Comments on: Specking It

By: Annette Mencke

Annette Mencke — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 09:25:37 +0000

Thank You Steven. I keep a copy of every Writing Wednesday cause I love them. I realise I am a Speck Songwriter, put my head on the line with every song I write…..You have to love it otherwise you wouldn’t do it.
Thank You Thank You Thank You Steven……Your re-runs are a good reminder.

By: Hilary

Hilary — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:28:26 +0000

Hi Steven – presumably it’s similar to practice: ie you write one poem, and then another and another .. similarly with articles, posts etc .. you improve: yes a book may take some time longer, but you could start with chapter by chapter, or outline – expand – add ‘meat’ .. etc

Thank you – Hilary Melton-Butc her
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

By: aalize

aalize — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:49:56 +0000

ditto: “This is very encouragin’ ” xxx

By: Jennifer L King

Jennifer L King — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:48:03 +0000

Maybe Specking It is the writer’s equivalent to sliding out as far as possible on the limb. It either gives away or catapults to higher heights. An uncomfortably exposed place to be. But I agree that it is there great work can be produced. Outside the comfort zone. Something to strive for.

Thank you for writing this piece. It has inspired me to slide out a bit further along the limb, and leap further out into the unknown.

Happy 2010,
Jennifer King

By: Jeff

Jeff — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 06:11:30 +0000

Very inspiring. Thanks Steve.

By: Chris Norris

Chris Norris — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:34:36 +0000

Enjoy your blog. Love your War of Art book. Thank you for your efforts.
May the Muse be with you.
Take care….
Chris Norris

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:01:31 +0000

My son sent me a link to your site today and this article was the first I read. I make my living from what I publish on the web and have been struggling for years with what to say when people ask “So, what do you do?” Building websites isn’t really the right answer although I do that. I make money from Google and Ebay is to technical.

I think I am a Spec Publisher may finally get the message across; at least to folks who know what a spec builder is.

Thanks

By: Walt K

Walt K — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:50:44 +0000

You are so right on about this.

For us freelancers who spend our days writing, designing, shooting, illustrating other people’s stuff, having a spec project on the side lifts the soul. Could turn a buck, too.

By: RobertBurtonRobinson

RobertBurtonRobinson — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:37:06 +0000

Steven,

Several years ago I decided to write a script on spec. It was a crazy idea, since I had never done much writing of any kind, and had no contacts in Hollywood. But I went out and purchased a word processor and a couple of screenwriting books anyway.

To my amazement, I finished it! Then came the sad realization that it would never sell. But I submitted it to writing contest and made the finals. It wasn’t a bad screenplay. But what was the point? Even if it had been great, I wouldn’t have been able to sell it. But the experience of writing that screenplay gave me the confidence to try writing a novel—eventually, some years later.

In 2006, I created a website and began to write a serial mystery novel. All I had was the first couple of scenes. Yet I promised the world I was going to deliver a novel. Crazy. But I finished it. And I got great comments from my readers. So, I wrote two more novels and two novellas that same way.

My new book will not be posted as a serial. So the pressure is off—which is not necessarily a good thing. I probably should have been writing a chapter instead of posting this comment. Resistance. Guess I’d better go back and re-read The War of Art.

Thanks so much for Writing Wednesdays!

By: Karol Gajda

Karol Gajda — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:06:18 +0000

That is “We can’t let Resistance win!” (oops!)