If you’ve never seen Bob Ross (the painter), you should check him out. For him, there were no mistakes. There were only “happy accidents”, opportunities to make something beautiful. Watching him paint was both meditative and inspirational. Every choice was considered and celebrated, every moment a chance to enjoy the process.

I’d like to say that I write like Bob Ross painted, but that’s rarely true. As often as not, I’m gesturing and pacing. I often read aloud as I write, and I always do it when I’m editing. Swearing happens. So does laughing. Sometimes, I have to take breaks to punch something.

Does any of this sound familiar? Or are you one of those “gaze softly into the middle distance as the words drift gently down from heaven” sort of writers?

Either way, I’d like to make the case for passion. 

My primary takeaway from Bob Ross isn’t to stay peaceful. It’s to stay open. Try things. Consider incorporating your mistakes instead of discarding them. Be fearless.

Throw words at the keyboard. Write stupid things. Get mad at what you’ve written, or fall in love with it. Whichever’s appropriate. Feel all the feelings. 

If you’re not crying when you’re writing a death scene, how can you expect your readers to? If you’re not scared to write the next page, you have to know that your reader won’t be scared to read it. 

Did you just discover that one of your main characters is a jerk? Lean into it. Hate him. Consider making him even more of a jerk. Share your hate with the reader.

Is nothing sounding good? Everything’s awkward? The words aren’t coming? Sometimes, you need a break to clear your head. Every once in a while, though, try holding yourself in the fire. Embrace the frustration. Treat it like a personal attack. Type faster and harder. Instead of stressing over quality, dig into the substance. You can always go back and edit.

Writing can be solitary and sedentary and isolating. Don’t let it be boring.

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