An inspirational quote from Gail Barrett:
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Lao-tzu, (604BC – 531BC)
I’ve always used that quote to help me focus on taking small steps, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the huge project ahead. Another thing that’s interesting about this quote is that apparently a more accurate translation is:
“The journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one’s feet,” which emphasizes that action arises from stillness. I think that interpretation also applies to writing a book because you have to stop and listen to the characters to know which way to go.
Now, go forth and write lots!
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Good morning hard-working ladies. Gail, I love that quote. There are few things more terrifying than typing Chapter 1 on a blank piece of paper. One step at a time is a very wise way to look at it.
Off to work for me! Not writing today, though, thinking. Hard to believe it’s work!
Isabel
I know it sounds corny, but I’ve applied that quote to so many things in my life — when I used to do long distance running, for example. Instead of thinking that I had to run ten miles (which seemed overwhelming) I’d just concentrate on each phase and put the end out of my mind. I remember doing the same thing when I was driving to my first graduate school class. Instead of thinking “Oh, God. Two more years of school,” I just focused on getting through that semester, then the next. Now I do the same thing with my books. Page by page, chapter by chapter.
There was another helpful quote that I read once in Dear Abby or some place similar, and it was basically that the years are going to pass by whether you work towards a goal or not — so would you have rather accomplished something at the end of those years or done nothing?
This is the only way I accomplish ANYTHING! I have to remember to eat my elephant one bite at a time, so to speak.
I’m too late to start with this challenge, but I’ll be watching for next month.
Grace
Great quotes, Gail, love them
Great quotes Gail. I have to say I don’t have too much trouble listening to my character’s because they scream at me if I don’t. LOL.
But you are so right, we need to listen to them other wise who knows where you’d end up. Well I know I’d end up in one hell of a mess.
Hugs
Sandie
Can’t believe this, but I’m blocked. I feel like I’m banging my head against a brick wall. :wall I made it a whole 50 words before I was stumped.
*sighs* Hopefully tomorrow will be better.
:crying
Hang in there, Dena. Don’t stress about the word count. Sometimes blocks happen and then they inexplicably disappear. It’s just the way it is.
Dena,
tomorrow is another day.
Hang in there!
Those words will flow again