The Writer's Anonymous 12 Step Program
Friday, June 5, 2009 at 05:52PM 1. I admit I am powerless without writing -- my life has become unmanageable and intangible, and I get a little cranky.
2. I believe that a Power greater than myself can restore me to sanity.
3. I have made a decision to turn my will and my life over to the daily act of writing, knowing that if I can brush my teeth, put on some underwear and watch Dr. Phil every day, I can set aside a couple of hours to achieve my dream.
4. I will make a searching and fearless moral inventory of myself -- not only to come to terms with my failures and missteps, but also to use as material in my book.
5. I admit to God, to myself, and to another human being the exact nature of my addiction to writing, its power over me, and my commitment to accomplish my goals.
6. I am entirely ready to have God remove my defects of character, including, but not limited to, procrastination, self-doubt, and the Jerry Springer Show.
7. I humbly ask God to remove my shortcomings so they do not become impediments to my writing career, and are not discovered by The National Enquirer or People Magazine when I become famous.
8. I will make a list of all persons I have harmed in my life, and I am willing to make amends to them all -- even if it would have made a great screenplay.
9. I will not believe in the power of "Writers Block", understanding that it has a false control over me, allowing me to quit, give up, or otherwise forego my dream and goals.
10. I will listen to, accept and acknowledge criticism and other forms of constructive input, knowing there is always some truth to the suggestions, no matter how wrong I pretend they are.
11. I will not allow literary agents, editors, teachers, experts, consultants, friends, parents, spouses, or even other writers to dissuade me -- in any words, form, or manner -- from my dream, goal and commitment to become the successful writer I will be.
12. I will seek through prayer and meditation to improve my conscious contact with God, praying for knowledge of His will for me, and the power to carry that out. And to complete my manuscript, of course.
(With humble apologies to Alcoholics Anonymous)
Thanks to Scott for allowing me steal this.
Reader Comments (1)
It must be hard to understand online writing jobs... Only chosen ones can do that!