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…
A Thought
Frisco TX, Central Park, 2023 of February
As I watched a couple leisurely strolling ahead of me along a walking path, it became apparent that the further we ventured, the more the path resembled a swampy, waterlogged mess.
Even around the bend, it seemed just as treacherous. They decided to turn back, realizing it would be uncomfortable and risky to walk through with their shoes.
However, driven by curiosity and determination, I pressed on. Just a few yards past the bend, the path miraculously cleared up, revealing a truly amazing sight ahead.
At this very moment, you might find yourself frustrated with your writing, feeling like it’s not convenient and yielding little return on the time you’ve invested in your projects. But I implore you to persevere and have faith that just around the bend, it will all be worth it.
– Austin Alford
A Quote
“Our responsibility is to captivate you for however long we’ve asked for your attention. That said, there is tremendous drama to be gotten from the great, what you would say, heavy issues.”
– Aaron Sorkin (screenwriter of A Few Good Men, The West Wing, Moneyball)
An Excerpt
Moneyball (2011), screenplay by Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin, story by Stan Chervin, book by Michael Lewis
“Billy Beane: It’s hard not to be romantic about baseball. This kind of thing, it’s fun for the fans. It sells tickets and hot dogs. Doesn’t mean anything.
Peter Brand: Billy, we just won twenty games in a row.
Billy Beane: And what’s the point?
Peter Brand: We just got the record.
Billy Beane: Man, I’ve been doing this for… listen, man. I’ve been in this game a long time. I’m not in it for a record, I’ll tell you that. I’m not in it for a ring. That’s when people get hurt. If we don’t win the last game of the Series, they’ll dismiss us.
Peter Brand: Billy…
Billy Beane: I know these guys. I know the way they think, and they will erase us. And everything we’ve done here, none of it’ll matter. Any other team wins the World Series, good for them. They’re drinking champagne, they get a ring. But if we win, on our budget, with this team… we’ll have changed the game. And that’s what I want. I want it to mean something.”
A Discipline/Habit to Implement
When does your day start?
Well, it’s actually the night before!
Trust me, setting up your day in advance leads to an incredibly productive and successful day ahead.
So here’s my suggestion: every night, jot down at least 3 goals you want to accomplish in your writing for the next day.
Personally, I find Google Keep to be a fantastic tool for managing my various creative projects and planning my next steps. It helps me stay organized and focused.
Now here’s the interesting part: by writing down your goals the night before, your brain starts working on them while you’re sleeping. It’s like a magical subconscious preparation, where your mind pieces things together effortlessly.
And guess what?
When you wake up to the sound of your alarm, you’ll be bursting with enthusiasm to tackle what lies ahead! It’s an amazing feeling, trust me.
So go ahead, give it a shot and let me know how it works for you. I’m confident you’ll see some truly fruitful results.
– Austin Alford
Put Pen to Paper this week and have fun!
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