I’ve wanted to be a writer for the past 42 years. There have been times in those 42 years when I’ve written things that have achieved some success: plays, musicals, sketch shows, and television pilots. A friend and I even co-wrote a feature film script that we co-directed, and the film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
I can do it, I can write, but I can’t do it consistently, I can’t do it like a pro. Because for the past 42 years, I’ve been afraid.
But I am not willing to give up. Because if I give up, I let Fear win. And I can’t let Fear win. Because you and I both know, Fear is an A-hole.
So here’s my simple Three-Step Plan for becoming the writer I’ve always wanted to be.
Step 1: Show Up
I can’t do it if I’m not there, so I better show up! But it’s not just about showing up; it’s about making a plan so I can consistently show up. So, I’m vowing to show up at my computer every morning at 6:30 a.m.
Step 2: Do The Work Badly
In her book “Bird By Bird,” Ann Lammot talks about the importance of “shitty first drafts.” Because shitty writing is better than no writing, I can make shitty writing good. No writing makes me feel bad, and the only way to make that better is to write.
So when I show up at my computer every day at 6:30 a.m., I will start typing and see what comes out. I’m going to focus on quantity, not quality.
Step 3: Repeat Steps 1 & 2 Until You Die
Okay. So I’m going to consistently show up and write shitty stuff. Everyday. Day after day. And I hope that if I keep consistently showing up and writing shitty stuff every day. Day after day. My stuff will become less shitty over time.
And I will be writing, which is what I want to do! I will consider that a win.
Well, this is my plan: I will write every day, focusing on quantity instead of quality, until I’m dead and in the ground feeding the worms.
Do you think I can do it?
