Become a Writer Today

Famous American playwright and screenwriter David Mamet offers two rules for success as an artist.Although he speaks primarily from his experiences as a dramatic writer, Mamet’s advice is useful for all kinds of creatives including painters, musicians, comedians and even bloggers on Medium.He said, “You’ve got to do one thing for your art every day, and you’ve got to do one thing for your business every day.”What does Mamet’s advice look like in practice? And is he right?--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/becomeawritertoday/message

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Do you want to turn your blog into a book? If you're a non-fiction writer, this is a fantastic approach to writing a book.Last year, I set out to write a book about non-fiction writing. I decided that I wanted to turn some of the blog posts from Become a Writer Today into book chapters.So I drew together the strands of my published blog posts with the topic for my book.In this episode, I'll explain what I learned from this approach to book writing. I'll also give you some blog to book tips.But first, why should you consider turning a blog post into a book?And how do you know if this approach to book writing is for you?--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/becomeawritertoday/message

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I once wrote the first draft of a book chapter that smelt so bad, I had to open up the office window while reading it.It's a good thing my first drafts are for me alone, and yours should be too.When you sit down to write a first draft, you may lack confidence or feel uninspired by what you're about to do.When you’re writing a first draft, it's you alone wrestling with your ideas and stories, and if you pin one to the page or if procrastination pins you to the chair, nobody needs to know.Most writers, even successful ones, don't write good first drafts. They're more concerned with getting the words out of their heads and onto the blank page. They know they can fix their writing later on during a subsequent rewrite or during the editing process.You may feel like you're writing with a crayon in your mouth, and that's okay.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/becomeawritertoday/message

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New York man Robert Mapplethorpe (1946-1989) wanted to do one thing with his life: to live for art. During his teens and early twenties, he experimented with drawing, painting and sculpture.Then, in 1970 a friend gave Robert a loan of a 360 Land camera, a clunky but technically simple, silver and black device. Robert settled on the camera as his creative tool of expression because “it was more honest.”At first, Robert restricted himself to only taking pictures of his former -girlfriend and life-long creative partner the singer Patti Smith. The confines of a single muse shaped his creative vision and enabled him to hone his technique. In Just Kids, Patti writes:“He was comfortable with me and he needed time to get his technique down. The mechanics of the camera were simple, but the options were limited.”--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/becomeawritertoday/message

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I've worked at home on and off for several years as a journalist, copywriter and marketer. I've procrastinated and accomplished nothing while working outside of the office. I've also enjoyed some of my most productive days while working at home.I'm not alone.Earlier this year, social media software company Buffer found that more than 90% of employees working outside of the office would prefer to work remotely for the remainder of their careers rather than going back to the office.You might prefer working from home, so you need to take the right steps to avoid distractions and become more productive.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/becomeawritertoday/message

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I want to talk about four of the most common fears that new writers and people who set out to write a book for the first time often have. To talk about these fears I want to tell you a little bit about my writing journey.You see, when I was in my early twenties I decided I wanted to become a writer and I said I wanted to write a book but there was just one problem, I wasn’t writing anything at all. You see, I believed I wasn’t ready to write and I needed some anointed mentor in a tweed jacket to pull me aside and say “Bryan, now is your time!” and I became jealous of the success of the people around me – the journalist I went to college with and the other students in the creative writing class I was in and I felt sick by my lack of progress. So I joined an advanced creative writing and non-fiction writing workshop in Dublin and on the second evening, the instructor said that every student had to submit a short story or a personal essay.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/becomeawritertoday/message

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I knew I wanted to publish my first book, and that learning to write every day was the key to doing it.But, it wasn’t enough to know the concept.I had to figure out how to keep my deadlines and finish writing what I started.How could I write every day and balance having a job, two kids, friends and family who don’t write, and all the in-betweens?I faced my biggest challenge yet.If couldn’t face this one down, I’d never be able to call myself an author.I’d never be able to look myself in the mirror again.Find out how I created a daily writing habit.Resources:https://becomeawritertoday.com/write-every-day/--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/becomeawritertoday/message

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Now, my list of writing prompts works for me... because Iwrote them. No, that’s not the sound of my over-sized egobanging off the ceiling.I’d like you to create your own list of writing prompts and add to it over time.Whether you’re writing a journal entry, a blog post or a book chapter, keeping a personal library of writing prompts will save you hours of wasted time.Use a notepad.Use a digital app like Evernote. Use the back of your hand if you have to... but build your personal library of writingprompts.Start by taking a great first line from your favourite book, writer or story. You could go on to record snippets of conversations, headlines you like and even ideas you come across in great books. Use what works and discard the rest.If you do this, you won’t have to perch yourself over the blank page and wonder if you’ve got what it takes to become a successful writer.Instead, you’ll be able to say, “Yes, I can write!”Want more? Get your free book of writing pro--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/becomeawritertoday/message

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Steve Martin spent much of the 1970s becoming America’s top stand-up comedian. He toured the country with his surreal show, and he sold out arenas to thousands of screaming fans.Martin wanted more.His real goal was to break into the movie business. Martin knew it would take a single-minded focus to achieve this new, larger goal. So, he put his stand-up comedy career to one side to concentrate on acting and screenwriting.ResourcesBorn Standing Up by Steve MartinSteve Martin's Masterclass-https://becomeawritertoday.com/masterclass-review/--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/becomeawritertoday/message

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It’s exciting, isn’t it?Writing your first book and then sending the final version to your editor and later it being available (and SELLING!) on stores like Amazon.The months (or even years) of hard work are over, and now you can watch with pride as your book goes out into the world.Now, you can sit back as your ideas and stories make an impact on readers and earn you a side-income.You can finally call yourself an author.But, what if you’re not there yet? What if you’re still struggling to finish writing your first book?Then, I think you’ll agree with me that writing a book is tough work.Like really tough.But, don’t worry.In this episode, I’m going to be honest with you.I’m going to reveal seven of the most common writing mistakes aspiring authors must avoid (and how you can do it).--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/becomeawritertoday/message

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If you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins

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