Steve shows you the predictable Resistance points that every writer hits in a work-in-progress and then shows you how to deal with each one of these sticking points. This book shows you how to keep going with your work.
A short book about the writing of a first novel: for Steve, The Legend of Bagger Vance. Having failed with three earlier attempts at novels, here's how Steve finally succeeded.
Steve shares his "lessons learned" from the trenches of the five different writing careers—advertising, screenwriting, fiction, nonfiction, and self-help. This is tradecraft. An MFA in Writing in 197 pages.
Amateurs have amateur habits. Pros have pro habits. When we turn pro, we give up the comfortable life but we find our power. Steve answers the question, "How do we overcome Resistance?"
We’re not after the critics. We’re after the segment of people who connect with and benefit from our work. How do you get it to them?
Mickey AuGrecon September 10, 2025 at 4:17 am
So true – spot on. Many of us extol critics’ wisdom and shrewdness if they favor our work, or anything about it … and revile them when they criticize it. Write for your audience. Cheers, MG
Muriel Palmer-Rheaon September 10, 2025 at 6:08 am
I grew up with praise (my grandmother) and Criticism (my Aunt) One had me the next big thing ( I aparently did a spot -on imitation of the little girl singing a soap commercial on the radio, Bubbles Silverman, who grew up to be Beverly Sills). The other rarely had a good thing to say. I lived with one, then the other.Boarding school for both cases, which leveled me out some, but through it all, there was CRITICISM coming from all directions. Somehow I came out sane and productive. Had to make my own judgements and give my best.
Barbara Newton-Holmeson September 10, 2025 at 8:03 am
My husband and I once spent a week at an apartment where the owner had a pet turtle. Every night I’d tiptoe back to our bedroom through the kitchen where that turtle held court in his cramped aquarium. His eyes followed my every move. It was creepy.
After a couple of nights I had a stroke of what felt like genius. I decided not to look at the turtle anymore.
I wish I could say I’ve applied that willpower to critics but I have not. These last two posts are quite the one-two punch of, “It’s time.”
P.S. I’m halfway through the interview Steve linked to in an eMail Saturday, and if you’re wondering whether to partake — and need that outside validation 🤔 — I would say go for it!
Our need for connection serves us in one way as we write for others who might enjoy our thoughts. Our need for connection can go overboard into addiction for approval. It’s a balance. The more deeply I enter into my need to write or paint, the more centering I must practice.
In the Four Pillars of Wisdom (Buddhist?), there are two important ones to start with.
The first is a sense of what is impermanent and what is permanent. Your writing practice is permanent, but your thoughts and feelings may change and are impermanent. Critic voices are impermanent. You need to keep writing and acknowledge this. This is the first key to overcoming Resistance. You keep going.
The second one is also really important: Dispassion. This is like what you have always said: treat your writing as your business and your discipline. This is a second key to overcoming Resistance. Keep at it. Not following your heart. Hearts don’t belong where they can get bruised by critics.
Just a few thoughts.
Website not up at this time.
Kensington from Canadaon September 10, 2025 at 11:43 am
Sage advice. I’ve developed sort of a crystal-coated patina that repels criticism and scatters it into space. It took a long time for that layer to build up, though.
I guess you’re damned if ya do and damned if ya don’t.
I paint and sculpt. I’ve been doing that for a zillion years. I started when I was pretty little, sitting in the backseat of my parents car as they explored the US. I didn’t speak one single word till I was well over 3. That’s what I’ve been told. Maybe my parents were taking up that air. I always thought of them as Fitzgerald and Zelda. Turbulent but romantic. Anyway, art for me is a refuge, when I can overlook others opinions if it.
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Porno İzle Karılarını takas etmek isteyen elemanlar hep birlikte evde buluşuyor
türkçe porno Güzel vakit geçirdikten sonra kızlara isteklerini iletiyorlar ve hatunlarda kocalarının bu isteklerini kabul ediyorlar
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That’s wise advice, Steve. But most writers aren’t that wise.
I would never have sold my first story or the fortieth had I listened to a criticism. Thanks for the reminder. Your words keep us motivated.
This is a Bruce-Lee-one-inch-punch.
Well said, Joe!!
We’re not after the critics. We’re after the segment of people who connect with and benefit from our work. How do you get it to them?
So true – spot on. Many of us extol critics’ wisdom and shrewdness if they favor our work, or anything about it … and revile them when they criticize it. Write for your audience. Cheers, MG
BOOM!
I grew up with praise (my grandmother) and Criticism (my Aunt) One had me the next big thing ( I aparently did a spot -on imitation of the little girl singing a soap commercial on the radio, Bubbles Silverman, who grew up to be Beverly Sills). The other rarely had a good thing to say. I lived with one, then the other.Boarding school for both cases, which leveled me out some, but through it all, there was CRITICISM coming from all directions. Somehow I came out sane and productive. Had to make my own judgements and give my best.
Just listen to the Muse!
The social recluse in me has embraced this! You made it even nobler to do so!
My husband and I once spent a week at an apartment where the owner had a pet turtle. Every night I’d tiptoe back to our bedroom through the kitchen where that turtle held court in his cramped aquarium. His eyes followed my every move. It was creepy.
After a couple of nights I had a stroke of what felt like genius. I decided not to look at the turtle anymore.
I wish I could say I’ve applied that willpower to critics but I have not. These last two posts are quite the one-two punch of, “It’s time.”
P.S. I’m halfway through the interview Steve linked to in an eMail Saturday, and if you’re wondering whether to partake — and need that outside validation 🤔 — I would say go for it!
And those critics have about as much invested in you and your art as that turtle did.
Great story.
🍃🌸🍃
Our need for connection serves us in one way as we write for others who might enjoy our thoughts. Our need for connection can go overboard into addiction for approval. It’s a balance. The more deeply I enter into my need to write or paint, the more centering I must practice.
In the Four Pillars of Wisdom (Buddhist?), there are two important ones to start with.
The first is a sense of what is impermanent and what is permanent. Your writing practice is permanent, but your thoughts and feelings may change and are impermanent. Critic voices are impermanent. You need to keep writing and acknowledge this. This is the first key to overcoming Resistance. You keep going.
The second one is also really important: Dispassion. This is like what you have always said: treat your writing as your business and your discipline. This is a second key to overcoming Resistance. Keep at it. Not following your heart. Hearts don’t belong where they can get bruised by critics.
Just a few thoughts.
Website not up at this time.
Sage advice. I’ve developed sort of a crystal-coated patina that repels criticism and scatters it into space. It took a long time for that layer to build up, though.
Love this.
I guess you’re damned if ya do and damned if ya don’t.
I paint and sculpt. I’ve been doing that for a zillion years. I started when I was pretty little, sitting in the backseat of my parents car as they explored the US. I didn’t speak one single word till I was well over 3. That’s what I’ve been told. Maybe my parents were taking up that air. I always thought of them as Fitzgerald and Zelda. Turbulent but romantic. Anyway, art for me is a refuge, when I can overlook others opinions if it.