NOTE FROM MARCIA: Today’s guest blogger is humor columnist, Ned Hickson. I’m so happy to have Ned join us today, sharing a new venture of his: a series of videos based on his new book, due to be released in August. I’ll let Ned tell you about this in his own words. But brace yourself. Ned’s one of the funniest writers out there. You could laugh hard enough to hurt something. I’m just sayin’…
Being a Writer Takes Mad Survivor Skills
By Ned Hickson
Writing is hard. Continuing to write is even harder. Understanding why Kanye West needs money is harder still. But let’s stick with the writing thing. Without the proper tools it’s hard to be a “writing survivor.” And make no mistake, committing yourself to putting words into the world on a regular basis — whether it be poetry, short stories, a novel or blog — takes an act of survival. Each Friday over the last two years, I’ve shared some of the things I’ve learned in a weekly post called “Ned’s Nickel’s Worth on Writing.”
This August, I’ll be releasing those two year’s of writing tips, insights and inspiration in a book called Pearls of Writing Wisdom from 16 Shucking Years as a Columnist. In the meantime, I’ve been commissioned to make a series of 12 videos taken from chapters in the book.
I must warn you that it is extremely graphic in nature, with flagrant nudity and foul language. Fortunately, that all takes place off-camera so that I can project an image of wholesomeness and wisdom. But since I’m only seen from the waist up, I’ll tell you I filmed the entire series without pants on. As I discovered, this technique led to a much faster shooting schedule for everyone involved. Particularly the sound person, who spent most of their time at floor level.
In fact, the only delay we had in production was when an overzealous clacker person got a little too close for comfort. Literally.
What follows is the first video in the series: “How to Be a Writing Survivor.”
All joking aside, I consider myself extremely fortunate to write for a living. Having an opportunity to help other writers by sharing what I’ve learned is not only a joy — but a real privilege. Being a writer takes equal parts determination, validation and inspiration. I’ve written this book, and made each video, with those three things constantly in mind.
So in a way, I had each of you in mind as well.
I hope you’ll feel the same.
Keep tapping those keyboards…
— Ned
See Video Here: How To Be A Writing Survivor
Follow Ned’s Blog Here: Ned’s Blog: Humor at the Speed of Life
So good to have you here today, Ned, and as always, you’ve made me spew Earl Grey all over my keyboard. Why don’t they make these things waterproof? Love your video, and plan to watch every one of them. And I can’t wait for the release of Pearls of Writing (or POW, as I’m already thinking of it.) I have a special place reserved for it on my writing shelf, right above my computer. You ROCK, Nedster! Keep on keepin’ on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for having me, Marcia! It’s always a treat to be here 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are always welcome here, Ned, and I hope you’ll stop by more often. Do remind us when new vids are coming out, too. I don’t want to miss any of those.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most definitely — on both counts, Marcia 😉 And thanks again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
An illuminating post. The video was both informative and entertaining.:-D
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ned’s a pretty sharp cookie, Let’s. I’ve learned a lot about writing and life in general from him. He’s one of the nicest people I’ve met online, and if I ever get to Oregon, I’m going to seek him and his lovely wife out, and give them both great, big GrannyHugs! 🙂
LikeLike
Chuckled my way through this post, Ned. Your book will definitely be entertaining. Let us know when your nude videos hit YouTube…ha-ha! 🙂
LikeLike
Always such a treat reading Ned. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person