So my comment on Raine’s blog last Friday got me to thinking.

If you’re NOT going to put any time into it(writing), you might as well quit.

I mean what’s the point to keep going if you’re not going to write and all you’re going to do is whine about not having any writing time? I’m sorry but put up or shut up–yes I’m obviously one of the people Raine blogged about above because I don’t want to hear that “I don’t have time” bullshit! There are lots of us out there who “don’t have time” that fucking make the time because it’s important to us.

And while I was um a bit hormonal *coughbitchycough*, I think there’s something valid there.

So how do you NOT write a book? Here are a few ways I came up with in no particular order. Feel free to add your own.

1. Put everything and everybody above your writing: You MUST make time to write. Those words don’t just magically appear on their own. I’m not saying kick your family or job or housework to the curb (but if you can get away with it, go for it).

2. Spend so much time studying the craft that you don’t actually write. This is a cop out. The best way to learn the craft of writing…is to write. Duh.

3. Whine about not having time to write. I don’t want to hear you whine, because believe me when I say everyone has a life to deal with–I have two kids and a day job (a house and two cats). I find time. You can too. Allison Brennan wrote with three or four kids, and a stressful full-time job in the California state government. If you really want to write, you’ll make time.

4. Don’t read. This is an even bigger duh than #2. And believe it or not, I actually know of authors who don’t read. There was even a period after I started writing when I didn’t read–I actually think this is normal BUT if you want to be a writer you have to read AND write.

5. Quit. This one needs no explanation.

So why am I posting all this? Why be such a mean girl? Because I LOVE what I do. I LOVE being a writer, despite the hardship, the deadlines, the rejections, the setbacks…all of it. Now, I’m going to go dump my Alpha Smart and do some editing so I can update my meter.

Feel free to add your own, or argue with me. And then, go read this. And then, come back and tell me what you think.