One of the most memorable movie scenes of the 1990s is Alec Baldwin as the slimy manager, Blake, in Glengarry Glen Ross, advising the motley group of old, tired or just incompetent real estate salesmen to “ABC,” or “Always Be Closing.”
Baldwin is brilliant in it. For weeks after seeing the film, my friends and I took the phrase and applied it to whatever was going on currently in our lives.
To wit:
“Always Be Shopping.”
“Always Be Dating.”
“Always Be Exercising.”
“Always Be Drinking.”
Etcetera.
Then we’d launch into that specific topic and why it was or wasn’t working out for us.
“Oh, those tan leather pumps!”
“Oh, that creep last weekend!”
“Oh, my bum is so sore!”
“Oh, I’ll never drink Shiraz again!” (back in the days when I still drank wine. . . ).
See how much fun?
Currently, I’m mostly focused on “Always Be Writing” (ABW). But before that could happen, there was another maxim: Always Be Learning.
When you’re a new writer and not quite sure what to put down on paper, what does “ABL” really mean?
First, it means giving yourself a break. Like any skill, learning to be a better writer will take some time and practice.
Then, it means you write.
You write when you have a few minutes between other tasks. You write rather than watch a movie on a plane (unless they happen to show Glengarry Glen Ross). You write when you’re stuck in line at the grocery store. You write when you’re finished Pilates and you have 15 minutes to spare.
Basically, you write any chance you get. And you write regularly.
Have you heard of Seth Godin? He’s known mostly as a marketer and blogger, but he’s so much more than that.
Godin is a role model for writers everywhere.
He started a blog back in 2002, long before most people had even heard of such things. And he’s published a post every single day since then. That’s right: he’s written a blog post every day for almost a quarter of a century!
Some of Seth Godin’s posts are brilliant, and have become classics in the world of marketing. Others are long, thoughtful examinations of current trends, psychological theories, or famous people.
Still others are only a single sentence. Many are just a few paragraphs. Some don’t quite hit the mark. And some are positively cringe-worthy.
But has that stopped him from posting? No sirree. And it’s also how Godin has become so well known, with more than 20 (!) bestselling books under his belt.
In describing his habit, Godin has mentioned that he writes whether he feels like it or not and publishes not necessarily because he’s got something brilliant to say, but because “it’s tomorrow.” It’s the daily habit, posting both good and bad, ensuring that somewhere in the mix, there will be a few gems.
I love this approach to writing. I’ve dubbed it the “Seth Godin Approach,” or SGA.
So next time you think, “I’m not a good enough writer,” or “I have no experience writing a book,” just remember ABL and SGA.
“Always Be Learning” means you don’t have to start out perfect or already an expert when it comes to your writing. And the “Seth Godin Approach” guarantees that eventually, you, too, will be producing those writing gems.
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A book coach provides guidance, mentoring, encouragement and accountability so you can meet those deadlines, stay motivated and feel supported through the process. You’ll also receive specific feedback (both in writing and in live calls) to help strengthen and enhance your writing so it flows more smoothly, expresses ideas clearly and sounds authentically like YOU.
If you’re ready to finally get your book done, let’s chat (I promise, I’m much nicer than Baldwin in Glengarry Glen Ross).
Learn more about book coaching here, and sign up if you’re ready to start writing!
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