Author: Austin Alford

Presented below is a thought from me on writing, a quote from someone else on writing, an excerpt from that writer, and a discipline/habit to implement… 

We will be focusing on being a finisher today.

A Thought

“Once we embrace the practice of initiating brilliant ideas and seeing them through to completion with our utmost abilities, we can genuinely become the writers we aspire to be.”

– Austin Alford

A Quote

“Beginners are many; finishers are few.”

– Stephen Covey (Author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People)

An Excerpt

An excerpt from Chapter 2 of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

“To achieve the life you want, you must start with the end in mind. This means identifying the big picture — the life you want to lead, the character traits you want to embody, the impact you want to have on those around you — and then ensuring each daily action is in line with your ultimate goals.”

(The writer you want to be.)

A Discipline/Habit to Implement

How do we get into the habit of finishing the projects we start?

Great question! Here are a few tips I’ve implemented to be a finisher.

1. Schedule dedicated sessions on your calendar to ensure project completion.

Trust me, when you make it official, things actually happen! For instance, I block off 3-4:30pm on a Friday and label it as “Songwriting Session for ‘Along the Way'”.

2. Establish a clear deadline for your song, script, poem, etc. (creative project)

This deadline will serve as a guide to help you effectively plan and complete your project. 

3. Realize that the end result won’t be flawless.

If we strive for absolute perfection, we’ll never complete anything. I’m not advocating for mediocrity, but rather acknowledging that after putting in hard work and meeting the deadline, it’s time to wrap it up. Move forward and apply the lessons learned to your next endeavor.

Wrap it in a bow and let it go! 

Put Pen to Paper this week and have fun!

If you want to share this with other fellow writers, just copy and paste this link:

www.austinalford.com/Newsletter

Presented below is a thought from me on writing, a quote from someone else on writing, an excerpt from that writer, and a discipline/habit to implement… 

We will be focusing on imagination today.

A Thought

“Imagination is the fertile ground where art blossoms.”

– Austin Alford

A Quote

“In art, the hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can imagine.” 

– Ralph Waldo Emerson (Poet & Essayist)

An Excerpt

Ralph Waldo Emerson (the ‘Boston Hymn’ Poem)

The word of the Lord by night
To the watching Pilgrims came,
As they sat by the seaside,
And filled their hearts with flame.

God said, I am tired of kings,
I suffer them no more;
Up to my ear the morning brings
The outrage of the poor.

A Discipline/Habit to Implement

I’m a practical guy as you’ve learned from our previous discussions on how to incorporate disciplines and habits into our lives as writers.

Now, let’s talk about how we can ignite our imagination.

The secret lies in reconnecting with our inner child. And what better way to do that than by diving into a children’s book? It’s like a magical elixir that can revitalize even the weariest, most stressed-out adult mind.

C.S. Lewis once said, “No book is truly worth reading at the age of ten if it’s not equally – and often far more – worth reading at the age of fifty and beyond.”

So, go ahead and pick up a children’s book. Let your right brain work its magic and transport you to a realm of vibrant imagery. I’d love to hear which book captures your imagination!

Put Pen to Paper this week and have fun!

If you want to share this with other fellow writers, just copy and paste this link:

www.austinalford.com/Newsletter

Presented below is a thought from me on writing, a quote from someone else on writing, an excerpt from that writer, and a discipline/habit to implement… 

We will be focusing on settling today.

A Thought

“It’s ridiculously easy for me to settle for the first idea. Not that it’s terrible or anything, but I can’t help but wonder what I might be missing out on if I just scratched the surface a little more.”

– Austin Alford

A Quote

“Never settle for anything less than your best.”

– Brian Tracy (Author & Motivational Speaker)

An Excerpt

Brian Tracy (Page 2 of “Eat That Frog: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time”) 

“The Truth about Frogs

Mark Twain once said that if the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that that is probably the worst thing that is going to happen to you all day long.

Your “frog” is your biggest, most important task, the one you are most likely to procrastinate on if you don’t do something about it. It is also the one task that can have the greatest positive impact on your life and results at the moment.

The first rule of frog eating is this: If you have to eat two frogs, eat the ugliest one first.”

A Discipline/Habit to Implement

Pretty intriguing, huh?

As writers, we ought to fully embrace the concept of frog eating. Yes, that means tackling the most unsightly frogs (the things we dread doing but must) first so we can get into a writing groove.

Now, you might be wondering how this ties in with settling on an idea. Well, fear not, for I have the answer!

Whenever I neglect to prioritize tasks that require attention and barely manage to squeeze in a writing session, I find myself settling for the first idea that pops into my head. Why? Simply because I’m crunched for time or lacking energy.

So here’s my proposition: let’s strive to devour those frogs that need to be taken care of as soon as possible, giving ourselves more time and energy to dedicate to our creative endeavors.

If this mindset discipline resonates with you, do let me know. I, too, will be diving even deeper into this approach!

Put Pen to Paper this week and have fun!

If you want to share this with other fellow writers, just copy and paste this link:

www.austinalford.com/Newsletter

Presented below is a thought from me on writing, a quote from someone else on writing, an excerpt from that writer, and a discipline/habit to implement… 

We will be focusing on being a learner today.

A Thought

“The more we devour knowledge as writers, the more we craft astute and captivating content.”

– Austin Alford

A Quote

“When I was growing up, my house was filled with books. My mother was an educator, and my father was a history buff, so our home was a virtual library, covering every author from Beverly Cleary to James Michener.”

– Jeff Kinney (Author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series)

An Excerpt

The first page of the first Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

“Tuesday

First of all, let me get something straight: This is a JOURNAL, not a diary. I know what it says on the cover, but when Mum went out to buy this thing I SPECIFICALLY told her to get one that didn’t say ‘diary’ on it.

Great. All I need is some jerk to catch me carrying this book around and get the wrong idea.

The other thing I want to clear up right away is that this was MUM’s idea, not mine.

But if she thinks I’m going to write down my ‘feelings’ in here or whatever, she’s crazy. So just don’t expect me to be all ‘Dear Diary’ this and ‘Dear Diary’ that.”

A Discipline/Habit to Implement

Jeff is an avid reader and a devourer of books.

Reading something like Diary of a Wimpy Kid is not quite like delving into the depths of Lord of the Rings, but it requires a profound understanding of the art of writing, simply by being an avid reader.

The same principle applies to any aspiring writer: immerse yourself in the type of writing you wish to pursue consistently.

Your vocabulary will flourish, you will discern your preferences, you will learn from mistakes, and uncover what works best. Embrace the role of a perpetual learner!

Let’s ask ourselves this week: How often do we read or listen to music or look at paintings, or read poems, or scripts for educational purposes?

Put Pen to Paper this week and have fun!

If you want to share this with other fellow writers, just copy and paste this link:

www.austinalford.com/Newsletter

Presented below is a thought from me on writing, a quote from someone else on writing, an excerpt from that writer, and a discipline/habit to implement… 

We will be focusing on our WHY today. WHY do I write in the first place?

A Thought

“Understanding your WHY as a writer empowers you to write with unshakable determination, no matter what obstacles life throws your way.”

– Austin Alford

A Quote

“I write songs to get past things that cause me pain. And I write songs because sometimes life makes more sense to me when it’s being sung in a chorus, and when I can write it in a verse.”

– Taylor Swift (Singer/Songwriter)

An Excerpt

“Lover” by Taylor Swift (V1, C, V2 only)

[Verse 1]
We could leave the Christmas lights up ’til January
And this is our place, we make the rules
And there’s a dazzling haze, a mysterious way about you, dear
Have I known you twenty seconds or twenty years?

[Chorus]
Can I go where you go?
Can we always be this close?
Forever and ever, ah
Take me out and take me home
You’re my, my, my, my lover

[Verse 2]
We could let our friends crash in the living room
This is our place, we make the call
And I’m highly suspicious that everyone who sees you wants you
I’ve loved you three summers now, honey, but I want ’em all

A Discipline/Habit to Implement

Got a piece of paper handy? A real one you can touch?

Go ahead, jot down your WHY statement for writing.

Here is mine…

“I write songs and stories to spread the word about God the creator and how He has transformed me.”

With your WHY statement you are about to write, stick it on your mirror, fridge, toilet – wherever you’ll see it all the time!

Let your WHY be your inspiration when times get tough and keep that momentum going.

Because we’re writers who know our WHY!

Put Pen to Paper this week and have fun!

If you want to share this with other fellow writers, just copy and paste this link:

www.austinalford.com/Newsletter

Presented below is a thought from me on writing, a quote from someone else on writing, an excerpt from that writer, and a discipline/habit to implement… 

We will be focusing on tenacity today.

A Thought

“I highly appreciate the concept of tenacity in the realm of writing and creating. The ability to persevere despite the challenges, opinions of others, or limited resources is what truly defines us and the compelling songs or stories we share.”

– Austin Alford

A Quote

“You simply have to put one foot in front of the other and keep going. Put blinders on and plow right ahead.”

– George Lucas (Creator of Star Wars)

An Excerpt

Lawrence Kasdan & Leigh Brackett & George Lucas (Writers of Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back)

INT. HOTH – REBEL BASE – ICE CORRIDOR

LEIA
Han!

Han stops in the corridor and turns to face Leia.

HAN
Yes, Your Highnessness?

LEIA
I thought you decided to stay.

HAN
Well, the bounty hunter we ran
into on Ord Mantell changed my
mind.

LEIA
Han, we need you!

HAN
We?

LEIA
Yes.

HAN
Oh, what about you need?

LEIA
(mystified)
I need? I don’t know what you’re
talking about.

HAN
(shakes his head,
fed up)
You probably don’t.

LEIA
And what precisely am I supposed
to know?

HAN
Come on! You want me to stay
because of the way you feel about
me.

LEIA
Yes. You’re a great help to us.
You’re a natural leader…

HAN
No! That’s not it. Come on.
Aahhh – uh huh! Come on.

Leia stares at him, understanding, then laughs.

LEIA
You’re imagining things.

HAN
Am I? Then why are you following
me? Afraid I was going to leave
without giving you a goodbye kiss?

LEIA
I’d just as soon kiss a Wookiee.

HAN
I can arrange that. You could use
a good kiss!

Angrily, Han strides down the corridor as Leia stares after him.

A Discipline/Habit to Implement

I appreciate George’s reminder at the end of his statement to “put blinders on”. It’s crucial to avoid comparing ourselves or our projects to others.

This week, let’s prioritize the discipline of maintaining focus through our tenacity, and here are three steps to help us achieve that:

1. Remember WHY your writing

Your WHY will define WHAT comes out of you.

2. Instead of looking outward, look inward

Use your past self as your measuring stick of progress.

3. Be a champion for others

Encourage and build other writers up and the same will be done to you.

Put Pen to Paper this week and have fun!

If you want to share this with other fellow writers, just copy and paste this link:

www.austinalford.com/Newsletter

Presented below is a thought from me on writing, a quote from someone else on writing, an excerpt from that writer, and a discipline/habit to implement… 

We will be focusing on failure today.

A Thought

“I want to continuously embrace failure as a writer throughout my entire life, relentlessly pushing the boundaries of my abilities by constantly picking myself up after each stumble.”

– Austin Alford

A Quote

“Failure isn’t a necessary evil. In fact, it isn’t evil at all. It is a necessary consequence of doing something new.”

– Ed Camtull (The Co-Founder of PIXAR)

An Excerpt

Ed Camtull (Author of Creativity Inc)

“You don’t have to work at Pixar to create a Braintrust. Every creative person can draft into service those around them who exhibit the right mixture of intelligence, insight, and grace. ‘You can and should make your own solution group,’ says Andrew, who has made a point of doing this on a smaller scale, separate from the official Braintrust, on each of his films.

‘Here are the qualifications: The people you choose must (a) make you think smarter and (b) put lots of solutions on the table in a short amount of time. I don’t care who it is, the janitor or the intern or one of your most-trusted lieutenants: If they can help you do that, they should be at the table.’

Believe me, you don’t want to be at a company where there is more candor in the hallways than in the rooms where fundamental ideas or policy are being hashed out. The best inoculation against this fate? Seek out people who are willing to level with you, and when you find them, hold them close.”

A Discipline/Habit to Implement

Take a moment to create a dedicated space for taking notes, whether it’s a notes page, a journal, or any other designated place to record your learnings from creative failures.

Here are three important questions that you should honestly ask yourself and answer:

• What can I learn from this? 
• What could I have done differently? 
• Do I need to acquire or improve some skills? 

Test this out and let me know what you think!

Put Pen to Paper this week and have fun!

If you want to share this with other fellow writers, just copy and paste this link:

www.austinalford.com/Newsletter

Presented below is a thought from me on writing, a quote from someone else on writing, an excerpt from that writer, and a discipline/habit to implement… 

We will be focusing on discipline today.

A Thought

“It is through consistent discipline that one can truly bring their thoughts to life on paper, creating art that resonates with the hearts of people.”

– Austin Alford

A Quote

“The only difference between a writer and someone who wants to be a writer is discipline.”

– Ayelet Waldman (Author of Love and Treasure, Red Hook Road, & Daughter’s Keeper)

An Excerpt

Ayelet Waldman (Love & Treasure)

“In the end the real wealth of the Hungarian Jewish community had not been packed in crates and boxes and loaded onto that train.

What is the value to a daughter of a single pair of Sabbath candlesticks passed down from her mother and grandmother before her, generation behind generation, for a hundred, even a thousand, years? Beyond price, beyond measure. And what of ten thousand pairs of similar candlesticks, when all the grandmothers, mothers, and daughters are dead?

No more than the smelted weight of the silver. The wealth of the Jews of Hungary, of all of Europe, was to be found not in the laden boxcars of the Gold Train but in the grandmothers and mothers and daughters themselves, in the doctors and lawyers, the grain dealers and psychiatrists, the writers and artists who had created a culture of sophistication, of intellectual and artistic achievement. And that wealth, everything of real value, was all but extinguished.”

A Discipline/Habit to Implement

Here are three effective and practical strategies to enhance your discipline as a writer… 

1. Write everyday or in regular scheduled writing sessions (I do more of the latter).
2. Read every day. 
3. Stop focusing solely on talent and comparison and let yourself enjoy the process (personally the hardest discipline to master). 

Let’s embrace these challenges. We are in this together!

Put Pen to Paper this week and have fun!

If you want to share this with other fellow writers, just copy and paste this link:

www.austinalford.com/Newsletter

Presented below is a thought from me on writing, a quote from someone else on writing, an excerpt from that writer, and a discipline/habit to implement… 

We will be focusing on entertainment today.

A Thought

If we are not entertained ourselves by what we are writing when crafting a story, then what is the purpose of writing it at all?

– Austin Alford

A Quote

“I just write what I wanted to write. I write what amuses me. It’s totally for myself. I never in my wildest dreams expected this popularity.”

– JK Rowling (Author of the Harry Potter series)

An Excerpt

JK Rowling (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix)

“Is it true that you shouted at Professor Umbridge?”

“Yes,” said Harry.

“You called her a liar?”

“Yes.”

“You told her He Who Must Not Be Named is back?”

“Yes.”

Professor McGonagall sat down behind her desk, watching Harry closely. Then she said, “Have a biscuit, Potter.”

A Discipline/Habit to Implement

When you sit down to write this week, take a moment to reflect on these three important questions:

• Am I genuinely being entertained by what I’m writing?
• Is this piece something that I would personally find engaging and worth reading or listening to?
• Am I writing to please others, which can ultimately hinder my creative expression?

I encourage you to challenge yourself and ask these questions during your next writing session!

Put Pen to Paper this week and have fun!

If you want to share this with other fellow writers, just copy and paste this link:

www.austinalford.com/Newsletter

Presented below is a thought from me on writing, a quote from someone else on writing, an excerpt from that writer, and a discipline/habit to implement… 

We will be focusing on the abundance mentality today.

A Thought

There is an abundance of songs, scripts, poems, and book ideas available for every writer. The extent of our search and our determination to find them, rather than settling for less, is what truly matters.

– Austin Alford

A Quote

“I don’t actually tend to do a lot of research when I’m writing. I do know because I think a lot of what I find you want to do with research is just confirming things you want to do. If the research contradicts what you want to do, you tend to go ahead and do it anyway.”

– Christopher Nolan (Writer & Director of Interstellar, The Dark Night Trilogy, Inception, Dunkirk…)

An Excerpt

Christopher & Jonathan Nolan (excerpt from the movie script Interstellar)

EXT. MILLER’S PLANET – MOMENTS LATER (DAY)

Case climbs quickly from the craft, knee deep in the water. Brand and Doyle follow. Case TRACKS the beacon.

CASE: This way, about two hundred meters.

Brand and Doyle peer into the distance. Smooth, ankle-deep water to the horizon, where a distant MOUNTAIN RANGE LOOMS. They start splashing towards it in their heavy spacesuits …

DOYLE: (panting) The gravity’s punishing …

BRAND: Floating through space too long?

CASE: One hundred and thirty percent Earth gravity.

INT. COCKPIT, RANGER – CONTINUOUS

Cooper listens to their chatter, IMPATIENT.

COOPER: (under his breath) Come on …

EXT. MILLER’S PLANET – CONTINUOUS

Doyle falls behind. Brand pushes on. Ahead, Case stops.

CASE: Should be here.

Brand joins him, searching the shallows for some sign of Miller’s mission. She looks up, confused.

BRAND: If the signal’s coming from here –

Case DROPS to his knees THRASHING under the water, like a bear fishing. Doyle arrives –

DOYLE: What’s he doing?

INT. COCKPIT, LANDER – CONTINUOUS

Cooper notices something. In the distance. The mountains –

EXT. MILLER’S PLANET – CONTINUOUS

Case WRENCHES a piece of DAMAGED EQUIPMENT from the sea bed.

BRAND: Her beacon …

Case starts lugging the beacon to the Ranger.

DOYLE: Wreckage. Where’s the rest …?

BRAND: Towards the mountains!

She starts moving fast towards some FLOATING OBJECTS.

INT. COCKPIT, RANGER – CONTINUOUS

Cooper is staring out at the horizon –

COOPER: Those aren’t mountains …

EXT. MILLER’S PLANET – CONTINUOUS

Brand pauses –

COOPER: (over radio) They’re waves –

Brand looks closer – the ’mountains’ are moving, tiny lines of white sea spray are blowing from the tops …

A Discipline/Habit to Implement

This week, I challenge you to explore new ideas.

Instead of settling for the first idea that comes to mind, let’s push ourselves to delve deeper. Take a fresh perspective or approach to it.

Let’s use research to validate and enhance our story or song. There is an abundance of ideas out there waiting to be discovered and explored.

Put Pen to Paper this week and have fun!

If you want to share this with other fellow writers, just copy and paste this link:

www.austinalford.com/Newsletter