Jean Lutz on sat 29 aug 98
Following is an excerpt from Quick Tips for Creative People. Is anyone
familiar with the booklet he is promoting? More importantly does anyone
have an opinion about his proposals???
""From: BobMSRG@aol.com
Date: Fri, 28 Aug 1998 00:33:14 EDT
Subject: QUICK TIPS FOR CREATIVE PEOPLE - August 27, 1998
QUICK TIPS FOR CREATIVE PEOPLE- a weekly source of inspiration and low-cost
marketing ideas for musicians, artists, writers, actors and more
by Bob Baker - "The Creativity Coach"
(Please forward this newsletter to anyone who could benefit from FREE
creativity success tips by e-mail. For details on how to subscribe and
unsubscribe, see the end of this message.)
BOB'S CREATIVE QUICK TIP OF THE WEEK:
Being a Perfectionist May Be the Perfect Way to Stunt Your Creative Growth
When a well-known literary novelist came out with his first book in over
half a decade, Stephen King reportedly remarked, "Come on, it doesn't take
five years to write a novel."
King should know. He comes out with a new book once every week and half.
I'm just kidding, of course, but his point is well taken.
How long does it take you to exercise your craft? How often do you write a
new song? Conceive a fresh article idea? Finish a new painting? Write a new
play?
Far too many creative people drag out the artistic process, adjusting a
detail here, fine-tuning a nuance there... waiting for a time when the
thing is as perfect as they can get it. Others wait years just to start a
new project. They require every factor (including their mood) to be in
alignment before they'll even take the first step.
Does this describe you?
If so, you're cheating yourself out of having a larger body of work to
share with people who appreciate you. Plus, you're making it more difficult
to earn a decent living doing what you love.
In his book "Write More, Sell More" (Writer's Digest), Robert W. Bly explains
that there are four ways to make more money as a writer. These tips apply to
all creative fields:
1. Produce more quickly. Get the work done in less time and, therefore,
make more money per hour.
2. Increase your output. In other words, become prolific. Work at your
craft every day, whether you're in the mood for it or not.
3. Sell more of your output. Concentrate more on projects that generate
income and less on the freebies.
4. Get paid more. In essence, raise your rates or focus on the
better-paying markets.
Bly makes many references to Isaac Asimov, who produced an incredible
volume of work. "Don't agonize. It slows you down," Asimov is quoted as
saying. "I'm a non-perfectionist. I don't look back in regret or worry at
what I have written."
R.L. Stine, creator of the best-selling Goosebumps series (with over 250
published books), is also used as an example in Bly's book. Stine got his
start as a writer for a soft drink industry trade journal. The ever-present
monthly deadlines kept him moving his fingers across the computer keyboard.
"I learned to write fast," he once said, "and move on to the next piece."
I learned this same lesson during the ten years that I published my local
music magazine here in St. Louis. There was always more I wanted to do with
the articles and content of each issue. But when the deadline was looming
(and both readers and advertising were expecting me to deliver on time), I
had to draw the line on how often I was going to reread and reshape each
article.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating cranking out shoddy work just so you
can get more done. High quality work is what you should strive for. But
when you find yourself reading a 2,000-word article just to change one or
two adverbs (or when you stare at a painting for three days only to add one
dash of magenta in the lower right corner), it may be time to move on to
the next project.
Strive to produce more often. Then work toward producing each project more
quickly. By doing so, you'll get more practice, increase your skill level
and greatly enhance your ability to profit from your talents.
(Robert Bly's book, "Write More, Sell More," is available at bookstores or by
calling 800-289-0963.)
Bob Baker is the author of "Creating Wealth for Creative People." Are you
profiting from your creativity as much as you're capable? Bob's 72-page
manual and workbook will give you the kick in the pants you need to get
focused and on track. Whether you are a writer, musician, artist, actor,
photographer or any other kind of creative small business person, this
resource gives you what you need to start generating the revenue you
deserve. For complete ordering details and a special offer, send the
message "CWFCP Manual Info" to
Bobmsrg@aol.com
To subscribe to these monthly Creative Wealth Ideas e-mail updates and get
regular profit-making ideas and tips, send the subject and message "Subscribe
Creative Quick Tips" to Bobmsrg@aol.com""
Jean Lutz
jlutz@azlink.com
| |
|
