The Writer’s 14 Commandments

Why 14?

15 are too many; 13 aren’t enough
(published in “The Christian Communicator” Oct. 2006)

1. Thou shalt recite 100 times every day, “I’m a writer, I’m a writer.”
2. Thou shalt write every day, even if it is only “I AM A WRITER” 100 times.
3. Thou shalt not quit thy day job but shalt write by the light of the silvery moon.
4. If thou quittest thy day job, thou shalt be fully dressed, gargled, and at thy computer by 11 AM every day.
5. Thou shalt love thy computer and kiss it good morning every day.
6. Thou shalt not do other things before writing such as watching thy grass grow or brushing thy dog’s teeth.
7. Thou shalt query an editor at least once a year.
8. Thou shalt not smash thy computer after receiving thy first response from an editor.
9. Thou shalt not take out a full-page ad in the newspaper to announce thy first letter of acceptance.
10. Thou shalt make many copies of thy first letter of acceptance and frame them to hang in every room of thy dwelling.
11. Thou shalt join a critique group and attend writers’ conferences to hold thyself accountable.
12. Thou shalt not covet other writers’ million dollar advances.
13. Thou shalt be pleased with thy check of $30.
14. Thou shalt not quit thy day job but shalt write by the light of the silvery moon.