Grrreat concept. I've been practicing writing for years, but never specifically, e.g. focusing on dialogue for a 1-2 week period. I will do that now; thanks for the mentioning!
I perked up when you said you have depression. Me too! I've been watching your more recent videos for a while, I've come to trust you, and I appreciate the tips!
Hey Chris you mentioned the book, Talent is overrated in this video. I want to buy it...could you give me your Amazon link for it so you get credit for that. Thanks man
No worries, man! Just go ahead and snag it. RU-vid doesn't like me posting affiliate links. Buying one of my books is a great thank you, though I have to be honest...none is necessary. Pay it forward!
Good stuff, Chris. Dean Wesley Smith and Kris Rusch have been promoting deliberate practice for years. Thanks for the reminder! For those interested in more details: www.deanwesleysmith.com/chapter-11-killing-the-sacred-cows-of-publishing-writers-dont-need-to-practice/
Thanks, Jim! DWS has wonderful writing advice, and I've learned a lot from him (including reading the linked article, which is totally worth the time).
I've just finished reading So good they can't ignore you by Cal Newport and one of his big items in the book towards becoming good at something is deliberate practice. It is the one thing that separates mediocre from excellent and you were way ahead of him with this.
Can somebody point me to a good source for understanding and practicing English grammar as a focus area of my deliberate practice? I am certainly not the worst with writing in English, I read and write almost exclusively in English. However it is not my native language so when I write I often just go with what sounds good to my ear. But that's just going on feel and not with a full understanding of English grammar and punctuation. Especially in novel writing.
They go hand in hand. I decide before sitting down what I'm working on. If I'm doing one of the description exercises, I might set a 5 minute timer and write until it's up. While writing I'm focusing on description (or characterization, or pacing, etc), and when the sprint is over I review my work to see how I did =)
When it comes to writing, what sources (in book form) do you think has been most important when it comes to the art of writing? I assume this is too many to list here, but are there any that stand out outside of your own books? Reading loads of fiction in my area of writing is of course something that I already do and enjoy.
Thank you very much for your response. While all of this surely fits into a great marketing plan, the work you are doing for everyone is really good. I honestly thank you, from the bowels of the internet. :D
Trump should have taken this course! When you read a speech, you are understood. When you speak from the hip- you suck! Sorry- Trump sucks when he does so. There is a reason you read, you practice - you rehearse- something again Trump did not do- but lastly- listen. Listen to where you could improve yourself. Job interview, speaking in church- etc. etc. and finally- NO PLAN for success is a plan for failure.
