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