Sage Advice for Writers

11 COMMANDMENTS OF WRITING by Henry Miller

Dear Friends!

Hope this note finds you well and enjoying this lovely shift into fall.  Can’t wait to see the magical colors  that the Tennessee leaves will bring!

This week for me has brought about a lot of synchronicity.
I always try to stop and listen when the same thing crosses my path a few times

And Todays Post is a list that has come across my path a few times over the past few months.

And As I often say…..
We can learn so much  from other artists.  I always find it fascinating to delve into and learn about their process.  Then we assimilate what works for us.  Enjoy!

While copying Miller’s List, I came across this one by Johnny Cash and it made me laugh, hope it brings you a smile too

For those you not familiar with Henry Miller (1891-1980) –
He was an American writer  & painter best known for his book, “Tropic of Cancer. ”  And its first publication in 1934 was banned in the US for obscenity!  It’s US publication in 1964 was actually the result of a Supreme Court ruling which actually changed our laws regarding free speech.  His novels presented a unique, often called ground-breaking, literary style that mixed fiction, memoir, & social criticism & philosophy.   (Source: Henry Miller on Writing)

COMMANDMENTS
   1.          Work on one thing at a time until finished.

   2.            Start no more new books, add no more new material to "Black Spring." (one of his works- his point here is keep focused on one project at a time & to allow yourself to move on peacefully from finished projects)

  3.            Don't be nervous. Work calmly, joyously, recklessly on whatever is in hand.

 4.            Work according to Program and not according to mood. Stop at the appointed time!

 5.            When you can't create you can work.

 6.            Cement a little every day, rather than add new fertilizers.

 7.            Keep human! See people, go places, drink if you feel like it.

 8.            Don't be a draught-horse! Work with pleasure only.

 9.            Discard the Program when you feel like it—but go back to it next day. Concentrate. Narrow down. Exclude.

 10.        Forget the books you want to write. Think only of the book you are writing.

 11.   Write first and always. Painting, music, friends, cinema, all these come afterwards


Happy Writing My Dears!

And I think one can apply these thoughts to Any Endeavor – a great way to think about remaining focused on & accomplishing the task at hand as well as allowing ourselves to enjoy living in the real world  :)

Wishing you Joy and Success in all that you Do

Love & Lists,
Meredith