Write like you’re dying

by George Angus @ Tumblemoose

What causes a writer to write? is it the need to create? Maybe it’s the need to put something out there that has been bottled up for too long and needs to breathe and gain a life of its own. Perhaps a writer writes because they have a talent for the craft and just wants to make a living.

The motivations for a person to write are only as limited as the number of writers who steadfastly practice what they love. Most of us work this wonderful calling on a daily or near daily basis.

I’ve written here on several occasions here about the importance of writing every day. It is necessary to become proficient at the craft and it is certainly important if you are in the process of writing a novel because you need the continuity and flow to have cohesion and consistency. Sometimes it is difficult to put the words to paper and we can feel as if sitting in front of the monitor is akin to stepping into the ring with our nemesis. If you are going to be successful as a writer you must move past that.

I have also written here about the importance of attitude in becoming a successful writer. It is now time to meld these two concepts of attitude and writing every day. You can choose to curse the darkness each time it’s time to write or you can choose to light a candle and move forward in your writing journey.

One of the best pieces of motivational writing advice I ever received was to “write like you are dying“. This means that each time you sit down to move your success story forward you have to assume a certain mind-set. And here is the key: When you are at the keyboard, write as if you only have a month to live. Thirty days and you are done. Think about this. What would you say? Can you imagine that your writing will be filled with soul, passion and conviction? Of course it would. So I say to you, “Is there any better writing then the writing that comes from the heart and is filled with passion?” I don’t believe there is.

This does not just apply to that great novel you are writing. It should apply to anything that you are going to put out for people to read. Anything worth doing is worth doing well, and having this kind of passion will set you apart from the crowd and it will get you noticed.

I know this is more difficult for some types of writing. Trust me, you’re going to have to dig deep to become impassioned about the 10 SEO articles on prime rate mortgages in Zimbabwe. How serious are you about your writing? Do you have what it takes to dig that deep? I think that you do. In fact, I know you do. It’s a matter of putting your mind in a place that makes it easier to see things from a little different perspective.

Do me a favor, will you? Just try it. Even once. Let me know; did it make a difference for you?