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