“You have to put in the time. If you are not there, the words will not appear. Simple as that. A writer is not someone who thinks obsessively about writing, or talks about it, or plans it, or dissects it, or even reveres it: a writer is the one who puts his arse in the chair when the last thing he wants to do is have his arse in the chair.” (Colum McCann , Letters to a Young Writer)
Writing Exercise: The Discipline of Showing Up
Techniques Illustrated by the Quotation:
1. Commitment to the Physical Act of Writing – Progress happens when a writer consistently puts words on the page, not just when inspiration strikes.
2. Pushing Through Resistance – Writing on the days when it feels difficult strengthens discipline and deepens creative endurance.
3. Releasing Perfectionism – Showing up daily, even with imperfect words, builds momentum and demystifies the writing process.
500-Word Writing Prompt:
Set a timer for one hour. No checking messages, no scrolling, no walking away. Your task is to write 500 words of a story, reflection, or scene, no matter the quality. The focus is not on outcome but on the act of staying in the chair and writing through resistance.
• If you feel blocked, describe the room you’re in with extreme detail.
• If the story falters, switch perspectives or drop your character into an unexpected situation.
• If doubt creeps in, keep typing—write about the doubt itself if necessary.
There is no stopping before the hour is up. Your only goal is to write something.
Evaluation Criteria for a Strong Response:
• Words are on the page. Even if the work is rough or disjointed, the writer has honored the practice.
• Momentum builds. The piece doesn’t have to be complete, but the writing should show a willingness to explore rather than hesitate.
• Discomfort is acknowledged but not obeyed. If the writer felt resistance, did they write through it? Did they push forward rather than delete or stall?
• There is no erasing. Forward motion matters more than polishing. A raw, messy passage is more successful than a perfectly revised sentence with no new words following it.
Weak vs. Strong Execution:
Weak: “I don’t know what to write. This feels pointless. I’ll try again later.” (Avoiding the exercise.)
Strong: “I hate this blank page. It’s mocking me. Fine. I’ll write about the lamp on my desk. The shade is dented, the bulb too bright. I should replace it, but I never do. Like this story—how many times have I told myself I’ll start tomorrow?” (Pushing through the resistance by writing about the act of writing.)
Weak: (Nothing written after the first few sentences.)
Strong: (500 words, even if rambling, uncertain, or tangential.)
Follow-Up Questions for Workshopping/Revision:
• Where did you feel the most resistance? What did you do in that moment?
• Did any unexpected ideas emerge once you pushed past doubt?
• What surprised you about writing through discomfort?
• How did showing up for the full hour shift your perception of writing as a practice?
Recommended Reading:
• Letters to a Young Writer by Colum McCann – Practical insights on writing discipline and the necessity of showing up.
• On Writing by Stephen King – A direct, no-excuses approach to daily practice and persistence.
• Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey – A look at the habits and work ethics of famous writers, reinforcing the power of routine.
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