What I love about James Lee Burke is his no nonsense approach to writing. He just does it everyday, no matter what. He doesn’t accept any kind of rejection other than how it can help him become better.
James had three books published then went thirteen years of nothing. That had to have been hard. However he kept writing. He developed a system and stuck to it. He said he keep submitting to agents.
James said. “Don’t compromise your work. Submit your work anyway and go onto the next project. Suddenly you find that you’re not interested in the fame, applause or silence. You don’t hear any of them. Never listen to the naysayers. If you do, you will stop. Don’t ever stop.”
Work at it everyday, seven days a week. No days off. Keep perfecting your weaknesses.
James says his nemesis is fatigue. I can understand that. What is your nemesis? What keeps you from writing? Keep writing no matter what. Do it because you love it. Find something or someone that inspires you and then write some more. I will also.
On a side note: JR.Ward author said in her Black Dagger Brotherhood Guide book, when her writing dried up she went in a whole other direction. That was the best thing she could have ever done.
Until next time.
All pictures from Pictures.com.
