Even if one reads formulae all day, without know and practising rudimentary math skills, one will never be able to comprehend the formulae to their full extent. Despite the fact that one reads fitness tips for hours, without moving one's body, one will never be able to run a half-marathon.
Why do people think it's any different when it comes to writing? Yes, you're an artist, but you still need to keep your tools—that is to say, your mind—in the shape it needs to be to produce the best work possible.
Actually, I suppose you don't need to, and you will still be able to churn out something satisfactory. But is satisfactory what you want?
It's similar to how an old man might sit down at the piano. He might say, "Oh, I'm a bit rusty." And, yet, he will play a song, seemingly flawlessly. Others might be impressed, but this man would know he could have done better. He would also know that by stopping to play the piano before, he stunted his progress, and it will take much work before he can improve upon what he once was.
I don't think you want to be in his position. I'm assuming you've already invested a lot of work in writing. You don't want to do that, do you? Take two steps back, and one forward? I should hope not. Maintaining skills is not nearly as difficult as re-building them, so don't dig your own grave. Instead, write.
YOU ARE READING
Helpful Procrastination
Non-FictionPerhaps writing this book is procrastination in itself. But, at least, in doing so, I can help you. In this book, I'll be giving writing advice. No 5-page entries, just my advice in its most concise, blunt form. Enjoy.
