Skip to main content

"Henry Miller’s 11 Commandments for Writing"

I recently read an article written by Kathleen Valentine who stated that she liked Henry Miller's list of 11 Commandments for Writing because "there is a work ethic evident that a lot of us could use." I couldn't agree with her more.

For me, I strongly believe in completing one project at a time. I don't have a problem multi-tasking but it seems that as a writer you could lose focus doing so. Then again it all depends on what type of writer you are.

Per Henry Miller, writing should be "first and always," but for me, I need a distraction or at least a break every now and then. So, painting, music, friends, and cinema are things I integrate into my writing routine.

Overall, my writing routine is in alignment with most of the 11 commandments, especially writing joyously and with pleasure.

So, how much do you agree with Henry Miller's 11 Commandments? Do tell!

Henry Miller's 11 Commandments for Writing

1. Work on one thing at a time until finished.
2. Start no more new books, add no more new material to "Black Spring."
3. Don't be nervous. Work calmly, joyously, recklessly on whatever is in hand.
4. Work according to Program and not according to mood. Stop at the appointed time!
5. When you can't create you can work.
6. Cement a little every day, rather than add new fertilizers.
7. Keep human! See people, go places, drink if you feel like it.
8. Don't be a draught-horse! Work with pleasure only.
9. Discard the Program when you feel like it - but go back to it next day. Concentrate. Narrow down. Exclude.
10. Forget the books you want to write. Think only of the book you are writing.
11. Write first and always. Painting, music, friends, cinema, all these come afterwards.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

National Poetry Month’s Feature: Poet Claire Dorsey

Poet’s Bio: Claire Dorsey studied acting at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. She has worked as an actress for almost 20 years Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway, originating roles in Pearl Cleage's  Late Bus to Mecca  at the Judith Anderson Theater and Diana Son's  Stealing Fire  at SoHo Rep. She appeared in an episode of the TV show  The Wire . She worked as an artist-in-residence in NYC public schools and performed her poetry at venues throughout the city.  She collaborated with NYC photographer Kwasi Noire to self-publish a volume of poetry entitled  Rhythms of a Life . Her work appears in volumes 1 and 2 of The Fire Inside: Collected Stories and Poems from Zora’s Den . Claire works as a proofreader and copy editor and is the mother of one amazing daughter.  Readers can learn more about Claire and her work at: Facebook: Claire Dorsey Instagram: kleyrmoon  Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to be a poet? Claire Dorsey: I am one of nine children. I was nicknamed Idy (

It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Debbie Stokes, author of The Stranger He Knew

Author’s Bio: Debbie Stokes was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. She has always had a desire to be a published author of a fiction novel, but fear stopped her. She often shares how her story ideas come to her in her dreams, and how she jumps up to write them down. Finally, one day, she pushed past her fear and allowed her vision to come to past. She is now a published author, and The Stranger He Knew is her first book.  Debbie is a former CEO, blogger, and interviewer for her previous women's empowerment blog called, 3 Women Voices, where she shared empowering stories of how people overcame odds to live their best lives. She is also a former contributing writer for FEMI Magazine, a cultural lifestyle magazine, where she interviewed and shared people’s stories.  When not writing, she enjoys singing, dancing, inspiring others, and spending time with family.  Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book? Debbie Stokes: That is a funny story. One day, I went

Interview with Jacqueline Seewald, Author of THE INHERITANCE

Author’s Bio: Multiple award-winning author, Jacqueline Seewald, has taught creative, expository and technical writing at Rutgers University as well as high school English. She also worked as both an academic librarian and an educational media specialist. Sixteen of her books of fiction have previously been published to critical praise including books for adults, teens and children. Her short stories, poems, essays, reviews and articles have appeared in hundreds of diverse publications and numerous anthologies. What inspired you to write your book? I enjoy writing romantic mystery fiction. The idea for this particular novel just seemed to evolve organically from my imagination. Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult? I would have to say reading the Bible was influential. As far as regular books go, I’m a big fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Is this your first book? How long did it take to start and