10 aspirations

Ever since Elmore Leonard's 10 Rules of Writing came out, writers everywhere are making up their own lists. I'll dogpile on, though in my case, they're more like 10 Aspirations for my Own Self:

1. Write a book you'd want to read. I know that sounds obvious, but I've caught myself more times that I can count trying to write about shit I'm not remotely interested in, in a style I hate.

2. Fraternize with cats. They make the best writing partners.

3. Take a walk everyday. Don't get hit by cars.

4. Do not feign affection. Especially with other writers.

5. This is a weird one, but I have a superstition that the environment I write in is the environment I'm doomed to be read in, therefore I don't write in front of the TV or in coffeehouses. Actually, I've tried writing both of those places (and more), and I honestly can't understand how people do it. It must take a different kind of brain than mine.

6. Get enough sleep. Get extra, even.

7. It's OK to think you're great, just don't write like you think you're great. Unbridled literary hubris makes for ugly reading.

8. Don't make writing your Life's Work. Actually, I think that's true of anything you really love -- it's kind of like sending your children to the workhouse. Nothing that is essential for your survival should be made to shoulder the burden of earning your living. Always have a day job.

9. (or 8a) Marry (or suck up to) somebody with a steady income.

10. Kill your cell phone.