Most of the content I’ve decided to take in at Blissdom this year has been centered around writing.

Writing is like breathing to me, I don’t do it because I have to, I do it because without it I would be lost. But there are rules to writing behind any voice …

one.

Write for yourself. If what you publish isn’t something you’d find interesting elsewhere, don’t write it.

two.

Discipline yourself. Write every day and be selfish at 5 am. This doesn’t mean publish everything, just write.

three.

Edit your work. (Oh hey, this should be numbers one through seven for me. I need to edit my posts better. And cut to the chase.) Read it out loud, sleep on it and then publish a piece you’re proud of.

four.

Admit it. Say it out loud and add it to your resume; “I’m a writer.” Turn pro in your head, when you believe it then everyone else will, too.

five.

If it’s not an “Oh Hell Yeah” kind of reaction then it’s a “No.” Period. Stop saying yes to every opportunity for your time and energy. Say yes (and seek out) the projects that result in your happy dance.

six.

Make friends. Networking and connections and having a mentor or a lateral peer – pursue relationships. Cultivate them and sew into them as well as ask for advice or critiques.

seven.

Cancel the contingencies, finish what you started.

**These are just a few of the notes I took today in workshops.