Open Thread: Oracle Hotline

[mithen]

--What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever come across?

Ray Bradbury has a wonderful passage in his book on writing about how "quantity produces quality"--that you can only get better by doing a LOT of something, so embrace writing huge amounts in order to end up with a little bit of good writing. It's kind of a positive take on Sturgeon's Law that "90% of everything is crap"--that probably includes my own writing so I'd better write as much as possible to make that 10% worthwhile. :)

Speaking of... I got a couple of very good blocks of writing in and am close to done with two more chapters, yay! With my Yuletide fic, I am deep in canon review, getting lots of ideas, and considering writing my recipient a small treat in the same fandom while I do the review (one of her suggestions would be writable now, but the one I really want to write I can't do until I've reviewed more recent canon!) How have things been for you this week?

Comments

[prince0froses]

The best advice I have had was somewhat contrary to yours, but only because of circumstances. Basically it's that people with certain mental illnesses simply can't keep up with the level of output that a lot of writing advice dictates, and that it is better to not hurt oneself trying to live up to that ideal if it means avoiding burnout.

A little writing has happened this week to my great relief, but life continues to happen. Was briefly ill and now I'm worried for my job security. So I'm left taking writing happily when I can make time but trying not to hate myself if I can't bring myself to focus

[mithen]

Basically it's that people with certain mental illnesses simply can't keep up with the level of output that a lot of writing advice dictates, and that it is better to not hurt oneself trying to live up to that ideal if it means avoiding burnout.

"As much quantity as one can safely manage" should probably be the amendment! I'm sure Bradbury would agree, too.

I'll be wishing you health and security with all my heart!