am a member of that large group of Americans known as baby boomers, the post World War II generation. Although I only have a fuzzy memory of Howdy Doody, and am too young to have been one of the first Musketeers, I can remember transistor radios, pedal pushers, saddle shoes, and my Dad’s brand new 1960 Ford Galaxie 500. Sharp car.
My memories also include a myriad of black and white television shows, old theme songs, and the lines and jingles for hundreds of television commercials.
One of those old commercials keeps ringing in my head, with the voice of an impatient child saying, “Talk, talk, talk! When do we eat?” I can’t for the life of me remember what the commercial was for, and an online search attributes the quote to Dennis the Menace. Could be. But although I can’t recall the commercial itself, I can hear the voice and the words as clearly as the AOL “You’ve got mail” guy.
And it makes me think of what a lot of us writers do–in online discussion groups, at cocktail parties, or in wistful conversations with our spouses or best friends.
We talk about writing. About the types of writing we’d like to do. About how we don’t have enough time to write. About what writing means to us. We talk about writing that Great American (or whatever nation you might be from) novel. About writing children’s books. About how it would feel to have a chance to write full-time.
Talk, talk, talk. When do we write?
Believe me, I know that writing is hard work…that blank pages or computer screens are scary…that rejection doesn’t feel very good. I know that some of us don’t even know how or where to start. Or are overwhelmed by the choices and information out there. Or have bought into the idea that there’s no money in being a writer.
And I know that it’s easier to talk about writing, and talk about being a writer, than actually doing it. Much, much easier. Been there, done that.
Yet all the talk in the world can’t compare with the deep satisfaction that comes from putting words together well, or finishing a piece. Talking about writing is fun, but getting a byline and check for something you’ve written is unbelievably wonderful. And if you want to know what that feels like, you need to sit down, place your fingers on the keyboard, and write. Every day, if possible.
In other words, successful writers learn to stop talking about it, and start doing it instead.
Here’s to your writing success!
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Mary Anne Hahn has written numerous articles on writing, the writing life,
business and career topics. She is also editor and publisher of
WriteSuccess, the free biweekly ezine of ideas, information and
inspiration for people who want to pursue SUCCESSFUL writing careers.
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