The President's Speech and Our Writing

President Obama delivers a speech on education at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Va., Tuesday. (AP Photo)


This week, President Obama delivered a speech that was telecast to America's school children. I watched the speech and I got to thinking that the President's words could apply to other situations and environments. In fact, I knew it could also be applied to writing.

While I am going to paraphrase, you'll get the meaning of what President Obama was saying. We can have schools with teachers, parents and the government working to make them the best, but it is the child's responsiblity to stay in school, make the grades, set goals and reach for his dreams. Ultimately, the responsiblity remains with the student.

And so it is with your writing. You can attend the best writer's conferences, participate in the most helpful critique groups, and read hundreds of books on how to hone your craft, but it is up to you whether or not you have the writing career you desire. You have to use what is offered to you to the best of your ability and make it happen.

When I tell people I'm lazy, they laugh at me. How can someone who is so busy, be lazy? But when it comes to my writing, I am. Why? Because being published isn't what motivates me. Being creative, writing down my thoughts, and reading good books is what motivates me more than anything. With five blogs, the articles I put together for Writer2Writer, and the occasional fan fiction story I dabble in, I reach most of those goals. Add in the books I review, and I'm all set.

And honestly, I'm much better at motivating others than myself. I enjoy cheering people on and helping them improve their work. Someone has just asked me to be her writing coach and help keep her focused on a project that needs to be completed quickly. I jumped at the chance.

In all things, we must be honest with ourselves and admit what it holding us back. We have to realize that no matter what, you are responsible for putting into motion the things that will turn you into a published author.

You have the power to make your dreams come true. Use it!

Motivational Quote #19

Inspiration? A hoax that poets have invented to give themselves importance.--Jean Anouilh

On one of the shelves in my office I have a few books that I refer to reguarly, whether they be about craft, grammar, or motivation. Among the larger, taller books in that collection is a short hardcover with a sunburst on the front titled, The Writer's Book of Wisdom: 101 Rules for Mastering Your Craft by Steven Taylor Goldsberry.

Rule #4 talks about inspiration and includes this quote from playwright Jean Anouilh. Goldsberry says that if you wait for inspiration you have no business being a writer.

As aspiring authors we know the only way to get published is to submit manuscripts. If we're too busy waiting for that perfect moment to sit down and write, it may never happen. While the words certainly flow easier when you're inspired, it doesn't mean that you can't discipline yourself to write even when you're feeling less than inspired.

Timed writing sessions are an excellent way to get started. Read my article on timed writing sessions and get started today!

You have the power to make your dreams come true. Use it!

Take Our New Poll

You can participate in our new poll in the sidebar. Tell us what keeps you from being committed to your writing career. If you choose "other", please feel free to elaborate in this thread.