101 Reasons to Stop Writing

I find 101 Reasons is in the unexpected position of being discussed.

I had anticipated the occasional writer would link here, in jest or derision. I had hoped the occasional writer would leave a comment or two, to lend the topic the illusion of debate. (And that ‘occasional writer’ knows who he is.)

I hadn’t expected anyone to post thoughtful responses to the issues raised here. By god, that caught me by surprise.

First, Mike Toot, who writes guidebooks to Hell, linked here and defended 101 Reasons against the prejudices of the humour-impaired.

Then, Jay Lake, a Writer of the Future (figuratively and literally), who has the most boring website I’ve seen since 1998, posted supporting argument and commentary, starting a wider discussion in the process.

I mention this because, apart from the ego-stroke (which I’m quite capable of self-administering), both writers raise valuable points, which I’m sure I will steal elaborate on here at some point.

Simon Haynes, creator of Flesh Gordon Hal SpaceJock, has also linked here, and become a frequent commentator.

Writers writing about stopping writing. The seeds have been planted.