Henry Miller’s 11 Writing Commandments
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.
* A priceless Sunday morning find that I just had to share! I saw this listed in a Tumblr blog. Googled and found on several other sites with a source that led to a book that is now on my must read list: Henry Miller on Writing
* A priceless Sunday morning find that I just had to share! I saw this listed in a Tumblr blog. Googled and found on several other sites with a source that led to a book that is now on my must read list: Henry Miller on Writing
6 comments:
Great advice for creating anything! (I'll forgive him for saying music comes later, but i get it)
I like #7. It's so easy to become a hermit and seclude ourselves away from everyone and everything. But living life is the only way we will find inspiration and creativity!
Sooz, I agree. These rules could be tweaked to apply to several creative aspects. And yes, were Mr. Miller in your shoes, music would certainly play in differently. :)
You are so right, Elle. And I am so very guilty of being said hermit. I always say I want to change that. I'll consider it a work in progress.
Note to self: Filling the creative well is vital! (I know this. I do.)
I'm so glad Penny posted this so that I found your website. Thank you both for sharing the treasure of Miller's list. It was just what I needed to read as I get back into the process of completing my current draft after several weeks of real life distractions of various kinds. Balance and daily "practice" of writing are both important. And I'm going to be more of a writing hermit the next few weeks before the LSFW conference.
Karen, thanks so much for stopping by. I'm thrilled that Mr. Miller's list helped/inspired you in some way. Several of his points resonated with me. Best of luck finding your balance. You can do it!
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