Making. Believing. Make believing.
Make Believe HQ for me? The Forge. We converted a little garden shed to a writing hut/office. It’s ten feet from the house, so my commute ain’t too bad.
I’m grateful for this modest little spot. I’ve written some books in there (the first, I think, was Ember Rising) and it’s been a good and useful place for me. It’s useful, but not essential. I still write in the house pretty often.
Don’t get too hung up on worrying about having a “spot.” Don’t add that to an endless list of why you can’t begin to make. Make space to make, whether or not you have a perfect spot. If you wait for perfection, in your work or in your space, you will never get around to making or sharing your work.
Don’t let honest aspiration become a paralyzing perfectionism. Still less, envy.
You probably have what you need to begin or continue the work of creation you’re called to. Don’t wait for permission, especially from your inner critic—or inner snob.
Start where you are. Make something. Later, make something to help you make things.
Don’t wait. Create.
I really love that! I’m working on a book, and the Green Ember series was an example of great writing. I love the series a lot!
Thank you for this, Mr. Smith. I needed to remember this today.
God bless you!
You are an awesome poet. Your words are like… like… I can’t even explain what they mean to me. Just because of you, I’ve decided I would want to become an author.
(I even have a typewriter!) Thanks for your encouragement!
Thank you so much for sharing these words. I think I often make excuses for myself!
I have several of your wonderful books. I just read that Netflix is making a film and streaming TV series based on the Brian Jacques “Redwall” books. I’m sure that will increase sales of those books. Do you have any idea if the “Redwall” movie and streaming series would help or hinder sales of other books (not Redwall) featuring warrior critters? Thank you.
I have been reading The Green Ember to my grandchildren. I’m captivated!! We decided to make a virtual book reading time since I didn’t finish the book before I had to leave. I looking forward to our new book reading tradition. Thank you for providing the source of our new endeavor.