I recently read an article written by Kathleen Valentine who stated that she liked Henry Miller's list of 11 Commandments for Writing because "there is a work ethic evident that a lot of us could use." I couldn't agree with her more.
For me, I strongly believe in completing one project at a time. I don't have a problem multi-tasking but it seems that as a writer you could lose focus doing so. Then again it all depends on what type of writer you are.
Per Henry Miller, writing should be "first and always," but for me, I need a distraction or at least a break every now and then. So, painting, music, friends, and cinema are things I integrate into my writing routine.
Overall, my writing routine is in alignment with most of the 11 commandments, especially writing joyously and with pleasure.
So, how much do you agree with Henry Miller's 11 Commandments? Do tell!
Henry Miller's 11 Commandments for Writing
1. Work on one thing at a time until finished.
2. Start no more new books, add no more new material to "Black Spring."
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.
For me, I strongly believe in completing one project at a time. I don't have a problem multi-tasking but it seems that as a writer you could lose focus doing so. Then again it all depends on what type of writer you are.
Per Henry Miller, writing should be "first and always," but for me, I need a distraction or at least a break every now and then. So, painting, music, friends, and cinema are things I integrate into my writing routine.
Overall, my writing routine is in alignment with most of the 11 commandments, especially writing joyously and with pleasure.
So, how much do you agree with Henry Miller's 11 Commandments? Do tell!
Henry Miller's 11 Commandments for Writing
1. Work on one thing at a time until finished.
2. Start no more new books, add no more new material to "Black Spring."
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.
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