“I only write when I am inspired. Fortunately, I am inspired at 9 o’clock every morning.”
— William Faulkner, (September 25, 1897 – July 6, 1962) was an American writer, Nobel Prize laureate, and Pulitzer Prize winning author.
Such a key principle it hardly needs unpacking. Yet, finding and holding on to that kind of dedication and commitment is a common problem for many writers.
I tend to subscribe to the theory that writer’s block, as romantically understood, does not exist. It’s much more likely, in my experience anyway, that the writer is afraid that what he writes is not “good enough.”
And he’s right.
But that doesn’t mean you don’t get it down anyway. As a wise friend once told me, “you can’t fix what’s not on the screen.”
What do you think?
Michael Ehret, for Writing on the Fine Line
Writing On The Fine Line 
I absotootin’lutely agree! I may not “feel” like writing. I may not “feel” the story at the moment, but if I give into my less-that-stellar-discipline, I won’t have a manuscript. But when I make myself begin, knowing I can delete all the dross, I find I get caught up in the story once again and the inspiration flows.
It’s that first step that’s always the hardest. ;o)
It’s that permission to eliminate the crap–even if it’s everything (though it probably won’t be) that gets the fingers moving again.
Disciplined effort has really made the difference for me. But one more thing: I remind myself I can write, and write well. It is my responsibility to write!!! Even Yo Yo Ma practices daily for hours!
A great point! In fact, Yo Yo Ma probably practices more because of who he is. Thanks for sharing.
“You can’t fix what’s not on the screen.” I think my writer’s engine has just been refueled!
Tanara, glad I could help! Now, to apply that to myself, too. Thanks.