me stop reading your blog, right in the middle of the post.
Almost.
Falling behind in this big race – YES. I’ve been feeling this way waaaaay too often. So. I think I shall take your brilliant advice!!!
You’re right: Best Writing Advice Ever!!
So true! I need to put this on a sticky note to remind myself, especially when I want to click over to the Internet when I should be writing.
‘Just write’ is some powerful advice and advice that often gets clouded by life. Thanks for the reminder. 🙂
You are correct. And totally what I needed to hear this morning! Thank you!
Lov it!
Love this, but it’s cracking me up b/c we are having our floors done this morning and power tools are going nuts in the other room. 😉
~ Wendy
It’s poetry for writers! Thanks Laura.
Thank you for this. It was just what I needed today. I look forward to what other pearls of wisdom you have to share.
I totally wish there were earmuffs for the voices in my head. Once I get into the writing flow, I’m ok. But it can take awhile…
So true! All the distractions can make us forget that foremost we love to create. And indeed the whole race thing is one of the most pernicious lies we can tell ourselves.
Great advice!
I love it! Such simple but dead on advice.
Wonderful advice. Just hope I can follow it for the next few days as its festival time for us in India.
Ended up here after following a tweet from Jamie Grey. This post was just what I needed. A bunch of those distractions are my distractions right now. Thank you!
Brilliant. But why is it so hard to do?
Great advice! I would also add: Ignore the stack of dirty dishes and that dust ball in the corner of your room the size of a cat!
Great post :0)
Amen, sistah! Exactly what I needed to read today. Off to write . . .
Yup. That about sums it up!
Can I hug you? Cuz now I want to hug you.
Great post 🙂
Thanks for the reminder.
I’m off to the beach with my trusty spiral notebook and my pages of NaNo prep notes. I shall obey you.
Super advice… except for maybe the Doritos part. In my case, it’s the open bag of Rufffles. I think it’s the ridges that keep calling me back to the kitchen.
And you’re right, it’s not a race.
Happy writing everyone.
Thank you for this great post! 🙂
I’ve been so busy being a publisher, I haven’t done any new writing in ages. Got November blocked out for that 🙂
Great post! And something I needed to hear right about now.
Thanks so much everyone! This reminder was for me too. I’m glad I’m not alone!
Love it!
Becca @ The Bookshelf Muse
So simple, heartfelt, and true. 🙂
Bless you!
Of course you’re right!
Just stopping by from the blogfest. Yeah I’m slow,but I really like to read these blogs and go back a few days too. Anyway… it’s nice to meet you, great advice. I also love the NaNoWriMo post.Had similar experience explaining it to my husband. He still thinks it sounds crazy. I don’t care,I’m in.
Now both of my blogs can follow you. Oh yeah,I really like to make myself crazy,keeping up two blogs. Babs in Paradise is basically my Journal. some days I’m pretty unhinged there. Far Away Eyes is for my book,where I try to hold it together and look a little professional. Nice to meet you again.
You had me until Doritos!
No, seriously. Best advice ever. Simple as that.
I have a slightly different variation: “Just keep swimming!” But the sentiment is exactly the same. Write on! :o) <3
I love all of your advice…except the one about the Doritos. Seriously, Laura? That’s just cruel.
But just writing? Love it! 🙂
sheer brilliance and so, so true.
YES. Simple and true.
Love, love, love. Absolutely true. Thanks for reminding me of this:)
Yes and amen. You are right! Ignoring the Doritos, though, can be a bit challenging…but we must be strong. 🙂