D is for Discipline
Writing takes discipline—the same type of self-regulation required of athletes, musicians, or anyone who is serious about their calling. No matter how busy, people tend to make time for the things that are important to them.
I’m going to be blunt. For most of us, “I’m too busy,” is just an excuse. Finding time to write, publish, connect with other authors, or market our work takes self-disciple.
Paul says, “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NLT).
Paul is talking about the Christian life, of course, but the principle applies to writing as well. All the courses, books, and seminars in the world will not make a bit of difference if you don’t take action – and then keep on taking action! There are no guaranteed tips, tricks, or “hacks”. Moving ahead with your writing goals – whatever they may be – takes hard work and a stick-to-it mindset.
This includes discipling one’s muse.
“What?” you may cry. “How can this be?”
“The muse” has come to mean that sometimes elusive, sometimes erratic, often overrated inspiration we need to create. There is a sense that we have little control over it; that it has a mind and will of its own and we’d better take advantage of it when it’s activated.
It’s also a wonderful excuse for procrastination. “I’m not inspired right now,” or, “I’ll wait until the muse strikes.”
I’ve got news. You can take control of your muse!
The first time I heard this declaration was at an InScribe conference about ten years ago. Murray Pura was the keynote. Since then I’ve heard many other “experts” say the same thing. As creative people, we control our muse, not the other way around.
If writing is important, don’t wait for inspiration to strike like lightning. In fact, most of the time, it simply takes some sort of action on our part for it to come to life.
Practically speaking, this means making a conscious decision to sit down and write, even when I don’t feel like it. I give myself a time limit so the task doesn’t feel as onerous. Ninety-nine times out of 100, I “feel” inspired before the ten minutes are up.
While inspiration is a wonderful thing, make sure you’re not using it as an excuse to procrastinate. Take charge! Take action! YOU are in control of your MUSE!
Tracy Krauss is a multi-published author and playwright with more than 30 novels, plays, and devotional books in print. Visit her website: fiction on the edge without crossing the line <https:tracykrauss.com>