You Have Better Things to Do

Stop reading this.

Really, if you want to get anything done, I don't know what you are doing here. Most likely, if you have come across this, you have been scouring the internet for some time.

You have better things to do, I am sure of it.

Unless you don't write—which if you don't write you have other very good reasons to read no further—you should get offline. Close your browser. Shut off your wifi. Turn away from the noise.

Do it.

I won't presume to know your browsing habits (nor will I share mine). In any case, they are detrimental to you are writing. I am fairly certain of this. Whatever these habits may be—if you watch cat videos and clap when they are through, or if you stare at your Facebook page, waiting for something to move—just stop.

Your project is waiting for you.

Count your pronouns. Scan your stanzas. Tighten your management of time. Write by hand if it suits you. Whatever you must do to advance your writing.

If the internet is central to your existence—which it very possibly is, it is likely that you are terrified when your access to it is limited or revoked—be aware that you browse. Study your own habits. Write about them, possibly. Your browsing is your fodder.

Go on. Get to it. Go ahead and write.

-Eric Blix, fiction editor