Time Plus The Will To Write and Create
“Beyond imagination and insight, the most important component of talent is perseverance—the will to write and rewrite in pursuit of perfection. Therefore, when inspiration sparks the desire to write, the artist immediately asks: Is this idea so fascinating, so rich in possibility, that I want to spend months, perhaps years, of my life in pursuit of its fulfillment? Is this concept so exciting that I will get up each morning with the hunger to write? Will this inspiration compel me to sacrifice all of life’s other pleasures in my quest to perfect its telling? If the answer is no, find another idea. Talent and time are a writer’s only assets. Why give your life to an idea that’s not worth your life?”
— Robert McKee
I frequently write about the greatest marketing differentiator: time. Time plus will plus perseverance, combined with creative talent equals content worthy of note. Talent alone means nothing. There are many talented individuals lacking strength of will. Daily, we must choose to write. Daily we must persevere.
However, time needs perseverance to be effective. Without effort, creativity, plus time the equation just does not work. Our imaginations must be translated on to paper, either physical or digital. Thoughts alone without the permanent placement on paper may fade to be never captured or applied in an idea or story or business. Good marketing needs time plus writing skills plus stories that resonate with the right target customer.
Were you up this morning with this “hunger to write,” as Robert McKee admonishes? Pick your time; find your topic. Time. Will. Choice.
Your clients, readers, and customers are waiting.
By Stuart Atkins
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