1 Marry somebody you love and who thinks you being a writer’s a good idea.
True. Why join an institution if you don’t have love to work with?
And yes. Besides being a woman of color, being a writer is the only other identity I care to fight for. By choice, literature and books have a role in my life that is irreplaceable.
2 Don’t have children.
I second this, for me. Your life, your choice.
3 Don’t read your reviews.
Perhaps read it first and realize what a bad idea that is. Because we can’t help it. Neither could Mr. Ford himself. Human nature.
4 Don’t write reviews. (Your judgment’s always tainted.)
If you have energy to write reviews, you have energy to have children.
5 Don’t have arguments with your wife in the morning, or late at night.
Don’t have a wife. Will revisit later.
6 Don’t drink and write at the same time.
Agreed. One thing at a time.
7 Don’t write letters to the editor. (No one cares.)
I care. Write me letters.
8 Don’t wish ill on your colleagues.
Agreed. Team Literature wants only women and men of sound character.
9 Try to think of others’ good luck as encouragement to yourself.
Why not? If believing good luck is possible helps you to focus on your work, go for it.
10 Don’t take any shit if you can possibly help it.
Help yourself. Take no shit, none of it. It poisons your spirit and no beauty or love or wisdom will spring from a bitter spirit.
I love this…brilliant. Agree on most all points…I was married before I read this…my bad.
Haha Pegs! I love that you came visit me 🙂 A love infused marriage is well-worth the investment and hard work. It is lovely to know in fact that such marriage is possible. Sending you much love!