You Have Just This One Life To Live, So May as Well Do What You Want With It

Forty years ago, I was at something of a crossroads. I was studying engineering at college but I wanted to write novels. The entire second semester of my sophomore year, I worked on a novel. If I flunked out, so be it.

Now, this may be the most first-world problem you’ve ever heard about, but it was a big deal to me. It’s still a big deal to me.

Without knowing what I was doing, or having studied fiction at all, I set out writing. Previously, I’d only written two pieces of short fiction. But I went right ahead.

Of course it was a terrible novel. Boring plot, boring characters, and poorly written.

The one bright spot is that it set me on the path to learning how to write novels.

Nowadays, I’m pretty sure I know how to write a novel. My only limitation is having the time to do the necessary work.

I enjoy it, though, so really what holds me back is my day job and family obligations. It’s pretty cool, really.

I pursued a creative skill and I’ve (kind of) mastered it. It’s a great gift to be able to do something like write a novel. Not as cool as playing music on guitar or piano—those talents may get a person laid. Writing novels will, at best, get you some kind words from happy readers.

Still, if there’s some creative pursuit you’ve been meaning to pursue, I recommend you start.

Like the proverb says: The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is today. And the third best time is next Saturday when your brother-in-law with the backhoe has time to come around and dig the hole.

I’m not saying I conquered the world, ended hunger, or reversed the climate crisis by learning to write a novel. I’m just telling stories that maybe no one wants to hear.

Hell, writing novels is like assigning yourself homework for the rest of your life.

It feels good, though, being able to do it.

Forty years ago, I was empowered by ignorance with a dash of arrogance, thinking I was smart enough to figure out how to write a novel by myself.

The past twenty years, I’ve probably taken enough classes, workshops and webinars on writing to cover six more years of college. I’ve read 35 books on writing.

It’s all fun, though. It’d be nice to make some money at it, but it’s fine the way it is, allowing me to play in my imaginary world for months or years at a time, and write it down to share with anyone who might need a laugh or to hear about an adventure.

If you’re at all intrigued about writing, or painting, or music, then you should start. Take a class. Read a book on the subject. Follow someone on the internet and try to figure out how they did it.

There’s no guaranteed path to success—which is why I haven’t made any money yet with my novels, but there’s a guaranteed way to learn about creativity.

You learn about creativity by seeking out those who’ve done it and are willing to share their time and talent to teach you.

Books are great but that may not be your preferred way to learn. Returning to college is great, but it’s hella’ expensive.

The nice thing about my approach the past twenty years is that I’ve financed my learning one class or webinar at a time.

Whatever it is you crave in creativity, I think you should try it. I think you should start today.