Dear Self -
You have problems saying no to things. Seriously, you need to cut that out. It’s not that you really WANT to be involved in everything under the sun or that you have all this boundless energy to spend down (trust me, you definitely don’t have a lot of energy).
What I’m trying to say, Self, is that this is all a ploy. An attempt to keep you from sitting still. Sitting still is when you would have to write and, God forbid, we actually give ourselves the time to do that. It’s much easier to avoid it and say you never have time than to risk just sucking big time.
But I’m on YOUR side, so I wanted to alert you to this nefarious plot. (See what good writers we will be if we ever actually give ourselves the opportunity? We know the word nefarious.)
It’s easy!
Step 1: JUST SAY NO!
Step 2: Sit down, quietly or with good music. A pen and paper or a computer would be helpful with this step.
Step 3: Begin to write.
It’s really not that complicated, Self. It’s just that you are scared. But don’t be. We can do this together. And the next time someone says, hey wouldn’t it be cool if you got involved in this, you will be able to shake your head, smile and say…”I’m sorry, but no, I just don’t have the time.” And then breathe a sigh of relief.
Go on, try it.
