First let’s check the clichés:
To Fill the bill—to suit a purpose, to satisfy requirements. This originally came from 19th century American stage. Poster announced a program, listing star attractions and then added lesser-known entertainers to complete the show (or fill out the bill). By mid-century, the term had been transferred to other areas—it acquired a primary sense of providing what was needed. Harper’s Magazine in 1890: “they filled the bill according to their lights.”
Mind the Store (to)—Take charge in someone’s absence. Dates from about 1900. It originally meant literally taking over the business of a store when the owner was temporarily away. Later it expanded to more general usage.
Broke Ground (to break ground)—To be innovative; to start a new project. Dates from 16th century. Literally meant to break up land with a plow. Figuratively used by late 17th cent. by the poet John Dryden and others. In 1830, De Quincey described Jeremy Bentham as “…who first broke ground as a pioneer…,” – this expression was already headed toward clichédom.
So, how many did you find?
I heard someone say if you don’t write at least two hours a day, you aren’t a writer.
I’m going to put my foot down and disagree. Lots of time I may not be actually writing (by hand or typing on computer), but I’m thinking about my story, getting ideas for either a story or characters. Sometimes I’m even going over my story in my head, figuring out more scenes.
There are all types of “writing” and ways to do it. My writing keeps my body and soul together. Makes me happy. I don’t write for money or fame—it would be nice, though. I just love to tell stories and, hopefully, entertain others.
I also believe the pen is mightier than the sword, so all of you who write, keep writing. You can either entertain others with stories, essays, poetry, etc., and/or you can impart knowledge. I pray that I do a bit of both.
Some writers commit to a certain amount of pages per day rather than the time. Stephen King, at one point in his career, committed to 10 pages a day. Some do five pages a day. Of course, it all depends on the writer how much time or how many pages one does in one sitting.
My time writing per day varies each day. Some days I’m writing all day, some a couple of hours, some, not even one sentence or word written.
Even if you only write ten minutes a day—you are a writer!
Enjoy, and
Keep Writing,
Julie
