What You Can Learn From a Movie

Yes. I’m revisiting old blog posts from my stint at the Romance Magicians’ blog. Here’s another favorite from May 28, 2006. It still applies.

What you can learn from Batman Begins, and how it applies to writing.

1) If you want something bad enough, you’ll climb mountains for it. (If you wish to be published, don’t expect it to be easy. Plan to improve on your weaknesses and exploit your strengths.)

2) You have to hit rock bottom before you can look up. (Rejections of all different types can push you down, but they can help you appreciate the successes.)

3) Be prepared to change course. Be flexible. (Though you have THAT certain publishing house or special editor in mind, keep your eyes open for other opportunities.)

4) Have plenty of back up. (Keep writing. Build up your library, and at the same time, improve on your experience.)

5) It doesn’t matter what others think. It’s more important what you think of yourself. (This is the hardest lesson of all, but we need to believe in ourselves. Believe in yourself and your writing.)

6) When we fall, we must learn to pick ourselves up. (Again, rejection can knock you down, but keep writing. An editor cannot publish a book you haven’t written. No one can write your book for you.)

7) You can’t do it alone. (Surround yourself with supportive people. Join a RWA chapter and be active.)

8) Even regular looking guys look good in black leather. (No explanation needed. See picture above.)

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