Don't be afraid to suck!

[impressive]

No, this isn't about giving head. Pervs!

Ever since Selena pointed out Wil Wheaton's blog, I've been kinda sorta following it. I like what I've seen so far. I'm even considering buying his (self-published!) books.

Below is a quote from a video interview that I thought I'd share:

The advice that I always give writers is the best advice that was given to me: Don't be afraid to suck... and you're gonna suck... and that's okay. It's easier to fix a page full of words that suck than it is to fill up a blank page. It's much less intimidating.

I need to heed that advice. Like, NOW.

:caning: Go write, Imp!

 

[dr_mabeuse]

Agreed. Editing is easier than writing. It's easier to fix than to build. Write through the crap. Blast on through and don't look back. Hold your nose and type with one hand. All those golden cliches.

Writing is hard and sometimes the hardest part is standing the crap that you write, and then living with the idiot who wrote it.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

Nonsense.

Writers should always fear what they do. Writing is no different than singing or anything else. Fear looking like a total fucking idiot.

 

[Liar]

Nonsense.

Writers should always fear what they do. Writing is no different than singing or anything else. Fear looking like a total fucking idiot.

You write in front of a live audience?

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

Fear is a good thing, LIAR. It keeps you honest. It keeps you humble. It keeps you from feeling entitled to a gold star for nuthin much.

 

[Boota]

It's all about the fear of failure, and that has to be overcome to write the lines on the page long before the first reader ever gets a peek at it. You can't be afraid to start. I don't think the idea is to throw bad writing out into the world and expect to be lauded for it. Although, that does tend to happen on occasion.

 

[dr_mabeuse]

Nonsense.

Writers should always fear what they do. Writing is no different than singing or anything else. Fear looking like a total fucking idiot.

He's talking about a first draft. Not what you finally send out into the world.

 

[_Aine_]

Good advice.
No, Great advice!
But like so many things...easier said than done.

 

[DesertPirate]

No, this isn't about giving head. Pervs!

Thanks for the compliment
You use your interpretation and I'll use mine

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

BOOTA

I read a wonderful essay about jockey Angel Cordero. One of the racing bosses intimidated the shit out of jockeys, but wouldnt fuck with Angel at all. The writer watched Cordero race, and noticed that he tried to kill a competitor who was fucking with him (tried to push the other rider over the infield rail). This is how to be with critics and editors....drop a 1200 pound horse on them.

But the writing should scare the crap out of you, because it will fuck you if you make it look bad.

 

[DeeZire]

.But the writing should scare the crap out of you, because it will fuck you if you make it look bad.

It's an interesting concept - letting fear rule your life. Good luck with that.

 

[Oblimo]

Y'all are taking advice from a guy who was untruthfully rumored to have had unprotected sex with a tree's knothole at a RenFaire almost 15 years ago, you realize.

...

Yeah I got nuthin'.

 

[Oblimo]

It's an interesting concept - letting fear rule your life. Good luck with that.

He's talking about everyone else but him. And Amicus.

 

[Rumple Foreskin]

I've always felt that one of the great things about Lit is the chance it gives writers to experiment and risk failure. Of course, trying different categories, styles, POV's, etc. won't help build a fan base, but in most cases it can help us improve as writers.

Rumple Foreskin

 

[dr_mabeuse]

Amazing how afraid we are to look bad even under phony names.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

DEEZIRE

A little fear keeps you alert and your mind right. Provided YOU have a right mind.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

Amazing how afraid we are to look bad even under phony names.

The tragedy and the triumph of being human, that is. We walk a narrow line between the need to strive and the fear of failure. Either we need greater courage or a soft spot to fall on. I think Lit is a great pillow . . .

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

VM

And you think that because your friends give you a pass and a gold I TRIED star?

 

[gauchecritic]

dichotomy. Now there's a word.

 

[starrkers]

dichotomy. Now there's a word.

You been reading the dictionary again, Gauche?

 

[gauchecritic]

You been reading the dictionary again, Gauche?

Naa. It's all up here. (points at head)

 

[voluptuary_manque]

Naa. It's all up here. (points at head)

Heck yes, if a bear knows "dichotomy" surely a critic must.

 

[Rumple Foreskin]

dichotomy. Now there's a word.

Isn't that one of the books in the Old Testament?

The Right Rev Rumple Foreskin http://bestsmileys.com/religous/1.gif

 

[Guest]

Isn't that one of the books in the Old Testament?

The Right Rev Rumple Foreskin http://bestsmileys.com/religous/1.gif

Just after Leviticus, isn't it?

 

[voluptuary_manque]

Just after Leviticus, isn't it?

Leviticus . . . oh yeah, the one the Council of Jerusalem threw out in the Book of Acts. Look it up. It's amazing what got discarded, like homophobia. Pity so few folks bother to read for themselves.