The Do Nots of Writing

Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on- Lousis L’ Amour

After compiling a list of the Do’s of Writing, I am now gathering the courage to talk about the Do Nots of Writing as they literally, go hand in hand. Like the Do’s, the Don’ts list too focuses on the the behaviour of a person. I strongly believe that, it’s the attitude which shifts our mindset and actions, which means only by changing our behaviour, we can get different results.

The Don’t list doesn’t suggest “never send your copy without reading.” It, actually, encourages you to take chances and make mistakes.

Whatever I am suggesting, has been learnt through my journey of being a writer. Let’s begin with the Do nots of Writing.

Assumptions are not real.

So, you gave a self-verdict that your work is rubbish and it must be trashed. You confirmed within your mind that your work doesn’t have any chance. You also self-confirmed that no one will read your book. In midst of all these assumptions, add few more to your list such as –

What if my book will save someone’s life? What if it will bring smile on a sick person’s face? What if someone would be thankful for the transformation brought by my work?

Doesn’t it feel a lot more convincing to write, instead of hiding your book in your heart?   

Regret is heavy to carry

Regret spreads its wings when the opportunity to fly is lost. The realisation of a missed chance sinks in and “I could have” bothers more than “I should have”. Regret is one of the heaviest feeling to carry. The only thing that helps in handling it is ACTION.

Don’t stop yourself from taking chances to test the waters and to know your untapped potential. “I tried” sounds more courageous and fulfilling than the bitterness of regret.

Don’t have the time

Actually, you will never have any time for writing, if there is no will and commitment. None of the project or task can be accommodated in your to-do-list, if you do not have a strong need to fulfil. The priorities get defined based on the satisfaction of a need. We always create time to eat or sleep because they are the basic needs. We, somehow, create time to talk to people whom we love because it is our need to be loved and connected. Similarly, when you find out your need of writing, you do not have to force yourself into writing. Possibly, it will be in your to-do list, highlighted as priority.

Ask yourself, “Why do I want to write?” The answer is sufficient enough to put you in action.

To sum-up, there can be n number of reasons to put writing on the back burner.

It will depend on you and your choices to keep the little writer alive within you, to channelise your creativity through words.

Happy writing!